I, Iolo

by Gareth Thomas

Iolo Morgannwg, stonemason, poet, revolutionary, drug addict and legendary forger tells his own story. The closing of the eighteenth century was a time of “unparalleled eventfulness” and Iolo is in the thick of it. The action moves from Cowbridge to Mayfair’s society drawing rooms, from Flemingston to a luxurious Covent Garden bordello, from druidic ceremonies on a wild hillside to a hearing before the Privy Council in Downing Street. Admired by many as a hero who helped create the identity of modern Wales, but reviled by others as a con man and cheat. "A fascinating novel about a fascinating person" Mary-Ann Constantine "A skillful and gripping novel." Geraint Phillips, Gwales

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2018

Reviews

[Daphne King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to learn about the Welsh Bard, Iolo Morganwg on his bicentenary year. Coming to Wales to live, my knowledge was scant, but the author has dramatised his life from his teenage years, up until the Glynogwyr Gorsedd in 1798 and makes it such an enjoyable read. .An enormous amount of research must have gone into the creation of this book.
By his own admission, the order of some events has been altered and some characters are imaginary, but this doesn’t detract from its authenticity. The scale of change in this period of history is seismic, and the book reminds us of the power of the authorities over dissenters of the time

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely imagining of the life of this important Welsh figure, giving historical and cultural context along the way. Just what I was wanting.