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What supernatural YA books did you put on your reading list this week? Here’s a short and sweet post of novels with paranormal romance, horror, complicated relationships, and stories that show us in a million different ways how a bad situation that couldn’t possibly get worse manages to prove everyone wrong.

In supernatural YA books, you’ll come across the term “PNR” a lot. What does PNR mean in books? It stands for “Paranormal Romance.” It’s a subgenre of fantasy, often set in our ordinary world, that combines elements of supernatural and romance. In PNR, you’ll normally find supernatural characters such as werewolves (or other shifters), fae, vampires, and witches. 

Paranormal Romance differs from Fantasy Romance in that the latter is often set in a different world that works differently (as in laws-of-physics-differently) than our own. In contrast, PNR is typically set on good ol’ Planet Earth. As in many subgenres of fantasy, these can overlap and do blur sometimes. Okay, maybe more than sometimes. For example, you might find a romance novel with shifters set in another world. However, readers still consider it PNR due to the overall feel of the story. 

While not all of the books below fall into the paranormal romance category, I’ve grouped the ones that do. You’ll also find that Your Blood, My Bones, while it definitely fits PNR, is also considered a horror novel.

This post is about supernatural YA books. 

Supernatural YA Books 

Readers love supernatural YA books because they’re full of creatures, mystic powers, magic systems, and atmospheric settings. Not only that, but the authors seamlessly blend these exciting elements with the oh-so-exquisite agony of adolescence and the torment it brings, coupled with unlimited energy and the ability to run on two hours of sleep. But I digress! You’ll love this list and will have a hard time putting down any one of the books below.

Paranormal Romance 

First up, the paranormal romance YA books I promised you. Red Rose Academy: Year One by M. Guida follows Rose Allen, a half-vampire who escapes her abusive father by enrolling at a mysterious academy in New Orleans, where she uncovers hidden powers, becomes entangled in a love triangle, and fights to change a society where vampire women are oppressed. Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast is about Wren Nightingale, who unexpectedly finds that she has Moon-magick on her eighteenth birthday, is sent to a mysterious magical academy, and must navigate dangerous secrets, trials, and her feelings for her longtime friend Lee.

Court of Winter by Krista Street is about Ilara, a fae deemed “defective” for being wingless and magicless, who is abducted by the ruthless Crown Prince Norivun and must choose between allying with him or watching her kingdom fall into war. In Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew, Wyatt Westlock returns to her family’s farmhouse with the aim of destroying it. However, she instead finds Peter, her childhood friend. He’s bound to the land via a curse that forces him through endless ritualistic deaths. Together they must unravel dark magic, broken protections, and their own fraught bond in order to stop ancient horrors.

Red Rose Academy Year One: Paranormal Academy Romance by M Guida

From the blurb: Vampire society is dominated by men. Women are tools to be used to gain them power. Mates have always been chosen for us. But I’m going to change all of that.

Rose Allen’s life has always been steeped in darkness. Living under the thumb of her abusive father, she eagerly escapes to the prestigious Red Rose Academy, hidden in the heart of New Orleans.

The sanctuary she seeks, however, is not as secure as she’d hoped. At Red Rose, old grudges run deep, and the academy’s rules bind her as tightly as her father’s chains. As Rose delves deeper into her unique abilities, the line between friend and enemy blurs, and her world shifts in ways she never imagined possible.

Caught in a dangerous web of secrets and lies, Rose becomes entangled with two men who couldn’t be more different. Will Valentin and Rocco be her salvation or her downfall?

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usDraw Down the Moon (Moonstruck Book 1) by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

From the blurb: A mystical school. A mysterious death. A magickal romance… Wren Nightingale isn’t supposed to have any elemental powers. Born of magickal parents but not under one of the four fated astrological full moons, she is destined for life as a Mundane—right up until she starts glowing on her eighteenth birthday. In a heartbeat, Wren’s life is turned upside down, and she’s suddenly leaving her home for the mystical Academia de la Luna—a secret magickal school on a hidden island off the Seattle coast.

Lee Young has always known about his future at the academy. He has three goals: pass the trials, impress the Moon Council, and uphold his family’s reputation. But he wasn’t expecting to be attending alongside the girl he’s been secretly in love with for as long as he can remember.

As Wren and Lee are thrown into the academy’s grueling trials, they quickly learn there’s something different—and dangerous—about the school this year. Wren will have to navigate a web of secrets, prophecies… and murder. And Lee will have to decide what to protect: his family’s legacy, or the girl he loves.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usCourt of Winter (Fae of Snow & Ice Book 1) by Krista Street

From the blurb: When Ilara’s abducted by the hated crown prince, she’s faced with an impossible choice—enslavement to her nemesis or war for the kingdom. 

Being a defective marks me in the eyes of the Solis Fae. Wingless. Magicless. Weak. To my kind, I’m nothing—not when strength is needed to survive the perpetual snow and ice that shrouds our northern continent in endless winter.

But I’ve persevered, living a meaningful yet simple life with my sister. Until the hated Crown Prince of the Winter Court thunders into our village. Prince Norivun’s massive black wings and potent magic cloud my senses and steal my breath. He’s beautiful yet brutal, so when he whisks me away and locks me in his castle, I’m certain my death is tomorrow’s promise.

Yet my end doesn’t come, not when the prince looks at me with hunger in his gaze while revealing the true reason for my abduction. Now I’m faced with an impossible choice—either join forces with the hated prince who’s robbed me of everything I love or watch our kingdom start a devastating war.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usYour Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew

From the blurb: Wyatt Westlock has one plan for the farmhouse she’s just inherited—to burn it to the ground. But during her final walkthrough of her childhood home, she makes a shocking discovery in the basement—Peter, the boy she once considered her best friend, strung up in chains and left for dead.

Unbeknownst to Wyatt, Peter has suffered hundreds of ritualistic deaths on her family’s property. Semi-immortal, Peter never remains dead for long, but he can’t really live, either. Not while he’s bound to the farm, locked in a cycle of grisly deaths and painful rebirths. There’s only one way for him to break free. He needs to end the Westlock line. He needs to kill Wyatt.

With Wyatt’s parents gone, the spells protecting the property have begun to unravel, and dark, ancient forces gather in the nearby forest. The only way for Wyatt to repair the wards is to work with Peter—the one person who knows how to harness her volatile magic. But how can she trust a boy who’s sworn an oath to destroy her? When the past turns up to haunt them in the most unexpected way, they are forced to rely on one another to survive, or else tear each other apart.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usFantasy Books and Ghost Stories

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is one of the most popular paranormal young adult books right now. It’s about a teen, Bree Matthews, who enrolls at UNC-Chapel Hill after her mother’s death. She soon discovers a secret society descended from King Arthur’s knights, unlocks her own magical legacy, and confronts both supernatural threats and the hidden truths of her past.

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong is about 15-year-old Chloe Saunders, who begins seeing ghosts, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and sent to a group home for troubled teens. There, she finds out that she and her housemates have real supernatural powers and that the home hides dark secrets.

Legendborn (The Legendborn Cycle) by Tracy Deonn

From the blurb: After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.

A flying demon feeding on human energies. A secret society of so-called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down. And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.

The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usThe Summoning (Book 1 of the Darkest Powers Series) by Kelley Armstrong

From the blurb: All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any normal teenager—the chance to get through school, make friends, and maybe meet a boy. But when she starts seeing ghosts, she knows that life will never be normal again. Soon, ghosts are everywhere, demanding her attention.

When Chloe finally breaks down, she’s admitted to a group home for disturbed kids. At first, Lyle House seems okay, but as she gets to know the other patients—charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek; obnoxious Tori; and Rae, who has a ‘thing’ for fire—Chloe begins to realise that something strange and sinister binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual ‘problem kid’ behaviour. And they’re about to discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home, either…

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usSupernatural YA Books Set in a Boarding School 

And finally, I give you the supernatural YA books set in academies. Demigods Academy by Elisa S. Amore gives us the spicy protagonist, Melany Richmond, an orphan rebel. After she steals a Shadowbox meant for someone else on her eighteenth birthday, someone forces her into a secret academy for demigods. Now, Melany must hide her lie or risk divine punishment.

Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie is about six students at Blackwood Academy. Not just any boarding school, as this one’s in purgatory! The students must compete in deadly trials during the Decennial to escape their fate. They may remain trapped shepherding souls forever, or take their chances with the Other Side.

Demigods Academy (Demigods Academy Series Book 1) by Elisa S. Amore and Kiera Legend

Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson… On their eighteenth birthday, everyone receives a Shadowbox—a magical gift from the gods. Most find nothing but a simple birthday message inside. But for a chosen few, the Shadowbox holds something far more powerful.

No one knows what’s inside these special boxes. No one sees those who receive them ever again. Some say they’re recruited into the Gods’ Army. Others think it’s just a myth. I never expected to find out the truth.

My name is Melany Richmond, an orphan, a troublemaker, a blue-haired rebel who doesn’t believe in fate or gods. I never even got a Shadowbox—maybe because no one knows my real birthday, or maybe because the gods don’t care about someone like me. But Callie Demos? She’s the golden girl. Beautiful, privileged, and worshipped. She was meant to receive something extraordinary on her birthday. Until I stole it.

The moment I opened her Shadowbox, my world flipped upside down. Gods are real. Their academy is real. And now, thanks to one reckless mistake, I’m the one who’s been summoned to train among their chosen recruits. If they discover I don’t belong, I won’t just be expelled—I’ll be punished by the gods themselves.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usImmortal Consequences (The Souls of Blackwood Academy 1) by I.V. Marie

Six rivals. One victor. Eternity is only the beginning. Six students compete to change their fate at a darkly enchanted boarding school in purgatory where graduation is the only escape—and love can cross the boundaries between life and death.

Welcome to Blackwood Academy: the legendary school located on the fringes of the afterlife. Once a pupil enters the academy’s arched gates, there is no way out… except the Decennial, a cut-throat magical competition with only one victor.

This year, six of the Academy’s top students have been chosen to face the Decennial’s tests. Two academic archrivals, whose strange connection blurs the lines between obsession and hate. One girl driven solely by ambition, and another plagued by memories of the love she lost. And a charming playboy who never cared for anyone—until he met the academy’s newest student. But what none of them know? They aren’t the only ones playing Blackwood’s game. Who will win, and who will fall? Only one thing is for certain: in this game, some fates are worse than death.

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This post was about supernatural YA books. 

What are some good fantasy books for 13 year olds? Here’s a list of books set in Wales written for readers of that age. 

The post Supernatural YA Books Bringing the Love, the Scare, the Everything appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Where does the story of Welsh books begin? It starts when Welsh first began to take shape as a language in the 5th century. During this turbulent period, Brythonic-speaking Celts began transitioning to Primitive Welsh as they faced incursions by Picts, Scots, and Germanic tribes.

An intrinsic part of what makes Welsh books special and sets them apart from others is the Welsh language itself and its evolution. Welsh is a Celtic language that evolved from Brythonic. The Britons (ancient Welsh people), like all the ancient Celts, didn’t write anything down. At least, not for many centuries. They passed on their beliefs, traditions, family history, and other important information through oral storytelling. 

The earliest writings found in Wales, though not in Welsh itself, were inscribed in Latin and Ogham (an early Irish inscription system of lines and notches) between the 4th and 6th centuries. We find the very oldest written Welsh on the Cadfan Stone (also called the “Tywyn Stone”). It dates between the 7th and 9th centuries. The heroic poem Y Gododdin was composed as early as the 6th century (and later preserved in a 13th-century manuscript). The Gododdin were a Brythonic people of Hen Ogledd (the Old North, an area between what is now Scotland and England).

This post is about Welsh books. 

Welsh Books Past and Present

In the 8th and 9th centuries, Old Welsh appears in the marginal notes of Latin texts. In the 10th century, King Hywel Dda (“Hywel the Good”) wrote his famous Cyfraith Hywel (“Welsh Law”) law code in Old Welsh. This set of rules would govern medieval Cymru for centuries. 

The 12th and 13th centuries give us perhaps the most famous of all Welsh books: The Mabinogion. It’s one of the oldest collections of stories from Welsh mythology. While we don’t know (and probably never will) the creators of the original oral tales, various individuals compiled and assembled them into several books during this time. If you’ve ever read the tales, you can clearly see their pre-Christian origins in pagan Wales. 

Several hundred years later, we find the first Welsh book written and printed with a printing press in 1546. Yny Lhyvyr Hwnn, which means “In This Book.” Although the author wrote it anonymously, Bishop Richard Davies noted at the time, in 1567, that it was Syr Siôn Prys (also known as Sir John Prise) who authored it. The book was very short, consisting of only seventeen leaves. However, Syr Prys included on its few pages things of great importance at the time. They include the calendar in use, various Christian texts, and guides on how to read Welsh. The publication of Yny Lhyvyr Hwnn ushered in the use of the printing press in Wales—a historic event. It also marks the advent of literature written in the Welsh language, Cymraeg.

