Poems From the Soul: Twelve of the Great Hymns of Wales

by M. Wynn Thomas

112 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Victoria Hueber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this to help form my collection of materials for getting to grips with the Welsh language as an English speaker. It looked good in WH Smith, so I bought it. However, upon reading the author notes and looking through it, I am disappointed. There are no dates listed on the pages of hymns or their titles. This is a glaring omission, especially for a book whose "Prefatory Note" talks a lot about historical context of hymns.

The grammar of the author's prose is mangled, particularly on page xi in the "Prefatory Note" - which is actually seven-and-a-half pages of dense text - at the start of the last paragraph. I think some words may be missing there.

The text written by the author after "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah" does not mention why he has published it this way rather than "Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer" as the Welsh anthem title goes. I would have thought this would be very important information. "The Redeemer" usually refers to Jesus Christ. "Jehovah" refers to God the father. It also does not include the original Welsh despite all the other hymns being in both languages and it being a book about Welsh hymns!

I don't like how the author has assumed that everyone, especially readers of this book, are atheists looking at these hymns from a cynical and stuffy angle. Billions of people around the world believe in God. There are still at least tens of thousands of Welsh Christians and millions of Christians around the world for whom these hymns still carry special meaning. History is current for many of us. The author also talks about Calvinism as if it has the final word on Christian theology. There are many denominations and few of them are Calvinists.

[Ronald Schoedel III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a lovely book! As a learner of Welsh, I enjoyed the original Welsh texts as well as comparing them with the author’s translations (which of course are not always word for word, as is the case with poetry and hymns). It was fun for me to consider the path the author took from the Welsh to the English, as he considered how to convey the meaning and intent of the original poet as well as the overall tone and tenor of the text.

I was mystified as to why the Welsh text of “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer/Jehovah” wasn’t included, whereas every other hymn had the original Welsh.

The author’s commentary and history of the hymns was insightful and often inspirational. I have no idea of Professor Thomas’s religious leanings, because his analysis of the theology of the hymns was fair and balanced and presented in an even-handed manner (even where the more woeful Calvinistic doctrines that came through in some hymns were considered).

The illustrations were on point and also thought-provoking.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gem of a book is a lovely introduction to Welsh hymns.

The author has translated 12 of the ‘great hymns of Welsh’ and explains a bit about the author, language, theology and tune.

I may have a few quibbles with some descriptions, but this is a good way to find out more about well known hymn writers like William Williams, or more less known ones like Mary Owen.

A good quality hardback book with interesting illustrations.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many hymns here i didn't know. As a Welsh learner it was interesting to have the Welsh and English laid out. It also highlights that literal translations don't work in poetry.
The background to the writers and musicians is helpful. I wonder if I knew more Welsh hymns though whether I'd pick the same ones. A good book to reflect on especially at Easter.