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The Revolt of Owain Glyn Dwr
Owain Glyn Dwr is the most commanding figure in the history of Wales, His revolt (1400-1409) gave the people of Wales a glimpse of their country as an independent state. Written by Britain's leading medieval historian, this is the first scholarly book for over fifty years to present Owain and his revolt to a general audience. It will appeal to those who are fascinated by national heroes in all periods and is of particular interest to those who are intrigued by this most famous movement in the history of Wales, and by the mystery surrounding its remarkable leader.
414 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
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About the author
R.R. Davies
15 books10 followersSir Robert Rees Davies was a Welsh historian received a First in his degree from University College, London, where he later returned as a lecturer. In 1975, he was appointed Professor of History, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. In 1995, he was appointed the Chichele Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford and made a fellow of All Souls College. From 1995 to 2005 he served as Chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for Wales. Davies was appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to history in the Queen's 2005 New Year's Honours.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 30, 2014
Very, very learned and a reminder of why people don't read very learned books
May 15, 2018
First an admission: I bought this book on publication back in 1995 and it's sat on my bookshelf ever since, waiting to be read. That's a shameful admission. And finally in 2017 it got picked up to be read. And I found it to be a magnificent work.
Davies is a master of his subject. He writes skilfully, leading his reader through the events of Glyn Dŵr’s rebellion, from its earliest days until it finally fizzled out and Englsih control of Wales was re-established. The text commences with a description of Mediaeval Wales in the days prior to the rebellion, thereby placing Glyn Dŵr’s subsequent actions with the context of the society in which he lived. This is very important to the success of narrative as the reader is thius better placed to understand the pressures which led Glyn Dŵr to revolt and the stresses which caused many Welshmen to flock to his banner.
Although the central character in this book is inevitably Owain Glyn Dŵr, he is inevitably absent from much of the narrative, given the paucity of the historical record. Davies introduces a cast of characters, both supporters of Glyn Dŵr and supporters of the establishment, led by the English king. He examines the motives of a number of these characters, also describing their rôles in Glyn Dŵr’s revolt and the ultimate consequences for them of their participation in events.
Ultimately Glyn Dŵr’s revolt ended in failure and Wales continued to be controlled by the English kings. In the final part of this book Davies describes how Glyn Dŵr’s reputation evolved from that of a rebel to the personification of Welsh patriotism. He also shows how the impact of Glyn Dŵr’s revolt long echoed in Welsh society.
In summation, this book represents the definitive account of Glyn Dŵr’s revolt and, in the absence of the discovery of any additional documentation, it is unlikely to be surpassed. Davies proves himself to be masterful historian, presenting the evidence and his conclusions in an accessible form which can easily be followed by all readers (don't believe that this book is a hard read - it's not!). For anyone who wants to understand the revolt of Owain Glyn Dŵr, this must be the go-to book. It is enthusiastically recommended. Five Stars
Davies is a master of his subject. He writes skilfully, leading his reader through the events of Glyn Dŵr’s rebellion, from its earliest days until it finally fizzled out and Englsih control of Wales was re-established. The text commences with a description of Mediaeval Wales in the days prior to the rebellion, thereby placing Glyn Dŵr’s subsequent actions with the context of the society in which he lived. This is very important to the success of narrative as the reader is thius better placed to understand the pressures which led Glyn Dŵr to revolt and the stresses which caused many Welshmen to flock to his banner.
Although the central character in this book is inevitably Owain Glyn Dŵr, he is inevitably absent from much of the narrative, given the paucity of the historical record. Davies introduces a cast of characters, both supporters of Glyn Dŵr and supporters of the establishment, led by the English king. He examines the motives of a number of these characters, also describing their rôles in Glyn Dŵr’s revolt and the ultimate consequences for them of their participation in events.
Ultimately Glyn Dŵr’s revolt ended in failure and Wales continued to be controlled by the English kings. In the final part of this book Davies describes how Glyn Dŵr’s reputation evolved from that of a rebel to the personification of Welsh patriotism. He also shows how the impact of Glyn Dŵr’s revolt long echoed in Welsh society.