Some Famous Welsh Books in More Modern Times 

Sometimes what’s considered modern depends on your point of view, of course. And that’s okay! In addition to that, some of the most famous Welsh books are not prose at all, but poetry.

In Country Sleep by Dylan Thomas

One such example is In Country Sleep by Dylan Thomas. This moving collection of poetry explores themes of love, death, and the passage of time. The author immerses readers in a realm where one begins to doubt the line between dreams and reality. The poems tenderly capture the core of the human experience through their vivid images. His language is almost lyrical, much like the Welsh language itself.

Thomas’s verses give readers new perspectives, understanding, and a connection to the universal. Consider borrowing this one from your local library. Copies online are currently going for hundreds of pounds or dollars, depending on your location!

The Blue Bed by Glyn Jones

The Blue Bed is this famous Welsh writer’s first book. It’s a collection of nine short stories, of which the title story is a part. The other tales include I Was Born in the Ystrad Valley, The Kiss, Knowledge, Wil Thomas, Eben Issac, Cadi Hughes, Eden Tree, and Forth – Y – Rhyd. The Blue Bed is set in a small Welsh community. It follows the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the often bittersweet transformations that occur over time. Themes also include love, sorrow, and the enduring impact of memory, as the author shows us the intricate connections between the protagonists’ lives. We see the spirit of a small town united by shared experiences and the unspoken bonds that keep people together. Circumstances eventually make the characters face the ghosts of their pasts. Will they succumb, or will they ultimately find comfort and understanding in unexpected places?

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usWelsh History Books

Knowing history helps us to make sense of things. It’s the story of how we got here. In the best of cases, it ensures we won’t allow the atrocities of the past to repeat themselves. Welsh history books cover every era and evolution of the land we’ve come to know as Cymru. From ancient times to the present, Wales’ past is marked by significant cultural and political transformations. Each new chapter in the story of Wales has been colored by events both turbulent and unique, yet never dull for a moment. However, its enduring folklore and legends continue to inspire.

Tudor Wales by Nathen Amin

From the blurb: The Tudors are one of history’s most infamous families. The era over which they reigned still captures the public’s interest without rival. ‘Tudor England’ in itself has become a well-known phrase that covers many aspects of the era. This is particularly true in architecture, the arts, and lifestyle. What is often overlooked, however, is that the Tudors, whilst coming to encompass all that is considered great about England, were a Welsh dynasty with their roots firmly entrenched in the hills across Offa’s Dyke.

This guide will take you on a journey throughout the beautiful country of Wales. It exposes the reader to the hidden gems of the Tudor era, from Harlech Castle in the north to Pembroke Castle in the west, and from the holy Bishop’s Palace at Lamphey to the sacred Cathedral at St. David’s. From Dale, Carew and Penmynydd to Raglan, Conwy and Denbigh, every part of Wales has Tudor links, both to the royal Tudors and their more obscure Welsh ancestors. This guide will put you on the path to a true Tudor experience in the Land of their Fathers.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usThe Kings & Queens of Wales by Timothy Venning

From the blurb: The Welsh kings and queens who ruled prior to the Norman Conquest of Wales are shrouded in mystery. Most of what we know is from legend, names in annals, and from their opponents. This book sets out to identify what we know or can reasonably surmise about these rulers, to disentangle their history, and to assess their achievements. The Welsh ruled over large areas of Britain in the pre-and post-Roman eras, before they were pushed back into Wales itself by the Anglo-Saxons. Caratacus and Boudicca are names that stand out from early tribal states. Medieval Welsh legends refer to shadowy ‘High Kings’ who ruled after the Romans left—Vortigern, Ambrosius, and of course the enigmatic ‘Arthur’.

Venning explores these mysterious figures before discussing the kings and queens of each area of what we now know as Wales—the north, the centre and south-west, and the south-east—as well as the short-lived Welsh states in the rest of Britain.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us

For more reading on the rulers of Wales, I’ve done an entire post about Kari Maund’s excellent book, The Welsh Kings: Warriors, Warlords and Princes. The article not only gives a thorough description of the book, but also other interesting historical information about Cymru in the early Middle Ages.

Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd by Laurel A. Rockefeller

The word “ferch” in Gwenllian’s title means “daughter of.” From the blurb: Queen Elizabeth Tudor’s Heroic Welsh Foremother! Born in 1097 in Aberffraw Castle, Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd ap Cynan was always destined for great things. As daughter to one of Gwynedd’s greatest warriors, she grew up strong and passionate—more than a match for her older brothers. At sixteen, Gwenllian’s life changed forever when she fell in love with Prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, the beleaguered heir to Rhys ap Tewdur of Deheubarth.

Together, husband and wife fought for and ruled southern Wales. They challenged the Norman Conquest of Wales, proving once and for all the nobility and courage of the Welsh people, a courage that endures across the centuries and lives in the heart of every Welsh man, woman, and child. Includes an extensive timeline covering over 400 years of Welsh and English medieval history. Explore Gwenllian’s legacy after her death in “Empress Matilda of England.” Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd: The Warrior Princess of Deheubarth is Book 6 of the series The Legendary Women of World History.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh history books, cont.Non-Fiction Books I Never Knew That About Wales by Christopher Winn

From the blurb: The inspiration for the primetime ITV series on Great Britain, this is a spellbinding journey around Wales by bestselling author Christopher Winn. Packed full of legends, firsts, birthplaces, inventions, and adventures, I Never Knew That About Wales visits the thirteen traditional Welsh counties and unearths the hidden gems that they each hold. Discover where history and legends happened.

Learn where people, ideas, and inventions began; where dreams took flight; where famous figures were born and now rest. A glittering pantheon of writers, artists, thinkers, inventors, heroes, and villains have lived and toiled in this small country. Remarkable events, noble (and dastardly) deeds, and exciting adventures have all taken place with Wales as their backdrop. This book seeks out their heritage, their monuments, their memories, and their secrets. This irresistible compendium of interesting facts and good stories will give you a captivating insight into the people, ideas, and events that have shaped the individual identity of every place you visit. It will have you exclaiming again and again: ‘Well, I never knew that!’

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usThe Best of Wales 2025 by JourneySmart Guide

From the blurb: A Comprehensive Guide to Over 450 Attractions from Cardiff to the Llyn Peninsula with Road Trip Itineraries.

Alphabetically Organized Listings: Quickly locate any attraction in Wales, from Cardiff’s historic sites to the natural beauty of the Llyn Peninsula. Each entry is organized alphabetically and provides crucial details such as addresses, contact information, and hours of operation. Dynamic QR Code Mapping: Each listing features a QR code that links directly to Google Maps for seamless navigation. It includes links to the latest photos, official websites, and current admission prices. This integration guarantees you have the most current information available.

Comprehensive and Practical Insights: Tailored specifically for the needs of contemporary travelers, our guide offers practical tips, suggested itineraries, and recommendations for local tour operators, enhancing your journey across Wales. Whether planning a short visit or a lengthy exploration, this guide delivers invaluable local insights. Personalized Descriptions: Engage with the unique attributes of each location through detailed narratives that explore the historical and cultural significance of each site. These enriching stories deepen your connection to the places you visit, enhancing your overall travel experience.

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You can find more non-fiction books at the following post. Each one is quite different and gives the reader a rich and distinct aspect of Welsh culture to explore. Have a look at the 4 Best Books About Wales for All-Night Reading.

non-fiction books about wales, cont.Welsh Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Mythology

What is the difference between fairy tales, folklore, and mythology? That’s a great question! The three terms overlap, but each one describes a different type of story and tradition. You’ll find definitions in the relevant sections below.

Fairy Tales

Fairy tales are a subgenre of folktales. (Folktales, by the way, are not the same as folklore. They are closely related, though. Folktales are the traditional stories of a culture that are a part of its folklore.) Fairy tales are fictional stories that involve magic or magical creatures. The tales are usually set in a non-specific time and place—“once upon a time.” People usually tell fairy tales for entertainment or to teach lessons and morals.

One Moonlit Night by T. Llew Jones

From the blurb: A new version of Gillian Clarke’s adaptation of Lleuad yn Olau, a collection of twenty-six traditional Welsh tales specially written for children by T. Llew Jones. Outstanding full-page colour illustrations. First published in 1991. This collection of Welsh tales draws on a tradition older than books. Some of the stories are almost as old as the hills where crocks of gold are hidden. It’s the Wales of Arthur and Merlin, of poets and princes, wizards and witches, heroes and heroines, faithful hounds and evil tyrants. Here, brave boys overcome giants, and young women help to catch monsters. Lovers mostly live happily ever after, just as they do in our dreams. Sad, gruesome, beautiful, strange, and funny stories are all set in real landscapes, in places you can find on a map.

Contents: One Moonlit Night, Old Copenhagen, The Red Bandits of Mawddwy, Daughters of the Sea, The Tappers, The Harpist, The Shaggy Giant, The Girl from Llyn y Fan Fach, The Sword in the Stone, The Cow on the Roof, Athur’s Last Journey, The Country under the Sea, The Magician’s Treasure, The Bee, the Club and the Music-Box, King Arthur’s Cave, The Owl and the Eagle, Gwenllian and the Pedlar, Mist on the Mountain, The King’s Secret, The Magic Ring, The Story of Gelert, The Land of Strange Names, Culwch and Olwen, The Golden Arm, Branwen, Gwion and the Witch.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh fairy tales, cont.Folklore

Folklore is a broader category that encompasses the traditions, customs, sayings, beliefs, songs, and stories passed down through oral tradition (storytelling). Unlike mythology, not all folklore is sacred. It might be humorous or convey a superstition.

Some Welsh folklore books you’ll love diving into include Welsh Folklore and Folk Custom by T. Gwynn Jones, British Goblins: Welsh Folklore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Wirt (William Wirt) Sikes, and Illustrated Tales of Wales by Mark Rees. Another fascinating book that’s also won awards is Welsh Folklore by Elias Owen.

Welsh Giants, Ghosts, and Goblins by Claire Fayers

From the blurb: A wealth of Welsh myths, legends, and ghost stories are reimagined for contemporary younger readers. Meet Idris, the teenage giant king on a quest to collect stories. As he travels across Wales, readers encounter a vengeful house goblin, a ghost that steals life, dwarves that have moved in beneath someone’s garden, a tea party of lady ghosts, a furry trickster goblin, and many other fascinating and devious fairy folk.

These seventeen adventures, fairy tales, and ghost stories from across Wales are retold and reimagined by the author as the traditional stories are given new life through the contemporary storyteller’s lens. It’s a feisty, inclusive, and relatable cast in a mix of traditional and contemporary settings.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh folklore books, cont.Welsh Mythology

Mythology is considered a collection of sacred stories that deal with deities, supernatural beings, and the creation of the world. The collection of myths may be tied to religion or religious worship. Myths are usually closely related to beliefs or a sense of identity. Take the Mabinogion, for example, as it was viewed among ancient Welsh people.

The most famous Welsh mythology book of all time is the Mabinogion. You probably already know that it’s a collection of Welsh tales compiled during the Middle Ages. The compilation originates from earlier, pre-Christian era stories that people shared through oral tradition. Some other great books to check out include The Book of Taliesin: Poems of Warfare and Praise in an Enchanted Britain, translated by Gwyneth Lewis, and Myths and Legends of the Brecon Beacons by Horatio Clare. You’ll find more below at the links.

Tales of Merlin, Arthur, and the Magic Arts by Elis Gruffydd

From the blurb: The original Welsh stories of these beloved characters and their world for the first time in English. The stories in Tales of Merlin, Arthur, and the Magic Arts deal with well-known figures from medieval Britain who will be familiar to many readers—though not from the versions presented here. These freshly translated tales emerge from the remarkable and enormous sixteenth-century Chronicle of the Six Ages of the World by the Welshman Elis Gruffydd.

Tales of Merlin, Arthur, and the Magic Arts revives the original legends of these Welsh heroes alongside stories of the continued survival of the magical arts, from antiquity to the Renaissance, and the broader cultural world of the Welsh. These stories provide a vivid and faithful rendering of Merlin, Arthur, and the many original folktales left out of the widespread accounts of their exploits.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh mythology books, cont.Fiction Books

When it comes to fiction books set in Wales, this is a bigger genre. It encompasses contemporary Welsh books as well as historical, time travel, fantasy, and you name it! A few to consider include Submarine by Joe Dunthorne, Drift by Caryl Lewis, Resistance by Owen Sheers, The Whispering Mountain by Joan Aiken, and The Twelve by Liz Hyder.

Gold by Dan Rhodes

From the blurb: Like a Welsh Amélie set in a pub, Gold is a tender, understated tale of love, loss, and growing up. It is also vintage Dan Rhodes, one of the most critically beloved novelists working today. Miyuki Woodward, lover of beer and microwaveable food, has been taking a two-week vacation—away from her companion—to the same seaside town in Wales for the last eight years. She is made to feel at home at the salty seaside pub, where Short Mr. Hughes, Tall Mr. Hughes, and Mr. Puw are happy to add her to their trivia-contest team.

This year, following an impulsive artistic act involving gold spray paint, Miyuki will take part in the most turbulent events the village has seen since Tall Mr. Hughes returned from the pub toilet without remembering to button up. Gold is a bittersweet, idiosyncratic, funny affirmation of life and a touchingly satisfying story rich in pathos, insight, and asides from the best-selling author of Timoleon Vieta Come Home and Anthropology.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usfiction books about wales, cont.Romance

Some noteworthy romance novels set in Wales include Longing by Mary Balogh, The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston, A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman, A Fresh Start at Well Cottage by Sally E. Morgan, Simply Love by Mary Balogh, The Beauty Bride by Claire Delacroix, and Desire Lines (Welsh Blades series) by Elizabeth Kingston. Another one to check out is Glass Houses by Francesca Reece. While more in the literary romance category, it’s set in North Wales and explores such themes as love, Welsh nationalism, class conflicts, and desire.

The Sword and the Stone Heart by Estelle Tudor

From the blurb: Guinevere De Wynter, may be an earl’s granddaughter, but she feels caught between two worlds: the bright lights of London Society and the lush rolling hills of Wales. Wishing to embrace the best of both worlds and honour a promise to her mother, she searches for love, but it proves as elusive as the myths and legends of her homeland.

A chance encounter with Tristram Pierce-Lanceton, Duke of Camberleigh, gives her hope, but the stone-cold duke professes not to believe in love, instead believing protection and security are all that matters. Their burgeoning relationship is put to the test when Guinevere is horribly betrayed.

Back in Wales, Guinevere has no other choice but to accept Tristram’s protection, while battling against the knowledge that she is not being true to herself and her own heart’s desires. In a life-or-death situation, Guinevere must fight for what she believes in while trying to free Tristram from the stone prison he has encased his heart within, before time runs out for both of them.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usDesire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston

From the blurb: All he ever wanted was to go home. Leaving his life as a noble hostage behind him, Gryff has fled from one danger to another, never safe, always longing for a forbidden return to his conquered Welsh homeland. Held captive by villainous men, his unlikely savior is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen – and the most deadly. Her silence is unnerving, her generosity unexpected, and her pointed warning that she will not be an object of lust is perfectly clear.

Nan has no doubt the ragged Welshman she has saved from certain death was born to better things, far different from the servant’s life she’s led. Though the last thing she wants is a companion on her journey to find her cherished sister, she is compelled to help the man with haunted eyes and a mysterious past. But she feels the pull of his fascination every instant, and her own unexpected desire soon takes them places neither could have foreseen.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usromance books about wales, cont.Historical Fiction Books 

Some historical fiction books set in Wales to definitely check out include How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, Owen Glendower by John Cowper Powys, Porius: A Romance of the Dark Ages by John Cowper Powys, Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman, The Rape of the Fair Country by Alexander Cordell, and Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor. Of course, there are many more, and you can find a few gems below.

A Prince of Wales by Wayne Grant

From the blurb: With King Richard’s return from captivity and Prince John’s exile, a weary peace settles on England after years of civil war. But across the border in Wales, the vicious struggle to decide who shall rule Gwynedd still rages.

To tip the balance, the rebel Prince, Llywelyn, calls in an old debt from the Earl of Chester. The Prince saved the Earl’s life and helped him take back his city. Now, he wants Sir Roland Inness and the Invalid Company to help him take back his country.

The Saga of Roland Inness series begins with this tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who has extraordinary skill with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor, and treachery. Most of all, it is a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama that it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and William Marshall, legendary figures all—some real and some fictional.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usRhodri’s Furies: Ninth-century Welsh Resistance to Viking and Saxon Incursions by John Broughton

From the blurb: A fisherman’s son, Alun ap Drystan, worships his grandfather Iolyn, a renowned former warrior. The old man is worried about the future of his homeland, and to help, he sends father and son to visit a reclusive seer with Druidic blood.

Speaking in riddles, the seer tells Alun the find the Battle Prince: together, they will be the saviours of Gwynedd, and that he will be a great warrior, mingling with the greatest in the land.

After a chance meeting with the cattle breeder Iowerth and his son, Cadfael ap Iowerth, Alun realises that the youth’s name in Old Welsh means Battle Prince: his foretold comrade. The youths soon become inseparable friends and blood brothers. But can the seer’s prediction be correct?

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usfiction welsh history books, cont.Welsh Literature

Some of the most famous Welsh literature was written by authors you’re probably already familiar with. These include How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin, and Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. However, contemporary Welsh literature is just as relevant, as societies change like the seasons—nothing stays the same for long. Pigeon by Alys Conran is an example of a modern novel in which a young woman struggles with the complexities of her relationship with her Welsh identity. You can find more Welsh literature in the post 7 Best Welsh Novels Full of Hardship and Hiraeth and the link below.

Salt by Catrin Kean

From the blurb: Wales Book of the Year 2021 Winner. Cardiff in the late 1800s is grimy, crowded, and grey, and Ellen, a domestic, dreams of escaping her dreary life there for the sea. When she falls in love with Samuel, a ship’s cook from Barbados, she is able to fulfil her fantasy by running away with him on a ship bound for the bright excitement of San Francisco.

Life at sea is brutal and dangerous, but it is a place where they can be free… Until circumstances force Ellen home, and the hardships of working-class life and racism begin to poison their lives. Salt is based on the lives of Kean’s great-grandparents, who married in 1878. It is their love story.

“Salt is a novel of rare beauty. Kean combines the talents of a born storyteller with a poet’s eye in a thrilling and moving debut.” —Carol Ann Duffy

“Kean writes like a dream, and this is a story for the ages.” —Alys Conran

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usFresh Apples by Rachel Trezise

From the blurb: Sarah’s not abnormal or ugly, just a little bit fat, and she’s got cerebral palsy. “No way was it rape or even molestation… she’s fourteen, not a child. I’m not a paedophile.” Gemma’s mother had shagged Tom Jones. Nobody knew who her father was, least of all her mother. Spiderman doesn’t want to inflict his petty-thief persona on self-contained Caitlin, but he finds himself getting off at her stop. When chickens that belong to ‘Chelle’s grand-dad start to peck each other, sounding like death warming up, she wrings one of their necks and ends up doing worse.

Johnny Mental was sitting on his porch wearing sunglasses, drinking lager, his teeth orange and ugly. Someone was painting their front door a few yards away, with a portable radio playing soul music; Diana Ross or some shit. A big burgundy Vauxhall Cavalier came around the corner, real slow like an old man on a hill.
Eleven wry and defiant stories on the power and beautiful transience of youth.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh novels, cont.Welsh Writers 

Some Welsh writers you’ve probably heard of are Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl, R.S. Thomas, Kate Roberts, T.H. White, Jan Morris, Gillian Clarke, and Emyr Humphreys. Other famous authors from Wales include Alys Conran, Charlotte Williams, Trezza Azzopardi, Manon Steffan Ros, Fflur Dafydd, and Owen Sheers. They write in both English and Welsh, each of them sharing unique and diverse elements of the story that is Wales.

Broken Ghost by Niall Griffiths

From the blurb: A Welsh community is drawn together and blown apart by a strange vision in the mountains: the huge spectre of a woman floating over a ridge. The people who live here in these mountains already have their own demons—drink, drugs, domestic violence, psychoses—but each character has a different experience of this strange apparition, a different reaction, and for some it will change everything. Is it a collective hallucination? A meteorological phenomenon? Whatever it is, they all saw something, early one morning on the shores of a mountain lake, something that will awaken in them powers and passions and, perhaps, a possibility of healing these broken people in a broken country.

An examination of modern humanity’s desperate need to live meaningfully and vividly in a mediated world—where individual autonomy is lost and the collective heart is atomised and exploited— this is a novel that gives voices to the marginalised, the dispossessed, the forgotten. Disturbing and unforgettable, darkly funny and deeply moving, written in a charged language that is vernacular, lyrical, and hieratic all at once, Broken Ghost is—simultaneously—a howl of anguish and a summoning of gods.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usfamous welsh authors, cont.Audio Books

While there may not be quite as many Welsh audiobooks as other types, thankfully, you’ll still find them from reputable places like Audible. The link below will point you in the direction of the most fruitful areas to look. For anyone attempting to learn Welsh, I’ve also included a list of popular beginning audio novels.

The Snow Spider (The Magician Trilogy Book 1) by Jenny Nimmo

On Gwyn’s 9th birthday, his grandmother tells him he may be a magician, like his Welsh ancestors. She gives him five gifts to help him—a brooch, a piece of dried seaweed, a tin whistle, a scarf, and a broken toy horse. One blustery day, unsure what to do with his newfound magic, Gwyn throws the brooch to the wind and receives a silvery snow spider in return.

Will he be able to use this special spider to bring his missing sister, Bethan, home? THE SNOW SPIDER spins an icy, sparkly web of mystical intrigue that sets the stage for the next two books in this outstanding trilogy!

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon uswelsh audio books, cont.

This post was about Welsh books. 

The post Welsh Books That Transcend Time and the Printed Page appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

The earliest known surviving inscription of the Welsh language comes to us from the Cadfan Stone or “Carreg Cadfan.” While the exact date of its making is unknown, historians believe it dates between the 7th and 9th centuries. However, there are two important Welsh stones often called by this name, which we’ll explore. 

Why is the Cadfan Stone so important? As mentioned earlier, the stone bears the earliest known inscription of the Welsh language—Old Welsh, in this case. Even though we don’t know exactly when its maker inscribed it, experts have dated its creation between 600 and 800 AD. This period falls within the Dark Ages in the early Middle Ages. It was a turbulent time when the tribes were forming Welsh kingdoms, fighting invaders, and the Welsh people (the Britons) were getting inklings of an identity as a nation. 

This post is about the Cadfan Stone in Wales.

The Cadfan Stone

The stone above is the first of the two stones in North Wales called by this name. Historians believe the monument was a grave stone and commemorative marker for King Cadfan of Gwynedd, who died circa 625 AD. Cadfan was considered “the wisest and most renowned of all kings.” In the present, the stone honoring him is located in Llangadwaladr, Anglesey (Ynys Môn), inside St. Cadwaladr’s Church. 

The Cadfan Stone also bears a Latin inscription near the top of the stone beneath a simply inscribed cross. The message reads: CATAMANUS REX SAPIENTISIMUS OPINATISIMUS OMNIUM REGUM (King Catamanus, the wisest, most illustrious of all kings). “Catamanus” is the Romanized form of “Cadfan.” The Latin word “Rex” means “king,” as that was the most commonly used title of a ruler in this time period in Wales. Note that there is no Welsh on the stone at all, only Latin. So when people say that it bears the earliest known Welsh, they’re referring to a different monument: the Tywyn Stone. Both stones are often called by the same name. 

The Tywyn Stone: Famous Stone Bearing Old Welsh

The Tywyn Stone is usually what is meant by “Cadfan Stone” in the context of the earliest inscribed Welsh. It and the other stone are sometimes confused. For one thing, the Tywyn Stone is located not far from the other, and people often call it by the same name! It’s no wonder when you consider that the Tywyn Stone dates to roughly the same period and is also located inside a church—in this case, St. Cadfan’s. 

Unlike the other monument, which is positioned against a wall, this one is an ancient stone pillar standing inside St. Cadfan’s Church. Most importantly, the Tywyn Stone is the one that bears the earliest known example of written Old Welsh. The originally 2.3-meter-tall stone has worn over the centuries to 2.18 meters in height. It is slender in diameter (0.25m x 0.2m) and has four faces that bear inscriptions. The writings consist of two primary inscriptions and two footnotes. According to the information panel beneath the pillar in the church, the stone’s origins date back to the 8th century. Below the image, you can read what the Welsh writings say.

Carreg Cadfan in TywynOld Welsh Inscriptions

Faces A and B read: 
Trengrui gwraig annwyl gryfreithlon Adgan 
Erys poen (y golled)
(Trengrui, beloved legal wife of Adgan. 
Grief remains.)

Faces C and D read: 
Cin (neu Cun) gwraig Celen rhwng Budd a Marciau
(Cun, wife of Celen, between Budd and Marciau.)

The footnotes on the stone read: 
Yma mae tri
Yma pedwar
(Here lie three.
Here are four.)

This rare and valuable artifact from the days of Wales’ ancient kingdoms didn’t always get the respect and reverence it does now. Because people of the past didn’t know the stone’s significance, they forgot it for a time. At one point, farmers were using it as a gatepost to mark a pigsty. That, of course, changed when they realized what it was. Some conscientious persons salvaged the pillar from its muddy fate and brought it to the church in 1761. It wasn’t until 1914 that church members brought the Cadfan Stone inside the church to preserve and protect it permanently. 

