'Owain Glyndwr: Prince of Wales' by R.R. Davies published by Y Lolfa

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

Wales – do-able in a lifetime, according to historian and author, John Davies

Bijou but beautiful - Wales may be small but that just makes it all the easier to get to know and love. All within easy reach; accessible and inspiring, enchanting and evocative. And if you need more encouragement to get out and about, the inimitable John Davies, one of Wales most admired historians, invites you to wander with him to his definitive list of Wales’ 100 most memorable, historic places in his latest book Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn marw (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die). Known for his talent for bringing history to life, for recounting tales of old, of stories past and present, Davies links up with renowned photographer Marian Delyth to encapture Wales in word and picture. Let your senses travel the four corners of the country, starting on Mynydd Parys on Anglesey and wandering across and down, and round and over, to Pennant Melangell and Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct, Strata Florida and Whitland and Abergavenny, to name but a few, before finishing your journey at Chepstow and the Second Severn Crossing. The list contains firm favorites, Harlech, Beaumaris, Portmeirion, Conwy, The Mumbles and Tenby. But it also gives deserved attention to Wales’s industrial heritage, with stop-offs at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dowlais, Neath, Rhondda Heritage Park, Blaenafon, Brynmawr and Tredegar. There are more remote locations, a visit to Old Beaupré Castle near Cowbridge, Llanddewi Nant Hodni in Gwent and Barclodiad y Gawres and Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey. But there are surprises too, no boat trip to magical Enlli or a beach walk to remote Ynys Llanddwyn and Snowdon mentioned only in passing. John Davies explains, “The places discussed are all evidence of the fruit of the labours of human beings. Places like Llanddwyn and Enlli could well be included in a volume concerned with the hundred places in Wales famed for their natural beauty; indeed such a volume would be a suitable companion to this one.” Do-able over the course of a lifetime by people who love exploring and who appreciate a sense of place, but for Marian Delyth it was a journey of epic proportions. For she, along with her trusty camera, was tasked with representing Davies’ wanderings in photo. It took her months to complete the project but the results are stunning. Her colour photographs capture the spirit of Wales – early morning light in the Tanat Valley and then the sun setting over the sea at Aberystwyth; snow on the slopes of Yr Eifl in March and heather on Foel Drygarn in September. Delyth comments, “This comission was quite a marathon. Photographing a hundred places takes a fair amount of commitment, patience and perseverance. That said, by the end of the journey, my co-author John Davies had led me, in his own inimitable way, to a few gems – places that I’d known very little about, let alone had visited. Places that I’m certain I’ll go back to as I didn’t have enough time to linger this time around. I learnt a lot too, especially about our post-industrial regions, where I often had to look hard for that perfect shot to showcase the remains of our heritage.” A limited edition hard back, numbered and signed by the authors, John Davies and Marian Delyth, retailing at £29.95, is now available to pre-order from publishers Y Lolfa. A paper back version, in coffee table style (220mm x 220mm), priced at £19.95 ISBN 9781847711687, is also being published. Lefi Gruffudd, general manager, for publishing house Y Lolfa added, “Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn mawr (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die) is a must have for the Christmas stocking list, perfect for anyone and everyone who loves Wales and getting out and about. A signed hard back copy is extra special. So, why not take up John Davies’ challenge and do Wales in your lifetime!”

Glyn Davies to Judge 2010 Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition

"A Sense of Place" - A Photographic Competition We are immensely proud and pleased to announce that for the second year running internationally renowned photographer Glyn Davies will be judging the Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. For more information about Glyn follow this LINK. For a selection of breathtaking images which Glyn recently uploaded to Americymru check out the slideshow below. Find more photos like this on Americymru In defining the theme for this years competition our judge , Glyn Davies made the following comments regarding content and submissions:- "What is it about our environment, whether landscape or people, that makes it so particular to us, the artists? We could all photograph a tree on a hillside, a wave crashing over a rock or even a pretty person in the street, but what identifies them with YOUR locality ? As the judge, based in Wales, I am interested in seeing photographs which give me a better idea about the characteristics and atmosphere of the artists homeland. This does NOT mean that images have to be ordinary, they can be moody, dramatic and immaculately composed but I want them to show me that we are all living in amazing and DIFFERENT places. I want the artists to celebrate what is special about their own location and culture. This way, not only do we get to see amazing images, but we can all learn more about each other in the process." . Please take the time to read the rules carefully before entering . Any queries shoud be directed to americymru@gmail.com. There is a first prize of $150 for both categories the Visual Image Competition. The categories are outlined below:- A Photographic Image - either from film or digital cameras which generally represents the subject without adding or subtracting elements. Please feel free to add text explaining why you thinks the image is important - "I do not believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, images can be too easily misinterpreted." - Glyn Davies. A Photographic Illustration - this is any image which has been substantially adjusted and manipulated by whatever means, digital or analogue, and which is generally non representational of a real person/place/event. The manipulation MUST be relevant to a theme or idea, manipulation for manipulation's sake will not be given serious consideration. The idea should be put in writing to accompany the image. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contestants the very best of luck in the Visual Image Competition. Winners will be announced at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in October 2010. Subscribe to the Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Visual Image Competition RSS HERE.

Announcement: Movie Premiere at Left Coast Eisteddfod Portland , Oregon

Hendy Productions

Dear Customer, So many of you who purchased the DVD “The Land of Your Fathers” asked to be kept informed of new films we produce.

We are proud to tell you that our latest film will be premiered at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland, Oregon this August.

We thought you might like to know more about it and have a chance to pre-purchase your copy!

It’s called:

Cymru: Dau Arwr a Thrysorau

Wales: Two Heroes and Treasures

Written and directed by Ifan Huw Dafydd

Choice of commentary language, Welsh or English.

The aim of the DVD is to unashamedly show off the beauty of Wales, whilst at the same time giving you an insight into some of our Treasures and Heroes.

MADOG, our first hero. A visit to Dolwyddelan – the birthplace of Prince Madog – the discoverer of The Americas over 200 years before Columbus even set foot on a ship! We see the site of his birth and upbringing and follow his journey to Llandrillo-yn-Rhos, from where he departed for unknown lands in 1170.

LLANDDWYN ISLAND, an astoundingly beautiful location on the south western tip of Anglesey and the home of the patron saint of Welsh lovers – Dwynwen. It overlooks the Menai Straits and the mountains of Snowdonia on the mainland. A place you’ll definitely want to put on the itinerary for your next visit to the Land of Your Fathers!

THE GOWER and the search for the RED LADY OF PAVILAND. There’s far more to the Red Lady than meets the eye - she’s definitely no lady! But she does give us a chance to show you the gorgeous GOWER peninsula, visiting Langland Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, Port Eynon, Goat’s Hole, Worm’s Head, Rosili, and Penclawdd.

THOMAS TELFORD’S FANTASTIC AQUEDUCT at FRONCYSYLLTE. Finished in 1805. An amazing feat of innovative engineering. In 2009 it was recognized as one of the wonders of the modern world when it joined the Great Wall of China as a World Heritage Site!. We also pay a quick visit to the home of the International Eisteddfod – Llangollen.

Our last hero is fittingly LLYWELYN THE LAST PRINCE OF WALES. We try to unravel the mystery that surrounds the last two days of his life. Was it treachery or chance? We visit Aberedw, the location of the enigmatic meeting that was to take place between him and Edward’s allies, the chase through the Powys countryside to the fateful dingle at Cilmeri, and finally the grave where his headless body lies in the emotion filled ruins of Abaty Cwm Hir.

Plus a bonus montage of photographs from around Wales set to Russell Sheppard playing the song that’s close to every Welshman’s heart and guaranteed to bring on a bout of inconsolable Hiraeth – MYFANWY.

We also hope that the DVD will be a valuable resource for Welsh learners the World over. Whilst impossible to make exact translations from any language to another, care has been taken to make both language commentaries as close as possible. Welsh learners will be able to hear the Welsh commentary spoken by a native Welsh speaker, whilst having an English translation on the other channel.

Here's what one customer thought of the new DVD:

“I thought it was brilliant...educational...enjoyable history lesson...you don't have to be Welsh to enjoy it. The music gave the right sort of atmosphere and the narrating was easy to understand and listen to...the video footage was breathtaking...I must travel around Wales more...didn't want to blink in case I missed anything. Every school in Wales should have one!” R.S. from Wales.

Click on this link

www.WalesDVDCymru.com

Pob hwyl,

Ifan Huw Dafydd

Glyn Davies to Judge Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition

Final Date For Submissions Less Than Three Weeks Away

With less than three weeks to go till the closing date for submissions for this years Left Coast Eisteddfod we are extremely pleased and proud to announce that internationally renowned photographer Glyn Davies will be judging the Visual Image Competition. For more information about Glyn follow this LINK. For a selection of breathtaking images which Glyn recently uploaded to Americymru check out the slideshow below.

Find more photos like this on Americymru

If you are planning to submit an entry there is still time. Indeed if you are an Americymru member and you have already uploaded photos to the site you can simply copy the image location in a new group discussion on the Groups page and you are all done. The rules and everything else you need to enter can be found on this page:- Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. Please take the time to read the rules carefully before entering . Any queries shoud be directed to americymru@gmail.com. There is a first prize of $100 for the Visual Image Competition. The same applies to our other online competitions all of which are open for submissions till July 31st.

• Left Coast Eisteddfod - PIRATES!


• Left Coast Eisteddfod Tom Jones Impersonators!


• Left Coast eisteddfod - Short story Competition
  Judged by Lloyd Jones.


• Left Coast Eisteddfod Poetry Competition Group
  Judged by Peter Thabit Jones and John Good.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our contestants the very best of luck in the various competitions. Winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod at 4 p.m.on Friday August 21st.

Congratulate the Devil, Howell Davies, (2008) Parthian Library of Wales

Congratulate the Devil, Howell Davies, (2008) Parthian Library of Wales

This Howell Davies science fiction novel was originally published in 1939 and has been re-published in paperback by Parthian Books under their Library of Wales imprint.

Congratulate the Devil is a revelation: engaging, unique, relevant and vibrant, seventy years after its initial publication. The narrative is subtle, darkly humorous and cheerfully bitter. Davies solidly built his characters: mannerism by action by reaction, as protagonist James Starling evolves steadily and subtly, from useless playboy to doomed and unwilling witness to tragedy and, ultimately, himself its victim. Starling visits a friend from his school days, Roper, to find that Roper, now a chemist, has made the startling discovery of a new drug which gives its user omniscient control over the actions and attitudes of others. Use of the drug also alters its user and provides Davies his platform to discuss which has greater effect and so is more destructive: malignant lust or good intention.

This new edition includes a marvelous, sparkling foreward by Howell Davies' grandson, Adrian Dannatt. Rather than another writer's hopefully very interesting impressions of the book, the author and the author's style or ability, Dannatt shares with us memories of his grandfather, intimate snapshots of Howell Davies as an individual that no acquaintence or contemporary could provide.

Congratulate the Devil is a classic, "Golden Age", sci-fi masterpiece of the 1930s, easily on par with any other work of its time and which never received the recognition it deserved. Unlike its American counterparts of the Joseph Campbell era, Davies novel is not pulp, it's a novel. There aren't any spaceships, aliens or gadgets and the science in the story is not the focus, its details and particulars are barely described. Fictional science is the catalyst that directs all the characters' narrative thereafter but the characters, their interaction, their fates and how they are effected by a product of science, are the story.

Parthian's Library of Wales series features works of Anglo-Welsh literature (works by Welsh authors in English) and their catalog can be found here.

"Nothing remains for me now but to congratulate the Devil on all his works." Howell Davies (1939)