The earliest Welsh poetry

by Joseph P. Clancy (Translator)

English, Welsh (translation)

Genres: Poetry

223 pages, Hardcover

First published June 11, 1970

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ok collection of the earliest Welsh poetry with a short introduction. There's better editions on the market, with much more critical apparatus, which I think is needed when reading these obscure and illusive poems with strange names that are little known outside Wales.

On a plus side, pretty much all the poems that deal with the Old North are translated in this edition. All the Taliesin poems that Ifor Williams considered authentic are translated, Aneirin's Y Gododdin, Llywarch Hen poems and poems from the Heledd Saga.

A good translation and selection, but for me it was let down by a lack of critical apparatus. Ideal for people who just want to experience the poems.

[Beele · Rating 3 out of 5]

INSANEEEEE LEVELS OF DICKRIDING AFOOT

[Terence Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent selection of the classic early Welsh poems (including the poems of Taliesin, The Gododdin, the Llywarch Hen cycle and Armes Prydein). The translations are compelling, and the translator provides succinct, valuable background information on the poets and their works. As a companion to Professor Clancy's "Medieval Welsh Lyrics," this book opens a welcome view on the splendid, unique world of Welsh poetry that would otherwise be closed to most English readers. I only wish Prof. Clancy had spend a little more time describing the form and metre of the original poems (as he did in "Medieval Welsh Lyrics".)

[Euan Craik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best translation of Y Goddodin. Worth it just for that really.

[Liam Guilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent selection. Having translated some of these poems, I admire Clancy's ability to make them into successful works in English. Worth having, especially for the uncluttered 'complete' Goddodin.