If you’d like to see this fascinating piece of Welsh history, you might consider paying a visit to St. Cadfan’s church. You can find it at Ffordd Gwalia Rd, Tywyn LL36 9DH (in Gwynedd). Be prepared for a friendly, busy-with-people atmosphere in historic surroundings. Have a hot cup of coffee as you browse. Open from 9 or 10 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. daily, depending on the time of year, the church also often hosts local events you might enjoy. For more information, please see St. Cadfan Church’s website.

This post was about the Cadfan Stone in Wales.  

You may also enjoy The Brythonic Roots of the Welsh Celtic Language and What Language Did the Druids Speak?

The post The Cadfan Stone and Old Welsh appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

If you love reading about Welsh culture and its beginnings in the past, both distant and more recent, you’re going to enjoy this list of books about Wales’ history. Learn about everything from Celtic Britain to industrialization and political uprisings.

Before we dive into our list of books about Wales’ history, here are just a few interesting facts on the subject. For example, what is Wales known for historically? Wales is known for its Celtic heritage, especially as being the home of the original Britons. The Celts arrived from mainland Europe as early as 1,000 BC. By 600 BC, they established themselves on the island and absorbed the existing Beaker culture.

Before the Roman occupation, these Brythonic-speaking Celts built settlements across the island of Great Britain. In the land that would become Wales, five ancient Welsh tribes occupied the hills and valleys of Cymru: the Silures, Ordovices, Demetae, Gangani, and Deceangli. And after the period we call Roman Britain, the tribes of Wales governed themselves once more and evolved into the Welsh kingdoms. The counties in modern-day Wales are named after those kingdoms, such as the famous Gwynedd.

Another thing that Wales is known for historically is its astounding number of castles per square mile. Despite being only 8,192 square miles in size, Wales boasts over six hundred castles. The ruins of more than four hundred remain, more per area than anywhere else in the world. 

Who is Wales’ greatest historical figure? 

Owain Glyndŵr is without a doubt Wales’ greatest historical figure. In the early 15th century, he led a fifteen-year national rebellion against English rule. Although ultimately unsuccessful, he was a brilliant leader and captured the spirit and imagination of his people. He was also the last native of Cymru to hold the Prince of Wales title. Though he only held power for a short time, he managed to do some incredible things in the brief span of his rule. Owain Glyndŵr established a Welsh government and parliament. He forged an alliance with France, promoted and gained support for an independent Wales, and mobilized all classes of his countrymen in the rebellion of 1400-1415. To this day, Glyndŵr remains a symbol of rebellion, national pride, and the fighting spirit of Cymru.

Who was the last true King of Wales? 

Gruffudd ap Llewelyn was the last native Welshman to hold the title King of Wales. Taking the apt title “King of the Britons,” he reigned from 1055 to 1063. He was also the last ruler to unite the country as a whole. Before him, several rulers did unite large parts of Cymru, such as Rhodri Mawr (c. 820–878) and Hywel Dda (d. 950), but Gruffudd ap Llewelyn was the last ruler to do so who also held the title of King.

However, we should also make a distinction between the last King of Wales and the last native ruler of Wales. The last native ruler of Wales was Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last), who ruled from 1258 to 1282. He held the title Prince of Wales, granted by the English crown. When English forces assassinated him on December 11, 1282, it marked the end of Welsh independence. However, the story doesn’t end there. The following books about Wales’ history explore nearly every period from the days of the Celtic Britons to the modern age.

In This List of Books About Wales’ History

This list includes:

The Arthurian Place Names of Wales by Scott LloydCeltic Britain by John RhysLand of My Fathers: 2000 Years of Welsh History by Gwynfor EvansWelsh History: A Chronological Outline by Glyn E. GermanThe History of Wales by David Powell: Written Originally in British by Caradoc of LhancarvanHighlights From Welsh History: Opening Some Windows to Our Past by Emrys RobertsOxford History of Wales Series

This post gives recommendations for books about Wales’ history.

Comprehensive Books About Wales’ HistoryThe Arthurian Place Names of Wales by Scott Lloyd

From the blurb: This new book examines all of the available source materials, dating from the ninth century to the present, that have associated Arthur with sites in Wales. The material ranges from Medieval Latin chronicles, French romances, and Welsh poetry through to the earliest printed works, antiquarian notebooks, periodicals, academic publications, and finally books, written by both amateur and professional historians alike, in the modern period that have made various claims about the identity of Arthur and his kingdom. All of these sources are here placed in context, with the issues of dating and authorship discussed, and their impact and influence assessed. This book also contains a gazetteer of all the sites mentioned, including those yet to be identified, and traces their Arthurian associations back to their original source.

Books About Wales’ History: Celtic Britain by John Rhys

From the blurb: This book examines the history of Britain prior to the arrival of the Romans, with a focus on the Britons themselves. The author challenges the long-held belief that Britain was a land of barbarians before the Roman occupation, drawing from sources such as ancient coins and inscriptions to depict a multifaceted and evolving society. Drawing on linguistics and archaeology, among other sources, the book also delves into the ethnology of the Celtic Britons, demonstrating the complex and mixed nature of British society in the first centuries BCE. The book offers a fascinating account of pre-Roman Britain and the people who shaped its history.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Land of My Fathers: 2000 Years of Welsh History by Gwynfor Evans

This illustrated history of Cymru became a bestseller the moment it hit the shelves in Welsh. While it’s not a quick read at 500 pages, you won’t want to put it down when it grips you like a political thriller. The author, Gwynfor Evans, has been considered to be one of the most influential Welshmen of the twentieth century. Not only did he contribute to his country and the world by writing this incredible book, but he was also a Welsh nationalist leader.

Evans dedicated his life to helping Wales. In 1966, he became the first MP of Plaid Cymru, a political party whose goal is to make Wales an independent state within the European Union. His work in this arena saw him attend a massive number of meetings. He also spoke at engagements throughout Wales, traveling as many as thousands of miles in a month. 

When he wasn’t engaged in political activities, he wrote prolifically, especially on the subjects of his country and pacifism. Evans believed that violence was never acceptable, and he strived to instill this belief in others. The book Land of My Fathers was a way to share his love and knowledge of Welsh history through his unique perspective.  

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You can also read Land of My Fathers for free from Google Books!

Welsh History: A Chronological Outline by Glyn E. German

From the blurb: A chronological and brief outline of Welsh history from prehistoric times (11,000 BC) to the present day. The book is intended for non-specialists who want an easily accessible and understandable overview of Welsh history. Illustrated, including around 30 photographs.

Glyn German has drawn together the latest scholarship to present a highly informative chronological survey of Welsh history. Readers who turn to it as a handy work of reference will soon find themselves hooked by the fascinating story it has to tell. Covering all aspects of Welsh life, including the many contributions which the people of Wales have made in the wider world, it is an excellent introduction to a long and rich history. —Professor Dafydd Johnston, University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies

Both a guide to the castles built by native lords and princes and a history of the times… here is a lavishly illustrated handbook to their wind-humbled constructions and dissent-riven stories. —Jon Gower, Nation.Cymru

This handsome, elaborate volume is a comprehensive, fully illustrated guide to the history and evolution of the castle, mainly under Wales’ native rulers (c. 1066–1283). —J. Graham Jones, Gwales.com

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us The History of Wales by David Powell: Written Originally in British by Caradoc of Lhancarvan

From the blurb: This book scrutinizes a pivotal period in Britain’s past, offering a comprehensive history of the Britons from the time of their supposed Trojan founder, Brutus, until the Norman conquest in the eleventh century. The author argues that Geoffrey of Monmouth’s twelfth-century chronicle, previously considered unreliable, was based on genuine historical records and contains valuable insights into the development of British society, culture, and identity. They explore the complex relationship between the Britons and their Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman conquerors, highlighting the cultural exchanges and power struggles that shaped the course of British history. This highly readable and accessible account draws on a wide range of sources to provide a fresh perspective on a formative era, challenging traditional narratives and shedding new light on the origins of the British nation.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Highlights From Welsh History: Opening Some Windows to Our Past by Emrys Roberts

From the blurb: A book full of fascinating, little-known facts about Wales. Stories about the huge contribution of this small nation to the world are presented, such as the most advanced laws in the Middle Ages, Britain’s only effective royal dynasty, and its most effective prime minister. If you would like to know more about the huge contribution this small nation of Wales has made to the world, then this is the book for you.

For example, did you know that Wales: boasted the most advanced laws in the Middle Ages; produced Britain s only effective royal dynasty and its most effective prime minister; produced a man probably more responsible than Charles Darwin for developing the theory of evolution; and a woman at least as responsible as Florence Nightingale for developing the nursing profession. Wales was a world leader during the early Industrial Revolution; the world’s first industrial town was located in Wales, and the world’s first steam train ran here too. Many more facts about Wales are to be found within the covers of this book.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Oxford History of Wales Series

Last but not least in our list of books about Wales’ history is the Oxford History of Wales. This uncompleted six-volume series has five volumes currently published. It starts with the tribes in post-Roman Wales in the early medieval period and ends in the modern age in the year 1980.

Wales and the Britons, 350–1064 by T. M. Charles‑Edwards

The Oxford of Wales series starts with the early medieval period. We begin with the decline of Roman Britain and continue through the age of the native Welsh kingdoms. In this first volume, you’ll learn how the Britons got on in post-Roman Wales as they established new social, political, and religious frameworks that took them into the 11th century. 

Conquest, Coexistence and Change: Wales 1063–1416 (also published as The Age of Conquest) by R. R. Davies

Book 2 analyzes the invasions of the Anglo-Norman and English occurring from 1063 onward. The book details the campaigns of Edward I in 1282–83 and how English rule transposed itself over native Welsh culture and government. It also covers Owain Glyndŵr’s legendary uprising in 1400–1415.

Recovery, Reorientation and Reformation: Wales c. 1416–1642 (also titled Renewal and Reformation) by Glanmor Williams

Book 3 covers the turbulent aftermath of Glyndŵr’s rebellion. It follows the timeline through the Tudor Act of Union, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. In this volume, you’ll see how Welsh society recovered from these periods of tumultuous change. They again had to adapt to numerous changes in religion, politics, and overall culture. This book takes us from roughly 1415 to right before the Civil Wars. 

The Foundations of Modern Wales: Wales 1642–1780 by Geraint H. Jenkins

The fourth book in the series focuses on the Civil War, Restoration, Enlightenment, and early societal shifts as Wales began to industrialize. We see the development of a more centralized society and the beginnings of nonconformist religion as Wales emerged into the modern age. 

Rebirth of a Nation: Wales 1880–1980 by Kenneth O. Morgan

Book 5 shows Wales during a century of rapid social and national change. It follows the industrialization of the country, new political movements, two World Wars, a renewed interest in Welsh culture, and the evolution of the modern identity of the Cymry. The book also explores various aspects of government and national sentiment. 

It doesn’t appear that there are Kindle versions of the books available at this time. However, buying used paperbacks might be a good alternative. Also, the series remains unfinished as there is one more volume still planned to be published. Still, there’s a monumental amount of knowledge here from leading experts in each period of history!

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This post gives recommendations for books about Wales’ history.

You may also enjoy the following posts:

Fiction Welsh History Books of Legend and New Imaginings

9 Welsh History Books That Rediscover the Land of the Dragon

Non-Fiction Books About Wales: People and Perspectives

4 Best Books About Wales for All-Night Reading

The post Land of My Fathers and More Books About Wales’ History appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Here’s a list of non-fiction books about Wales that are guaranteed to deliver absorbing narratives about fascinating people, places, and perspectives. Below, you’ll find short summaries of each book, followed by the complete list with full blurbs.

The following summaries of these non-fiction books about Wales will give you an idea of what each book covers, so you can scroll to whichever one most piques your interest without having to read the complete list.

People

In Sugar and Slate by Charlotte Williams, we follow the author as she traces her Welsh and African ancestry back to one of the first interracial marriages in Britain, which occurred in 1768. Williams also explores the topics of identity, the search for a sense of belonging, and the impact of colonialism on Wales. 

Women’s Suffrage in Wales by Lisa Tippings is not only about Welsh women fighting for the right to vote, but also goes into the overlooked contributions of working-class women and the wives of coal miners. The book focuses on activists such as Gertrude Jenner, Amy Dillwyn, and Elizabeth Andrews and the sacrifices they made to ensure future generations would have greater political freedom.

After Coal: Stories of Survival in Appalachia and Wales by Tom Hansell examines the experiences of coal-dependent communities in central Appalachia and south Wales and how they each faced economic collapse as coal production declined. Hansell researches how residents were able to stay in their hometowns, collaborate across the Atlantic, and launch grassroots efforts to build more sustainable local economies.

