I've just finished a fascinating book about one of Wales's national heroes Owain Glyn Dŵr. To be honest history has never been a strong point of mine, and my knowledge of Owain was very sketchy at best. Having read some good reviews about a new English translation of 'Trwy Ras Duw, Tywysog Cymru' (Through the grace of God, Prince of Wales), I got hold of a second hand copy through Amazon and was immeadiately drawn in to this excellent book by Rhys Davies, the aknowledged expert on Glyndŵr who sadly died a couple of years ago. He manages to really bring to life the story of Glyndŵr in this very readable book. How did this Welsh nobleman and London trained lawyer, someone who fought in several campaigns for the King of England, come to give up a comfortable family life on his estate near Oswestry in exchange for a life as a fugitive. The amazing thing is how close he came to achieving his vision of a united independant Wales (one that would have included the Wirral as well as much of Cheshire!), and how much support he generated at the time despite the hardships and misery his campaigns inevitably brought on the people of Wales. Anyway if you're interested in Welsh history, this is a 'rhaid darllen'!
This book will nestle comfortably alongside 'Freedom Fighters' which I bought from Siop y Morfa in Rhyl (of all places!)which is situated on Stryd Fawr, a mere hand grenade's lob from the train station. Superbly stocked establishment and the proprieter tolerates clumsy attempts at the 'cymraeg' from visiting idiots!
ReplyDeletePleasant chap. Short changed me naturally but I've put it behind me.....
Rhaid i mi drio mynd i Siop y Morfa, y tro nesaf dwi yn Y Rhyl!
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