Popular Version of Inspiring Glyn Dŵr Story Published
A new concise and accessible study of the life and legacy of Owain Glyn Dŵr, whose revolt against England’s rule of Wales in the early 15th century ensured his status as a national hero, is published this week by Y Lolfa. R R Davies, author of Owain Glyn Dŵr: Prince of Wales, was Chichele Professor of Medieval History at All Souls College, Oxford and was regarded as the main authority on Glyn Dŵr’s uprising before his death in 2005. In his introduction to the original Welsh version of the book he said,
“If there is any subject from Welsh history which deserves to be retold, then it is the story of Owain and his revolt. I have the privilege of having been born and reared in Glyn Dŵr’s own land. In a way this volume is some small repayment for the inheritance I received in that special countryside.”
Owain was voted the most influential Welsh person of the millennium in a BBC Wales poll and revolutionaries from around the world including Fidel Castro have been influenced by his pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics. There have been petitions and internet campaigns for a Braveheart style film on Owain Glyn Dŵr, with names such as Ioan Gruffudd and Matthew Rhys being touted to play the leading role. Publishers Y Lolfa hope that this accessible book will raise the profile of Glyn Dŵr introducing one of the most inspiring stories of Welsh history to thousands of new readers. Lefi Gruffudd, chief editor and former student of R R Davies said,
“We will be sending a copy of the book to Hollywood directors as well as to Welsh film producers.”
Gerald Morgan, who translated the book from Welsh, paid tribute to the author,
“Translating this book was for me an act of pietas and tribute to the Welsh historian of my time whom I admired above all others for his extraordinary combination of a razor-sharp mind with great personal warmth.”
Owain Glyn Dŵr: Prince of Wales, Wales Book of the Month for January, is available in bookshops and www.ylolfa.com for £5.95. Reviews of the Welsh edition:
“Readable narrative that’s more like an adventure novel than a history book.”
LORD DAFYDD ELIS-THOMAS
“Combining scholarship with accessibility, this book gives an eminently readable and inspired account of one of Wales’s most popular heroes.”
ERYN WHITE, PLANET MAGAZINE
As far as I'm aware the internet campaign for a Braveheart style movie about Owain Glyndwr started on this site in this forum nearly two years ago Hollywood and Owain Glyndwr?. Looks like some progress is being made? Join the forum and have your say.
ReplyDeleteGiven the awful job that Hollywood did on William Wallace wouldn't it be better if we encouraged ( and funded ) an independent film maker in Wales to do a Glyndwr biopic? At least that way we might expect a nod in the direction of historical accuracy.
ReplyDeleteI like Kay agree an independent film would do him much more justice. Hollywood has a nasty habit of appeasing the masses instead of honoring someone true to form
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