Places

The word “tir” means “land” in Welsh. In Tir: The Story of the Welsh Landscape by Carwyn Graves, we learn about seven distinct Welsh terrains, such as mountain pastures (ffridd) and wild moorlands (rhos). This unique book is a blend of history, ecology, and Welsh culture that spans back to the Ice Age. It also explores contemporary climate concerns.

A Wilder Wales: Traveller’s Tales 1610–1831 by David Lloyd Owen is a curated collection of 35 travel writings that reveal how early visitors from diverse backgrounds experienced the wild and remote landscapes of Wales. The book also follows the transformation of Wales from a rural place of peace and tranquility into a center of activity during the Industrial Revolution.

Perspectives

Looking Out: Welsh Painting, Social Class and International Context by Peter Lord is a collection of six essays that span 150 years of Welsh art. They look at how social class and Welsh identity have influenced artists and their work. Lord makes the argument that the contributions of these painters go far beyond regional and deserve recognition on a broader scale.

Wales: England’s Colony? by Martin Johnes is, as its title suggests, a historical analysis of how Wales was England’s first colony. It explains how England conquered and annexed Wales, both legally and economically. Johnes also explores Welsh nationalism and the decline of Cymraeg (Welsh) and the traditional industries of the country. 

For Britain, See Wales: A Possible Future? by Joe England examines Wales’ position as the poorest nation in the United Kingdom. Topics in the book include the potential for a constitutional crisis within a divided UK, Wales’ arrival at economic and constitutional crossroads, and the choices that citizens must make for the future.

This post is about non-fiction books about Wales.

Absorbing Non-Fiction Books About Wales Sugar and Slate by Charlotte Williams

From the blurb: A mixed-race young woman, the daughter of a white Welsh-speaking mother and black father from Guyana, grows up in a small town on the coast of north Wales. From there, she travels to Africa, the Caribbean, and finally back to Wales. Sugar and Slate is a story of movement and dislocation in which there is a constant pull of to-ing and fro-ing, going away and coming back, with always a sense of being ‘half home’. This is both a personal memoir and a story that speaks to the wider experience of mixed-race Britons. It is a story of Welshness and a story of Wales, and above all, a story for those of us who look over our shoulder across the sea to some other place.

It would have been so much easier if I had been able to say, ‘I come from Africa,’ then maybe added under my breath, ‘the long way round.’ Instead, the Africa thing hung about me like a Welsh Not, a heavy encumbrance on my soul; a Not-identity; an awkward reminder of what I was or what I wasn’t.

Once, at a seminar, one of those occasions when the word Diaspora crops up too many times and where there aren’t too many of us present, the only other Diaspora person sought me out. His eyes caught mine in recognition of something I can’t say I could name, yet I must have responded because later, as we chatted over fizzy water and conference packs, he offered quite uninvited and with all the authority of an African: ‘People like you? You gotta get digging and if you dig deep enough you’re gonna find Africa.’

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Wales: England’s Colony? by Martin Johnes

From the blurb: From the very beginnings of Wales, its people have defined themselves against their large neighbour. Wales: England’s Colony? shows that relationship has not only defined what it has meant to be Welsh, but it has also been central to making and defining Wales as a nation. Yet the relationship between the two nations has not always been a happy one, and never one between equals. Wales was England’s first colony, and its conquest was by military force. It was later formally annexed, ending its separate legal status. Yet most of the Welsh reconciled themselves to their position and embraced the economic and individual opportunities being part of Britain and its Empire offered. Only in the later half of the twentieth century, in response to the decline of the Welsh language and traditional industry, did Welsh nationalism grow.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Non-Fiction Books About Wales: Looking Out by Peter Lord

From the blurb: The six sequential essays in this collection provide a narrative of a century and a half of Welsh painting, written with an emphasis on issues of social class and national identity. Through his earlier writing, Peter Lord has contributed to the establishment of a historical tradition of Welsh painting, but because it does not feature in the wider story of Western art history as presently told, the work revealed continues to be perceived as marginal, existing in isolation from ideas and movements in other countries.

These essays break new ground by discussing the concerns of Welsh painters not only in domestic terms but also in the context of the ways in which artists in other parts of Europe and in the United States reacted to the common underlying causes of those concerns. The author challenges the idea that the work of Welsh painters is relevant only to the evolution of their own communities and, through confident and detailed analysis, validates their pictures also in terms of the arts of other Western cultures.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us After Coal: Stories of Survival in Appalachia and Wales by Tom Hansell

From the blurb: What happens when fossil fuels run out? How do communities and cultures survive? Central Appalachia and South Wales were built to extract coal, and faced with coal’s decline, both regions have experienced economic depression, labor unrest, and out-migration. After Coal focuses on coalfield residents who chose not to leave, but instead remained in their communities and worked to build a diverse and sustainable economy. It tells the story of four decades of exchange between two mining communities on opposite sides of the Atlantic, and profiles individuals and organizations that are undertaking the critical work of regeneration.

The stories in this book are told through interviews and photographs collected during the making of After Coal, a documentary film produced by the Center for Appalachian Studies at Appalachian State University and directed by Tom Hansell. Considering resonances between Appalachia and Wales in the realms of labor, environment, and movements for social justice, the book approaches the transition from coal as an opportunity for marginalized people around the world to work toward safer and more egalitarian futures.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Tir: The Story of the Welsh Landscape by Carwyn Graves

In the next installment of our non-fiction books about Wales, we encounter the Welsh landscape in a different light, one that extends beyond its wild beauty. From the blurb: In Tir—the Welsh word for ‘land’—writer and ecologist Carwyn Graves takes us on a tour of seven key elements of the Welsh landscape, such as the ffridd, or mountain pasture, and the rhos, or wild moorland. By diving deep into the history and ecology of each of these landscapes, we discover that Wales, in all its beautiful variety, is at base just as much a human cultural creation as a natural phenomenon: its raw materials evolved alongside the humans that have lived here since the ice receded.

In our modern era of climate concerns and polarised debates on land use, diet, and more, it matters that we understand the world we are in and the roads we travelled to get here. By exploring each of these key landscapes and meeting the people who live, work, and farm in them, Tir offers hope for a better future; one with stunningly beautiful, richly biodiverse landscapes that are ten times richer in wildlife than they currently are, and still full of humans working the land.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Non-Fiction Books About Wales: Women’s Suffrage in Wales by Lisa Tippings

From the blurb: Women’s Suffrage in Wales allows its readers to take a glimpse at the lives of the many ordinary Welsh women who contributed in some way to the suffrage movement. Although suffragettes from across the rest of Britain, such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Wilding Davis, have become household names, little is ever mentioned about the women living in Wales who fought for equal opportunities and the right to vote. Women’s Suffrage in Wales seeks to readdress this balance. Within her book, Lisa Tippings has chosen to focus on the lives of the mainly working-class women who realised the movement gave them an opportunity to embrace change. 

Despite living in difficult conditions, the wives of colliery workers and everyday labourers overcame lives of poverty and squalor to help fight for better lives for those women so often neglected and marginalized. The book also highlights the key role played by important female figures from Wales’ past, names in jeopardy of falling into obscurity. Close attention is paid to Gertrude Jenner, Amy Dillwyn, and Elizabeth Andrews, amongst others, who, in spite of their own difficult circumstances, dedicated themselves to making the lives of those around them more fulfilling. At the same time, they ensured that future generations of Welsh women would enjoy a never-before-experienced sense of freedom and liberty.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us For Britain, See Wales: A Possible Future? by Joe England

From the blurb: Devolved governments have given Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland confidence and control over policy areas for over two decades. But their powers came into focus during Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to questions about the economy and control of funds across the UK.

Now, Joe England explores the possible constitutional meltdown of a divided UK and its consequences, reflecting on Wales’s position as the poorest nation of all. As a constitutional crisis looms, this book contemplates a reimagined Wales and what that would mean for its people. This is the story of how Wales reached an economic and constitutional crossroads and the choices that must now be made.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us A Wilder Wales by David Lloyd Owen

And now we come to the last book on our list of non-fiction books about Wales. From the blurb: David Lloyd Owen introduces us to the breadth of travellers’ tales from a mysterious and absorbing country in this fascinating compendium. A Wilder Wales highlights the astonishing transformation of Wales from a poor rural backwater to the crucible of the Industrial Revolution and offers readers an insight into the ways in which outsiders viewed the land and its people. A fine gift book for discerning travellers and tourists wanting to take words from Wales home.

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This post was about non-fiction books about Wales.

You may also enjoy 9 Welsh History Books That Rediscover the Land of the Dragon and 4 Best Books About Wales for All-Night Reading.

The post Non-Fiction Books About Wales: People and Perspectives appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

The first battle of Celtic warriors vs Romans took place on 18 July, 390 BC. The two armies fought only twelve miles from Rome along the Allia River. On this day, 12,000 Celts unleashed their fury upon 24,000 soldiers of Rome’s organized military force and emerged victorious.

Long before the Romans came to Britain, a fierce chieftain named Brennus led his tribe, the Senones, in a battle of Celtic warriors vs Romans for the first time. The year was 390 BC, according to the Roman calendar (387 BC by modern reckoning). The Senones, whose tribal name means “The Ancient Ones” in Gaulish, prepared themselves to charge Roman lines.

Brennus amassed his painted warriors along the Allia River in what is now Lazio, Italy. Seemingly fearless of the fight to come, they pounded their swords upon body-length wooden shields. They roared at the enemy. Chainmail protected many, while others went without. 

Across from them, the assembled Roman army readied itself. Clad in leather or metal armor and bronze helmets, their tightly packed, rectangular phalanx formation contrasted with the gathering of wild and unruly Celts. While the Romans had twice the numbers, the Celts were physically larger and savage fighters. The “barbarians” blew their warhorns. Today’s battle would mark the beginning of a centuries-long grudge and many battles to come.

This post is about Celtic warriors vs Romans.

Celtic Warriors vs Romans

That day near the Allia River, the Gallic tribespeople attacked with javelins and double-edged iron swords. Slicing down their enemy and forcing the survivors to retreat, the Celts soon devastated the Roman forces. Within days, the Celts sacked the city of Rome itself. They occupied it for seven months before finally being paid a ransom to leave. This event is known as the first sacking of Rome. 

While a good deal of myth and conjecture surrounds this legendary first sacking, certain aspects of the story have endured. Brennus wouldn’t agree to withdraw his siege upon Rome unless they paid him one thousand pounds in gold (in actual weight). The story goes that one of the Roman tribunes objected that the Celts had tampered with the scales. In response, Brennus tossed his sword and belt upon the counterweights and shouted, “Vae victis!” It meant “Woe to the vanquished.” According to Titus Livy, the historian who authored History of Rome, the phrase was “intolerable to Roman ears.” Brennus’ words added insult to injury in the wake of Rome’s destruction. From this day forward, the Romans harbored a bitter resentment toward the Celts. 

Celtic Warriors vs Romans Timeline 

When the Celts sacked Rome, it marked the beginning of a conflict between the two societies that lasted for five centuries. The future would also see them establish a complex relationship involving alliances and trade. Here’s a list of some of the significant battles of Celtic warriors vs Romans. 

387 BC: Romans and Celts Begin to Battle in Europe

387 BC (390 BC on the Roman calendar): The Celts sack Rome after winning the battle at the Allia River.

295 BC: The Battle of Sentinum. The Romans defeated the Samnites (who were possibly proto-Celts) in the largest Italian battle since Rome’s founding.  

284 BC: The Battle of Arretium in Tuscany. Gallic tribes, the Insubres and Boii, defeated the Romans. 

225 BC: The Battle of Telamon in Etruria. The Romans defeated an alliance of invading Celts who were retreating north with plunder from their southern advance.

55 BC: Romans Invade Britain for the First Time

55 BC: Romans invade Britain for the first time under Julius Caesar. They defeated several tribes in the area that is now Kent, England. However, a severe storm forces the Romans to leave the island. 

54 BC: Julius Caesar invades Britain once more, this time with far more ships, troops, and provisions. The Romans defeated the Catuvellauni tribe. However, uprisings in Gaul forced them to depart Britain again.

52 BC: The Siege of Gergovia. Julius Caesar besieged Gergovia in Celtic Gaul. Vercingetorix, the Gallic chieftain of the Arverni tribe, and his allies defeated the Romans. Vercingetorix’s name means “Victor of One Hundred Battles.”

52 BC: The Battle of Alesia, which occurred in what is now Côte-d’Or, France. The Romans defeated King Vercingetorix and his massive forces. 

43 AD: Romans Invade Britain for the Second Time

43 AD: The Romans invaded Britain under Emperor Claudius, this time to establish a permanent presence. Equipped with massive forces, including war elephants, Claudius quickly brought eleven tribes to surrender in southern Britain. Victorious, Claudius returns to Rome. However, Roman troops remain behind, and the Roman occupation of Britain begins. 