In summation, this book represents the definitive account of Glyn Dŵr’s revolt and, in the absence of the discovery of any additional documentation, it is unlikely to be surpassed. Davies proves himself to be masterful historian, presenting the evidence and his conclusions in an accessible form which can easily be followed by all readers (don't believe that this book is a hard read - it's not!). For anyone who wants to understand the revolt of Owain Glyn Dŵr, this must be the go-to book. It is enthusiastically recommended. Five Stars
January 26, 2016
Although I read this book as part of my research for a novel I am currently writing I found it a very readable academic narrative of this interesting event in English/Welsh history. The book is well structured and easy to access. At over 300 pages some might find it a bit daunting, so if you would like a summary history of the Glyn Dwr's Rebellion, R.R.Davies also published a shorter version: https://goo.gl/4vlRTx - although this link is to a Welsh version, there is also an English one.
July 19, 2020
Owain Glyn Dwr (I'd always seen it as "glendower") is a figure I know of but not about. Davies fixes that with this very dense, detailed book — well worth if if the subject, or Welsh history, interested you.
There's actually very little known about Glyn Dwr so I appreciate Davies not trying to pad his story with guesswork, as some writers do (and even without padding, this is a substantial book). Instead he looks at Wales at the time of Glyn Dwr's uprising, the resentments toward England (if you've read any colonial histories, it'll be familiar) and the various factors that led the fighting to extend for years, much to England's surprise. Among other elements, English internal feuding, wars with France and battles with Scotland all kept Henry IV from crushing the revolt; when those issues were resolved, the slow collapse began. Glyn Dwr, however, lived on as a useful symbol: mystic,hot-blooded Welshman, bloody-handed revolutionary, early advocate of Welsh independence.
There's actually very little known about Glyn Dwr so I appreciate Davies not trying to pad his story with guesswork, as some writers do (and even without padding, this is a substantial book). Instead he looks at Wales at the time of Glyn Dwr's uprising, the resentments toward England (if you've read any colonial histories, it'll be familiar) and the various factors that led the fighting to extend for years, much to England's surprise. Among other elements, English internal feuding, wars with France and battles with Scotland all kept Henry IV from crushing the revolt; when those issues were resolved, the slow collapse began. Glyn Dwr, however, lived on as a useful symbol: mystic,hot-blooded Welshman, bloody-handed revolutionary, early advocate of Welsh independence.
February 3, 2022
I found this book to be hard to read. Something about the author's tone didn't work for me, but I struggle to pinpoint what that is.
On the other hand, I knew nothing at all about Wales at this point in time so the content of the book was fascinating. I really appreciate how Davies builds the historical context of the subject matter, and also enjoyed the exploration of how the idea and memory of Glyn Dwr evolved over the centuries following the revolt.
On the other hand, I knew nothing at all about Wales at this point in time so the content of the book was fascinating. I really appreciate how Davies builds the historical context of the subject matter, and also enjoyed the exploration of how the idea and memory of Glyn Dwr evolved over the centuries following the revolt.
August 18, 2018
Fantastic book. Really enjoyed the layout, covering the various subject matters. Only book you need on the specific topic. But also a great source for Early 15th Century as well — England, Ireland and France.
September 25, 2022
Interesting. Not a biography of Glyn Dwr, but about the revolt and conditions that led too it.
Print is tiny, which made for tough slogging, especially through text written in academese.
Print is tiny, which made for tough slogging, especially through text written in academese.
February 4, 2017
R. R. Davies was the one of the greatest Welsh Historians. The books is well researched and referenced. The bibliography is excellent.
The subject matter is well written.
My own concern and point of note. Rees Davies was a noted Welsh nationalist and at times the book is biased and partisan. However, that does not detract from a great piece of work.
The subject matter is well written.
My own concern and point of note. Rees Davies was a noted Welsh nationalist and at times the book is biased and partisan. However, that does not detract from a great piece of work.
July 12, 2013
Excellent book. I love it when historians write a history book and focus on the why this subject matter, people, and events are so important rather than regurgitating a bunch of dates, places, and people. Another wonderful reference book for me as I prep for writing an historical novel set around Owain Glyn Dwr's revolt. I've read another book from Davies on this subject matter and that, too, was excellent as well.
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November 7, 2008An in depth history of a midieval incident that is a footnote in English history but a major element of national pride for the Welch. It is an exhaustive chronical, deeply researched, and written by an author passionate about the subject.
January 27, 2015
This is an academic book, so it isn't a thriller. Stunningly, it's quite an interesting read nonetheless. It's well researched, well written, and if you enjoy history, or you're a writer looking to develop a background to some medieval fantasy adventure, this is your book.
February 10, 2008
A bit speculative and overly loaded with minutiae, still a great comprehensive text for those that care enough about the subject matter to dive in.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews