The Outing

by Dylan Thomas

The Outing

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

16 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Dylan Marlais Thomas (1914-1953) was a Welsh poet who wrote in English. Many regard him as one of the 20th century's most influential poets.

In addition to poetry, Thomas wrote short stories and scripts for film and radio, with the latter frequently performed by Thomas himself. His public readings, particularly in America, won him great acclaim; his booming, at times, ostentatious voice, with a subtle Welsh lilt, became almost as famous as his works. His best-known work includes the "play for voices" Under Milk Wood and the celebrated villanelle for his dying father, "Do not go gentle into that good night." Appreciative critics have also noted the superb craftsmanship and compression of poems such as "In my craft or sullen art" and the rhapsodic lyricism of Fern Hill.

Reviews

[Steven Godin]

I became familiar with Dylan Thomas from a very young age, and this beautifully illustrated short story was a favourite of mine during primary school. Funny, tender and nostalgic to me, I recently found this while sorting out old items from under a bed to my surprise, I though this was gone donkey's years ago. Couldn't resist having a look, bought back treasured memories with mum & dad. Little did I realize then that Thomas was a great poet as well, and love some of his stuff.

One of the best to come out of Wales, along with Tom Jones, the Daffodil, and sheep.

[Ashley Marilynne Wong]

Philip Madoc's reading of 'The Outing' was beautiful! His Welsh accent was really interesting. I loved it to bits!. Personally I preferred this short story to Dylan Thomas's poems and I found this story cute and extremely hilarious <3

[Ruth]

I was given this as an eighteenth birthday present by my then boyfriend. Unfortunately, I no longer have a copy, but I remember it as a delightful account of a charabanc outing, told with typical Dylan Thomas humour.

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ]

I really liked this, it was very sweet and entertaining. I listened to the original radio production of this, and it was nice. I wish they did like an updated version of this where they interview the grandchildren/great grandchildren etc. of the people interviewed in this to learn about their lives and how things have changed. I think it would be a bit sad but still interesting

[Paul Barnes]

[J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd.] (1972). Reprint. SB. 32 Pages. Purchased from lydiwre_1.

Sublime wordsmithery celebrating the joyous diversity and absurdity of life.

Nicely illustrated by Meg Stevens.

First collected within “A Prospect of the Sea” (1955) as “A Story”.

[David]

A delightful story to make you smile. Made me feel very homesick.

[Chris Long]

A community library find. I’ve been on a charabanc outing of my own today - this was the perfect size to fit in my jacket, and an enchanting distraction.

[Tamsin]

Just perfection from the very beginning to the sausage and mash. Superb conversations.

[Simon]

A miniature masterpiece. Hilariously funny.

[Dyllwyn]

read this one in dylan thomas' chair in dylan thomas' living room in dylan thomas' boathouse