48 AD: After five years of fighting belligerent Celts and uncooperative terrain and weather, the Romans invaded what is now Wales. (The period we refer to as Roman Wales continues from 48 AD – 410 AD.)

50 AD: The Battle of Caer Caradoc on the Welsh border. The Romans defeated Caradog (also called Caractacus), leader of the ancient Welsh tribes known as the Silures and the Ordovices, after years of resistance. 

60 AD: Romans attack Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey) but must withdraw due to Boudicca’s revolt.

61 AD: Battle of Watling Street. Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe leads an alliance of Celts against the Romans. The Romans eventually defeated her warriors despite being heavily outnumbered. 

77 AD: The Ordovices tribes wipe out an entire regiment of Roman cavalry stationed along their territory. We don’t know exactly where this battle took place. However, we do know that the Ordovices occupied areas of Clwyd, Gwynedd, parts of Worcester, Hereford, and western Shropshire.

78 AD: Governor Julius Agricola eliminates nearly the entire Ordovices tribe. As in the previous event, we don’t know precisely where the battle occurred. It may have taken place in areas that encompassed Bryn-y-Gefeiliau and Pen-y-Gwrhyd, now part of Eryri (Snowdonia). Dinas Dinorwig is another possibility, as the name means “Fort of the Ordovices.”

78 AD: Governor Agricola invades Ynys Môn and, along with his Roman troops, brings Germanic soldiers with specialized seafaring skills. Roman forces eradicate the Druids and their religious center on the island. 

Did the Celts ever beat the Romans? 

Yes, they beat them in the very first major battle when they were outnumbered two to one and less than a dozen miles from Rome itself near the Allia River. They then sacked Rome in 387 BC. The Celts also beat the Romans in various battles, including the Battle of Arretium in 284 BC and the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC. The Ordovices tribe in Wales also wiped out a Roman regiment in 77 AD. Ultimately, however, the Romans conquered the Celts in Europe and Britain. By 90 AD, they had subdued virtually all Celtic tribes in what is now England and Wales.

This post was about Celtic warriors vs Romans.

The post Celtic Warriors vs Romans in a Centuries-Long Grudge appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Some Welsh wedding customs, like Ystafell (meaning “chamber” or “room”), originate exclusively from Cymru (Wales). In this tradition, the bride-to-be presents all her dowry and household goods to show that she’s well-prepared for marriage. Other customs, like handfasting, were adopted from elsewhere, such as Ireland or Europe.

Although times change, as they say, many of the Welsh wedding customs from rural Wales began in the Middle Ages and continued into the 19th century. And that’s not surprising when you consider the powerful connection to the land, traditions, and community that Cymru is known for. The wild places of the country are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, mysterious (and sometimes downright terrifying!) folklore, and larger-than-life legends such as that of King Arthur. In addition to all of that, these areas also boast their own unique Welsh wedding traditions dating back to medieval times.

Some of these marriage customs include Ystafell Priodas (“Marriage Room”), Bridenapping, myrtle in the bridal bouquet, birdsong on the morning of the wedding, Priodas â Galwad (a special wedding invitation practice), handfasting, jumping the broom, Priodas Fach (“Little Wedding”), and Pwrs a Gwregys (“Purse and Girdle,” a gift-giving practice). Some date to the Iron Age, while others became popular much later. Although, for the most part, these practices have declined over the years, people still practice certain customs in the modern day or participate in reenactments. As Celtic weddings become increasingly popular, we may see even more elements of traditional Welsh weddings in the future.

This post is about Welsh wedding customs.

Welsh Wedding CustomsYstafell or Ystafell Priodas (Marriage Room)

A Welsh wedding custom that can make the claim that it is exclusively Welsh is Ystafell. The word translates to “chamber” or “room.” To give you more context, the custom was sometimes called “Ystafell Priodas,” which means “Marriage Room.” Ystafell typically took place the day before the wedding. Some places had specific days for this tradition, such as the Friday before.

For Ystafell, the bride collected and displayed, often with the help of family and friends, all her household goods, furnishings, and personal belongings. She was showcasing her dowry so that her husband-to-be could see she was entering the marriage well-prepared. The groom also had to provide certain things: the bed frame, a dresser, a table and chairs, a pot, and other things depending on how people performed the custom in a particular region of Cymru. Family and friends might also gather with the couple and serve food and drink to celebrate.

Bridenapping (or Bride Stealing)

As a tradition in Welsh wedding customs, bridenapping showed the bride’s passage from her family to her husband’s. It was also a way for the husband-to-be to show his male worthiness and claim his wife. Bridenapping combines the words “bride” and “kidnapping.” While this might sound shocking to us in the modern age, bridenapping was a folk tradition carried out as a playful act and was not a literal abduction. The bride’s family would “kidnap” her, and it was up to the groom and his family to find and rescue her.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, in rural parts of west and north Wales, bridenapping had become a celebrated ritual with many variations. Sometimes, it consisted of a chase where the mounted groom pursued the bride’s cart. In another form of bridenapping, the bride hid in another house, and the groom would go from house to house to find her. He might have to sing or answer riddles in the process. Upon locating her, he might have to negotiate with gifts or humorous bribes for the bride’s family and friends to release her. 

A Myrtle Bouquet in Welsh Wedding Customs

At a Welsh wedding, the bride often carried myrtle leaves in her bouquet. In Wales, people associated the myrtle plant with fertility, love, and marriage, just as in many other cultures. The association began in the ancient Mediterranean and later spread to parts of Western Europe and the British Isles. In Welsh weddings, myrtle was thought to bring the couple a happy marriage and good fortune. Another fun aspect of this custom is that the bride gave her bridesmaids small myrtle shoots to plant. If a bridesmaid’s myrtle cutting took root and grew into a plant, it was a sign that she’d be the next to marry. The bride also planted a cutting herself after the wedding day. A successfully thriving plant showed a blessed and fruitful union.  

It’s hard to peg the exact date myrtle first appeared in Welsh wedding customs. However, we know that brides used myrtle in the 19th century. During the Victorian Era, the custom became even more popular when Queen Victoria carried myrtle in her own bridal bouquet in 1840. However, people in Cymru likely got the custom from earlier folk traditions, and the Queen’s appreciation of the plant only strengthened the tradition.

Morning Birdsong in Welsh Wedding Customs  

Birdsong in Welsh wedding customs was more lore than practice, though it was a meaningful part of the day. On the morning of the wedding, brides-to-be considered it a lucky sign to hear birds singing pleasantly outside. She considered the songs of certain birds, such as blackbirds, robins, and larks, to be favorable omens for her upcoming marriage. However, the songs of some birds, like owls or ravens, may have been viewed as more of a bad omen or a warning of some kind. In some places, a lone magpie was also seen this way, though this was part of a broader superstition across Britain. These beliefs about birds may come from a woman in the Mabinogion named Branwen ferch Llŷr (Branwen, daughter of Llŷr). She used a starling when sending a message across the sea—hence the belief that birds are messengers.

Priodas â Galwad: Bidding Wedding

“Priodas â Galwad” roughly translates to English as “wedding with a call/invitation.” It refers to the tradition in Welsh wedding customs of holding a “bidding wedding.” In this sense, “bidding” is to invite someone to come to an event. The Gwahoddwr, or Bidder, was usually a respected member of the community. He or she went door to door to officially invite the guests. The Gwahoddwr often did this through poems, verse, or even with the help of a musical instrument, such as a fiddle. Guests who accepted would contribute to the couple through gifts such as food, money, or livestock. 

A Celtic Wedding Ceremony

Some Welsh wedding customs incorporated pre-Christian rituals from Wales’ Celtic past. One such ritual was “handfasting.” The custom came to Britain from Europe and started as an engagement period of a year and a day. The man and woman stood before a priest with their hands bound with a ribbon or braided cord, showing they intended to see if they were a good fit. After the year was over, they could then decide to go ahead and marry or part ways if they chose. Later, people incorporated handfasting into the wedding ceremony itself. This custom is where we get the phrase “tie the knot!”

Another Celtic tradition incorporated into Welsh weddings was “priodas coes ysgub,” which means “jumping the broom.” This custom represents the boundary between the wilderness and the home. The couple would leap over a broomstick together after reciting their wedding vows. As they did this, the priest recited a prayer or poem. A couple in Wales who jumped the broom together were acknowledging their new life together of hearth and home.

Pwrs a Gwregys (Purse and Girdle)

The custom of Pwrs a Gwregys (Purse and Girdle) was similar to what we would call a bridal shower, except that it took place at the wedding itself and reflected the needs of the times. There were no formal registries. Family and friends of the couple brought gifts to get the newlyweds off to a good start in their new life together. Presents included butter, cheese, blankets, wooden trunks, feather beds, utensils, pots and pans, and tableware. Money was, of course, also given and welcome.

Priodas Fach (Little Wedding)

Perhaps the most important of all these Welsh wedding customs is Priodas Fach, or “Little Wedding,” which has a special significance in rural Wales. This was a practice of informal marriage that took place without a church ceremony or any official papers. Couples simply lived together as husband and wife. The community acknowledged their union as valid, usually through a social gathering. 

One reason the Priodas Fach was due to the Marriage Act of 1753 in the UK, which made it mandatory for couples to have a formal church ceremony for their marriage to be considered legal. Communities in rural Wales found the act intrusive. Not all families could afford a church ceremony and a traditional wedding. Priodas Fach made it possible for people to get married on their terms and start a life together.

A lot has changed since the days of bridenapping and Ystafell, but many couples still incorporate elements of the old Welsh customs into modern weddings. If you’re ready to tie the knot with your beloved and are looking for Welsh wedding ideas, check out these 18 stunning venues selected by WalesOnline.

This post was about Welsh wedding customs.

The post A Little Wedding: Welsh Wedding Customs from Rural Wales appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Reading fiction Welsh history books is like time-traveling in an author’s imagination while learning a little real history, too. And what could be better than that? In this list of carefully selected Welsh fiction books, prepare to meet kings, princes, farmers, monks, nobles, and everyday people who lived extraordinary lives.

As you’ll see below, we’re starting off our list of fiction Welsh history books with Illustrated Tales of Wales by Mark Rees. I selected this book as the perfect beginning. It has a bit of everything regarding this topic while being distinct from every other book on this list. Like works covered in an earlier post about books on Welsh mythology, Rees’ book tells of myths and legends born in Cymru’s ancient past. Are the stories fictional? Yes, at least when it comes to mermaids and shapeshifting (as far as we know, haha!). However, many of the stories unfold in real places. They mention real people and teach traditions, values, and lessons relevant to people at the time. 

What are the oldest Welsh manuscripts? The Black Book of Carmarthen is the oldest known manuscript written completely in Cymraeg (Welsh). As it dates to the mid-thirteenth century, its unknown author wrote in Middle Welsh. The Black Book consists of poetry about Welsh heroes from the Dark Ages. The Black Book of Carmarthen is also a part of the Four Ancient Books of Wales (medieval manuscripts). The other three are The Book of Taliesin, The Book of Aneirin, and The Red Book of Hergest. The tales of the Mabinogion, many of which you’ll encounter in Illustrated Tales of Wales, come from The Red Book of Hergest.

This post is about fiction Welsh history books.

A List of Fiction Welsh History Books

If you’re looking for non-fiction Welsh history books, A History of Wales by John Davies is a great place to start. It’s one of the books I mention in the post 9 Welsh History Books That Rediscover the Land of the Dragon.

Illustrated Tales of Wales by Mark Rees

This beautifully illuminated book about Wales takes us wandering through Cymru’s haunting mythology one incredible story at a time. It seems like some of the best Welsh history books come to us in the form of these legendary tales because they reveal so much about the way people believed at the time. It’s available for Kindle and in paperback.

From the blurb: A red and white dragon fighting tooth and claw in the moonlit sky; mischievous fairy folk luring unwary travellers deep into their underground lairs; a kind-hearted mermaid saving the lives of those in peril on the high seas; and a charmed boy who transforms into an otter and a bird to outrun a wicked witch.

In Illustrated Tales of Wales, author Mark Rees explores the fantastical myths, legends, and folk stories of Wales, which have long fired the imagination of young and old alike. From the medieval tales of the Mabinogion to those rooted firmly in Arthurian mythology, they range from the quirky to the macabre and tell of heroic pets, strange superstitions, devious devils, and restless spirits.

Wales is home to mighty giants which live on the highest mountains and battle to the death with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It has a patron saint of hares, who created a safe haven for humans and animals alike, and a patron saint of love, whose idyllic island became a place of pilgrimage. It has a water horse, which has been known to give those who mount it the ride of their lives, and the unforgettable Mari Lwyd, one of the world’s more unusual Christmastime traditions in which an eerie horse-skulled visitor goes door-to-door in the dead of night.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Spindle and Dagger by J. Anderson Coats

Spindle and Dagger is next on our list of imaginative fiction Welsh history books. It’s a young adult novel perfect for readers 17 or 18. You’ll also be happy to know that it’s available in all formats: Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and for Audible through Amazon (links below).

From the blurb: Wales, 1109. Three years ago, a warband raided Elen’s home. Her baby sister could not escape the flames. Her older sister fought back and almost killed the warband’s leader, Owain ap Cadwgan, before being killed herself. Despite Elen’s own sexual assault at the hands of the raiders, she saw a chance to live and took it. She healed Owain’s wound and spun a lie: Owain ap Cadwgan, son of the king of Powys, cannot be killed, not by blade nor blow nor poison. Owain ap Cadwgan has the protection of Saint Elen, as long as he keeps her namesake safe from harm and near him always.

For three years, Elen has had plenty of food, clothes to wear, and a bed to sleep in that she shares with the man who brought that warband to her door. Then, Owain abducts Nest, the wife of a Norman lord, and her three children, triggering full-out war. As war rages and her careful lies threaten to unravel, Elen begins to look to Nest and see a different life—if she can decide, once and for all, where her loyalties lie. J. Anderson Coats’s evocative prose immerses the reader in a dark but ultimately affirming tale of power and survival.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us A Welsh Dawn: Politics, Life and Love in 1950s Wales by Gareth Thomas

Do you love stories set in Wales in the 1950s? A Welsh Dawn is available for Kindle, in paperback, and through its publisher, Y Lolfa (links below).

From the blurb: “This is an epic novel in every sense of the word. In it, I rediscovered parts of myself.” —Lyn Ebenezer, Gwales

“The book is highly readable, written with humour and perception—a significant achievement. It has a unique perspective. It deserves to be widely read.” —Dafydd Wigley, Daily Post

“I see a film in the making.” —Linda Christmas, The Welsh Agenda

A novel set in rural Wales explores the tensions within Welsh society in the 1950s: tensions between Welsh and English-speaking Wales, between North and South, between those who wanted to preserve their heritage and those who wanted prosperity at any cost, between the generation who had experienced the war and the young people who see Wales within a wider European context.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usfrom y lolfa Garthowen: A Story of a Welsh Homestead by Allen Raine

Garthowen is a public domain book, so you can get it for free on Amazon or elsewhere if you want it as a digital book. If you want a physical copy, it’s also available in paperback and hardcover for pence/pennies or a few pounds, depending on whom you order from.

From the blurb: Garthowen: A Story of a Welsh Homestead by Allen Raine is a captivating novel set in the picturesque Welsh countryside, exploring themes of family, love, and resilience. The narrative centers around the life of the protagonist, Mabel, who embodies the spirit of her rural heritage as she navigates the challenges of life on a homestead. Raine’s vivid descriptions bring the landscape to life, immersing readers in the natural beauty and rich culture of Wales. The story intricately weaves Mabel’s personal journey with the trials faced by her community, reflecting broader social issues of the time.

Raine’s writing combines poetic language with engaging dialogue, making the characters relatable and their struggles poignant. The novel’s exploration of the bond between the land and its people resonates deeply, encapsulating the essence of Welsh identity. Garthowen is not just a tale of survival but a celebration of the enduring human spirit, making it a timeless classic.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter (Welsh Warrior Book 1) by Arianwen Nunn

The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter is perfect for readers who love romance novels set in Wales. Written for ages 14 – 18, this young adult novel tells Angharad’s story through the many complicated aspects of eleventh-century Wales and the culture clashes of the time. Available in paperback and for Kindle.

From the blurb: Transport yourself to late 11th-century Wales in The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter, a captivating tale inspired by the noble lives of Angharad ferch Owain and Gruffydd ap Cynan. Immerse yourself in the tumultuous changes of this era as hostile Norman expansion threatens the Welsh way of life.

In this thrilling story, Angharad is torn between two worlds, navigating the Welsh’s chaotic yet rich culture while facing the cold brutality of their Norman overlords. As she enters womanhood, Angharad is faced with difficult choices, complicated further by her passionate love for her father’s enemy, Gruffydd ap Cynan, the young firebrand and heir to the throne of Gwynedd.

The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter is a gripping story of romance, courage, ambition, treachery, and the stark realities of life for a Welsh noblewoman. Join Angharad on the fight of her life as she questions the laws, societal norms, religion, and familial bonds that have shaped her life.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Uneasy Lies the Crown: A Novel of Owain Glyndŵr by N. Gemini Sasson

The next book on our list of fiction Welsh history books deals with one of Cymru’s most legendary figures, Owain Glyndŵr. Enjoy a fictional tale of the life of the man whose name is synonymous with rebellion. Uneasy Lies the Crown is available for Kindle, in paperback, and through Audible.

From the blurb: In the year 1399, Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndŵr is living out a peaceful gentleman’s life in the Dee Valley of Wales with his wife Margaret and their eleven children. But when Henry of Bolingbroke usurps the throne of England from his cousin Richard II, that tranquility is forever shattered. What starts as a feud with a neighboring English lord over a strip of land evolves into something greater—a fight for the very independence of Wales.

After a harrowing encounter on the misty slopes of Cadair Idris, the English knight Harry Hotspur offers Owain a pact he cannot resist. Peace, however, comes with a price. As tragedies mount, Owain questions whether he can find the strength within himself not only to challenge the most powerful monarch of his time but to fulfill the prophecies and lead his people to freedom without destroying those around him. For centuries, the bards have sung of King Arthur’s return, but is this reluctant warrior prince the answer to those prophecies?

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Forgotten Dragons (The Chronicles of Prince Madoc Book 1) by Dai Pryce

Those who are familiar with the story of Prince Madoc (also spelled “Madog”) will enjoy this one. If you’re not familiar, this tale will pleasantly surprise you. Read Forgotten Dragons on your Kindle or as a paperback.

From the blurb: Long before Columbus set sail, Cherokee folklore whispered of pale-faced, moon-eyed explorers who braved great waters to reach their lands. A prince named Madoc was their leader, and the story of their epic journey begins here…

In the North Wales princedom of Gwynedd, chaos brews in the wake of the death of its great leader, Owain. Not all grieve, though. Owain’s cunning son, Dafydd, positions himself for an ambitious power grab. But when evidence of the murderous conspiracy comes to light, Madoc, Owain’s illegitimate son, finds himself caught in his half-brother’s deadly web. Forced to flee, Madoc’s path collides with an old ally from the Norse city of Dublin, offering him refuge—but there is a grave price to pay.

Exiled but determined, Madoc and his siblings hatch a daring plan to return to their homeland. Yet, obstacles abound: a key ally is captured, loyalties are tested, and forbidden passions ignite, threatening to unravel everything. Tensions finally erupt on the sacred druidic isle of Anglesey, Madoc must decide—continue the fight to restore order and justice to Gwynedd, or follow the call of an uncharted world across the ocean?

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Fiction Welsh History Books: Borrowed Time by Russell Dean

Borrowed Time is the first in a series of two time-travel books set in Wales. Dive into these fun novels through Kindle or a paperback.

From the blurb: Tom Jacob is bored with his life. He’s stuck in a job he doesn’t like. His love life is non-existent, and he’s tired of being seen as boring and dependable. So, when his wayward twin brother convinces him to spend a night partying instead of doing paperwork, Tom reluctantly agrees.

The following morning, he wakes up in a field. In Wales. In 1889.

Stranded more than a century in the past, Tom has to overcome language barriers and suspicion as he attempts to adapt to the world around him and find a way back to his own time, but with two people from the sleepy village of Cwm Newydd now missing, one local resident seems hell-bent on pinning the blame for their disappearance on the strange Englishman who appeared out of nowhere.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us A Morbid Taste for Bones (The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 1) by Ellis Peters

A Morbid Taste for Bones is installment number one of a twenty-book series about Welsh monk, Brother Cadfael. Therefore, prepare to enjoy these amazing historical Welsh fiction books by the equally amazing and prolific author in any format. Choose from Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and through Audible.

From the blurb: The “irresistible” and “compelling” first novel in the historical mystery series featuring a Welsh Benedictine monk in the twelfth century. —The Washington Post

A Welsh Benedictine monk living at Shrewsbury Abbey in western England, Brother Cadfael spends much of his time tending the herbs and vegetables in the garden. But now there’s a more pressing matter. Cadfael is to serve as translator for a group of monks heading to the town of Gwytherin in Wales. The team’s goal is to collect the holy remains of Saint Winifred, which Prior Robert hopes will boost the abbey’s reputation, as well as his own. But when the monks arrive in Gwytherin, the town is divided over the request.

When the leading opponent to disturbing the grave is found shot dead with a mysterious arrow, some believe Saint Winifred herself delivered the deadly blow. Brother Cadfael knows an earthly hand did the deed, but his plan to root out a murderer may dig up more than he can handle.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us The Fool’s Tale by Nicole Galland

The Fool’s Tale brings us a mix of unconventional characters, a love triangle of sorts, and historical comedy. It’s not as steeped in detailed Welsh historical context as some books. However, the author nonetheless tells an unusual story set in Wales with good writing. The book is available for Kindle, in paperback, and hardcover.

From the blurb: Wales, 1198. A time of treachery, passion, and uncertainty. King Maelgwyn ap Cadwallon, known as Noble, struggles to protect his small kingdom from foes outside and inside his borders. Pressured into a marriage of political convenience, he takes as his bride the young, headstrong Isabel Mortimer, niece of his powerful English nemesis.

Through strength of character, Isabel wins her husband’s grudging respect but finds the Welsh court backward and barbaric and is soon engaged in a battle of wills against Gwirion, the king’s oldest, oddest, and most trusted friend. Before long, however, Gwirion and Isabel’s mutual animosity is abruptly transformed. The king finds himself as threatened by loved ones as by the enemies who menace his crown.

A masterful novel by a gifted storyteller, The Fool’s Tale combines vivid historical fiction, compelling political intrigue, and passionate romance to create an intimate drama of three individuals bound—and undone—by love and loyalty.

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This post was about fiction Welsh history books.

You may also enjoy 7 Best Welsh Novels Full of Hardship and Hiraeth.

Still looking for books on Welsh history? Check out Power Struggle of the Welsh Kings: Warriors, Warlords and Princes. It’s all about Kari Maund’s incredible book covering the rulers of early medieval Wales.

The post Fiction Welsh History Books of Legend and New Imaginings appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Listening to Welsh audio books is the perfect way to hear Welsh spoken by native speakers. While we know Cymraeg as a beautiful and poetic language, it can also be tongue-twisting for outsiders. Listening to someone speak it properly and naturally changes everything when you’re trying to learn!

Where can you find Welsh audio books? Does Audible have books in Welsh? Yes, Audible does have books available in Welsh. However, their collection of Welsh audio books is modest compared to those spoken in the majority languages (such as Spanish, for example). One reason is that the demand for Welsh audio books is smaller. Another is that fewer resources are available to make them. Audible does have a few books for the Welsh beginner if you’re trying to learn the language. The list below begins with Welsh audio books you can buy from Audible through Amazon. 

Below that, you’ll find audio books from the Welsh publishing house Y Lolfa. Most of Y Lolfa’s impressive selection of Welsh books consists of paperback and hardback. These physical books cover an extensive selection of topics for children, teens, and adults. Subjects include poetry, art, music, sports, biographies, cooking, Welsh reading practice, fiction, politics, leisure, history, humor, nature, wildlife, and more. However, they do carry a few Welsh audio books, especially for those learning the language. Jump to the Y Lolfa section.

This post is about where to find Welsh audio books. 

Welsh Audio Books 

Whether you’re looking for Welsh audio books to read for pleasure or you’re trying to learn the language, you probably already know that they’re not as plentiful as many other types of audio books. Fortunately, you can still find them even from well-known sources like Audible. You’ll see some of the best places to look in the list below. I’ve also included a well-reviewed starter list of Welsh audio books, especially for those trying to learn the language. 

Where to Find Welsh Audio Books

Here are some of the easiest and best places to find Welsh audio books:

Amazon (mostly through Audible)Y Lolfa (Welsh publisher)Dref Wen (Welsh children’s book publisher)Welsh Libraries (you must live in the UK)Language Lizard (Welsh-English bilingual children’s books)Multilingual Books (Welsh language and children’s books) Simple Welsh in an Hour of Your Time: Kickstart Your Welsh Today by Colin Jones

Would you like to read and speak Welsh? Simple Welsh is a great way to begin if you’re ready to teach yourself Cymraeg. You can receive your Welsh lessons on your schedule from the comfort of your own home.

From the blurb: This short book gives you the basics of Welsh in an effective and efficient way, taking as little time as possible. You can use it if you’re a complete beginner or as a revision aid if you’re already on the road to fluency. Or maybe if you just find yourself in a rut and would like a bit of help moving on.

The idea is simple; by spending around an hour on this book, with breaks in between chapters, you should be able to master a very simple form of Welsh. A simple form that will let you say what you, or anyone else, is doing, has done or is going to do, including the negative and question forms. The book is broken down into six chapters, each taking around 10 minutes to complete and revise. Each chapter has exercises, together with answers at the back of the book.

The book is written by professional Welsh-to-adults tutor Colin Jones, author of the epic home-study Welsh course Cadw Swn. This book is the distillation of years of teaching Welsh to adults and should provide an essential introduction to the language.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Cwm Gwrachod [Witches’ Valley]: A Novel for Welsh Learners [Welsh Edition] by Colin Jones

As you learn the basics of the Welsh language, you’re going to really enjoy Welsh audio books like Cwm Gwrachod for some easy Welsh reading. 

From the blurb: Croeso i Gwm Gwrachod, cwm bach diniwed yn y De. Welcome to Witches’ Valley, an innocent little valley in the South. Written by the author of the best-selling Welsh learners’ novel Coed y Brenin, this book should help you expand and improve your Welsh while being both interesting and entertaining. It should be suitable for those who’ve done a year or more of evening classes, although we’d hope that more advanced learners would also get a lot out of it.

The events, people, and places in Cwm Gwrachod are imaginary in that they exist only in my mind. The funny thing is that as you listen to this book, they will exist in your mind too, but entirely through the medium of Welsh.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usWelsh Books as Audiobooks in English 

If you’d like to listen to Welsh audio books but don’t speak Welsh or are still learning, not to worry. You can begin with the Mabinogion or learn about the famous Welsh bard Taliesin. Both of these fully qualify as Welsh books!

Mabinogion, the Four Branches: The Ancient Celtic Epic by Lady Charlotte Guest, Read by Colin Jones 

From the blurb: After reading, recording, and listening to the Four Branches of the Mabinogion, I’m amazed that the world isn’t full of manga comics, Hollywood blockbusters, best-selling novels, sticker collections, trading cards, and fantasy role-playing games based on this quite astonishing collection of Welsh tales. The breadth and imagination of these stories are really quite amazing.

How many other stories can boast such a heady collection of wizards, body-swapping, bitter curses, deep revenge lasting for generations, a giant, a cauldron of immortality, murder plots, princes, kings, and even pig-embezzlement? Not to mention a woman made from flowers by two wizards as a wife for a man cursed by his mother from ever marrying another human being. A man who can only be killed by a spear which has been crafted for one year, and this while he stands with one leg on a bath and the other on the back of a young goat?

The Mabinogion is a collection of tales, told over generations, recorded in two manuscripts: Llyfr Coch Hergest (The Red Book of Hergest) and Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch (The White Book of Rhydderch). Translated into English by Lady Charlotte Guest, they contain a large number of tales from the Welsh storytelling tradition. Strictly speaking, however, the term Mabinogi (Mabinogion was mistakenly taken as the plural of Mabinogi by Lady Charlotte Guest) refers to the Four Branches recorded here.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Taliesin Origins: Exploring the Myth of the Greatest Celtic Bard by Gwilym Morus-Baird

From the blurb: Few authors are able to discuss the original Taliesin myth in as much depth as Dr. Gwilym Morus-Baird. As a native Welsh speaker and scholar, he has studied the Welsh bardic tradition from the inside, giving listeners insights few others have even guessed at.

In this groundbreaking exploration, Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird tells the many tales behind the story and draws out the deeper meanings of the original myth. As one of the most complete studies of the greatest Celtic bard out there, this book is a must-have for anyone seriously studying Celtic myth, be they students, researchers, druids, or pagans. It reveals the ancient roots of Taliesin’s myth in the Celtic tradition and interprets many of the symbols, themes, and meanings embedded in this important tale.

The book presents new insights not only into Taliesin himself but also the central figure of Ceridwen, the ancient symbol of her cauldron, the mystical relationship between Awen and Annwfn, and how all of these elements relate to the Welsh bardic tradition.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon usBooks from Y Lolfa Welcome to Welsh: Learn Welsh in Real-Life Situations by Heini Gruffudd

From the blurb: Welcome to the Welsh language! This CD has the audio files for the hugely popular Welcome to Welsh course, giving you the exact pronunciation of the conversations in the printed book (ISBN 9781800993327). Welcome to Welsh is the most humorous, user-friendly, and effective course on the market. It has 16 parts, which include grammar, exercises, real-life conversations, and cartoon stories, together with a 2,500-word Welsh-English and English-Welsh dictionary. Start listening and learning, and start your journey into Wales’ greatest living treasure—the Welsh language. Level: Beginner

buy from y lolfa My Way to Welsh: Double CD to accompany book by Heini Gruffudd

My Way to Welsh is an audio book in two CDs intended to accompany the My Way to Welsh course. I’ve provided links for both below. Level: Beginner

From the blurb: Double CD audio files. Listen to the lively, natural conversations on these CDs to speed your learning process and give you the confidence to use the language yourself.

For use with My Way to Welsh, a complete Welsh course. A comprehensive 90-lesson self-study Welsh-language course with a basic dictionary. It is in full colour with an attractive modern design and illustrated throughout. Double CDs are available to buy separately. Click the following link (or copy and paste it into your web browser) to download the FREE MP3 audio files to listen to the conversations.

buy double cdsbuy course book

You can also find free Welsh audio books for children from Dref Wen. They also offer both Welsh-only and bilingual books (non-audio). Books for adults include travel books and books for Welsh learners. 

For samples of adult Welsh audio books, check out this post from the North Wales Society of the Blind. The books shown are available in Cymru’s libraries. 

This post was about where to find Welsh audio books. 

You may also enjoy 7 Fiction Books About Wales for Delightful Weekend Reading and Curl Up With a Welsh Folklore Book (a Sure Cure). Happy reading!

The post Where To Find the Best Welsh Audio Books appeared first on J. Conrad Fantasy.

Despite modern lifestyles and advances in technology, many old Welsh traditions have survived. They’ve been practiced for centuries and are still a vital part of Welsh culture. The books below discuss customs such as Mari Lwyd, Welsh traditional dress, Welsh food traditions, courting customs, and more.

Books About Old Welsh Traditions Classic Recipes of Wales: Traditional Food and Cooking in 25 Authentic Dishes by Annette Yates

Starting our list of books about old Welsh traditions is Annette Yates’ cookbook featuring Welsh traditional food. If you’d like to start cooking today, you can also find some recipes via the Welsh Things page.

From the blurb: This title presents all the very best of traditional Welsh food and cooking in 25 authentic dishes. You can discover the delights of Welsh food and cooking with ingredients sourced from rugged shorelines and mountainous peaks to rich, fertile valleys and sleepy fishing villages. You can try fabulous Welsh recipes, from everyday fare such as Welsh Rarebit, Fish Pie and Bara Brith teabread to more unusual regional dishes, such as Laverbread Cakes and Bacon, or Katt Pie. The introduction offers a concise overview of this unexplored culinary tradition, plus a guide to the most popular ingredients in the country. It features enticing breakfasts, warming soups, delicate fish, hearty stews, tempting side dishes, plus delectable puddings, teatime cakes, and sustaining bakes. 

Nutritional information for every recipe is provided. It is illustrated with wonderful photographs by Craig Robertson of practical steps and final dishes. Wales is justly famous for its unspoilt landscapes and fresh, natural ingredients. This beautiful little book provides a tasty sampler of the country’s cuisine. Discover a wealth of dishes including Glamorgan Sausages, Bacon with Parsley Sauce, Lamb Broth and Scallops with Bacon and Sage, as well as intriguing local treats such as Bakestone Bread, Anglesey Eggs and Snowdon Pudding. Packed with 130 pictures, cook’s tips, variations, and complete nutritional information, this book is essential reading for anyone who would like to discover the hidden secrets of Wales’ culinary heritage.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

From the blurb: This nostalgic recollection of Christmas past by celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas evokes the beauty and tradition of the season at every turn: the warmth of a family gathering; the loveliness of a mistletoe-decked home; the predictability of cats by the fire; the mischief and fun of children left to their own devices; and the sheer delight of gifts—be they useful or useless.

Readers will cherish this beautiful hardcover edition of the classic A Child’s Christmas in Wales, complete with gold-foil stars, a debossed, glossy front picture, and sparkling snowflakes. Once inside, readers are rewarded with stunning, midnight-blue endpapers sprinkled with a flurry of more snowflakes. This book is a must-have gift for the season.

Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott medalist Trina Schart Hyman with a combination of more than 40 full-color and sepia-toned images, this beautiful edition of Thomas’s beloved classic will enchant readers of all ages, year after year.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Christmas in Wales by Dewi Roberts

From the blurb: Celebrate Christmas the Welsh way in the company of some of the country’s leading writers, past and present. Christmas mass, the nativity play, turkey and plum pudding, the Mari Lwyd, presents, the weather, the shopping, and post-festive blues are among the many subjects drawn from stories, poems, diaries, and letters. Wartime Christmases in Swansea and the Rhondda—and home thoughts from India and Italy—pantomime characters, Christmas cards and New Year Resolutions; R.S. Thomas, Dylan Thomas, Dannie Abse, Gillian Clarke, Catherine Fisher, Bruce Chatwin, Sian James, Kate Roberts and Leslie Norris, Christmas in Wales has all the ingredients for the complete experience of the season of celebration.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Handbook of Old Welsh by Stephen Owen Rule

If you’re a student or admirer of Cymraeg (Welsh), you may also like to learn how the old Welsh language changed over time to become the way it is today. The Handbook of Old Welsh portrays interesting aspects of old Welsh words and their evolution.

From the blurb: With example texts and explanations, features, modern comparisons, hypotheses, peculiarities, and more. This book is written with an intentionally informal style and aims to make as many aspects of the nuances and peculiarities of Old Welsh more accessible to interested parties of all backgrounds.

It can serve as a stand-alone introduction or can be used in conjunction with other, more in-depth grammatical works, in the hope that it might shed light on some of the tricky concepts that make Old Welsh such a fascinating and rewarding subject for study.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Old Welsh Traditions: Welsh Folk Customs by Trefor M. Owen

From the blurb: Welsh Folk Customs has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Wales in 100 Objects: Exploring Welsh History, Culture, and Heritage Through Artifacts

From the blurb: Wales in 100 Objects is a beautiful volume to treasure, presenting what the author considers the 100 most important physical objects in Welsh history. Each spread contains an essay about the history and significance of the object and a striking full-page photograph. The objects, chosen by Green with the help of librarians, museum and gallery curators, and other experts, are shown in chronological order and range from the ancient to the recent.

They include a hand axe from 32,000 BC; a sign for the Wales Coast Path, officially opened in 2012; a Roman sword; St Cystennin’s bell; the Nanteos Cup (reputed to be the Holy Grail); William Morgan’s Bible; the earliest known copy of the music and lyrics for ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’; a window from the Tredegar Medical Aid Society (forerunner of the NHS); badges supporting the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike and Catatonia’s first release. All of the items are in Wales and accessible to the public, and locations are noted in each case.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Celtic Heritage: Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales by Alwyn and Brinley Rees

From the blurb: In this widely acclaimed study, Alwyn and Brinley Rees reinterpret Celtic tradition in the light of advances made in the comparative study of religion, mythology, and anthropology. Part One considers the distinguishing features of the various cycles of tales and the personages who figure most prominently in them. Next, Part Two reveals the cosmological framework within which the action of the tales takes place. Part Three consists of a discussion of the themes of certain classes of stories which tell of conceptions and births, supernatural adventures, courtships and marriages, violent deaths and voyages to the other world, and an attempt is made to understand their religious function and glimpse their transcendent meaning.

buy on amazon ukbuy on amazon us Old Welsh Traditions: Welsh Courting Customs by Catrin Stevens 

From the blurb: Although birth, marriage, and death constitute the three major rites of passage, the period of courtship is also of infinite significance within man’s life cycle on earth. During this confusing and often confused period, lovers need to call upon the inherited wisdom and authority of customary practices and rituals to steer them safely through a critical stage of their lives. Welsh Courting Customs examines the rich tapestry of customs and traditions found in a predominantly rural Wales before the First World War. The practice of courting on the bed, caru ar y gwely, which so fascinated English tourists in the last century, is described and placed within its true social and economic background.

Although the study concentrates upon the Welsh perspective, there is also room for the wider British and European contexts. The wealth of information gleaned from a variety of sources, including poetry and literature, denominational publications, oral evidence, and actual artefacts, is woven together to present an in-depth treatment of one of the most fascinating aspects of Welsh social history. Indeed, Welsh courting customs encompass far more than the quaint but stereotypical love spoons which decorate our tourist trade today. Black-and-white photographs and illustrations.

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