"This volume analyses the public reception and criticism of the writings of Iolo Morganwg during the long nineteenth century, considers the development of his ideas about the Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd of the Bards of the Isle of Britain, and reveals how the myth of 'old Iolo' took root at a time when Romanticism and nationalism gave rise to a historicist view of nationhood. The counterfeit material that Iolo added to historical sources was eagerly received by scholars in search of a core historical narrative and also inspired Romantics much farther afield. From the late Victorian period, however, a powerful critique of Iolo's legacy paved the way for more reputable twentieth-century Welsh scholarship. A selection of little-known key texts included in this volume also provides new insights into the way in which this legendary figure and his work were perceived." --Book Jacket.

A cunning and successful literary forger, Iolo Morganwg has been a controversial figure within Welsh literary tradition and history ever since his death in 1826. During his lifetime, however, he was largely a figure on the margins of Welsh literary society, who found the task of getting his work into the coveted sphere of print culture a gargantuan one. This book examines how he dealt with the frustrations of his marginality – writing sardonic remarks in the margins of books published by his contemporaries, and submerging himself in a mound of scrap paper on which he wrote numerous drafts of poems and conducted original work on the Welsh language.

This is the first book about the historian John Edward Lloyd (1861 - 1947), whose A History of Wales from the Earliest Times to the Edwardian Conquest (1911) marks a turning point in the writing of Welsh history.

Stori Iolo Morganwg, o fachgendod hyd at Orsedd Glynogwr yn 1798, wedi'i ysgrifennu yn y person cyntaf. Roedd sawl gwedd iddo: saer maen, ysgolhaig hunan-addysgiedig, bardd, emynydd, gwleidydd, cenedlgarwr, chwyldroadwr, derwydd, dyn busnes aflwyddiannus, un oedd yn gaeth i gyffuriau, ymgyrchydd dros hawliau dynol ac un a greodd un o'r ffugiadau llenyddol pennaf yn hanes Ewrop.

This is the first full-scale study of the political radicalism of Iolo Morganwg, the renowned Welsh romantic whose colourful life as a Glamorgan stonemason, poet, writer, political activist and humanitarian made him one of the founders of modern Wales. This path-breaking volume offers a vivid portrait of a natural contrarian who tilted against the forces of the establishment for the whole of his adult life. Known as the ‘Bard of Liberty’ or the ’little republican bard’, he moved in highly-politicized circles, embraced republicanism, founded the Gorsedd of the Bards of the Isle of Britain, threw in his lot with Unitarians, promoted a sense of cultural nationalism, and supported the anti-slave trade campaign and the anti-war movement during years of war, oppression and cruelty.

This book is a comprehensive single-volume history of literature in the two major languages of Wales from post-Roman to post-devolution Britain.

Nofel hanesyddol fyrlymus yn dilyn ol-troed un o gymeriadau mwyaf diddorol hanes Cymru, Iolo Morgannwg (Edward Willimas, 1747-1826). Nofel llawn antur, dirgelwch, cariad, gwrthryfel, trais, cyffuriau, angerdd, ysbiwyr a brad.

An Authentic Guide to the Welsh Magical Bard Tradition The witch goddess Cerridwen is the focus of devotion and reverence amongst witches and Pagans around the world. This book traces Cerridwen's roots through layers of history and myth, and it provides hands-on exercises and visionary rites to help you realize her immeasurable power in your own magical practice. Based on years of intensive research by celebrated Welsh Druid Kristoffer Hughes, this wonderful work shows you how to evoke the magic of ecstatic poetry and song as you join the lineage of magical bards who have explored the secrets of Awen and Cerridwen's cauldron of inspiration. You will also discover first-ever English translations from ancient Welsh manuscripts as well as Kristoffer's powerful approach to contemplative journeying, working with sigils, and creating an altar. With rituals for initiation, affirmation, and clarity, this deeply poetic book explores the transformative energies of the goddess of witches.

What is it about Brittany that makes it such a favourite destination for the British? To answer this question, Bretons and Britons explores the long history of the Bretons, from the time of the first farmers around 5400 BC to the present, and the very close relationship they have had with their British neighbours throughout this time. More than simply a history of a people, Bretons and Britons is also the author's homage to a country and a people he has come to admire over decades of engagement. Underlying the story throughout is the tale of the Bretons' fierce struggle to maintain their distinctive identity. As a peninsula people living on a westerly excrescence of Europe they were surrounded on three sides by the sea, which gave them some protection from outside interference, but their landward border was constantly threatened - not only by succeeding waves of Romans, Franks, and Vikings, but also by the growing power of the French state. It was the sea that gave the Bretons strength and helped them in their struggle for independence. They shared in the culture of Atlantic-facing Europe, and from the eighteenth century, when a fascination for the Celts was beginning to sweep Europe, they were able to present themselves as the direct successors of the ancient Celts along with the Cornish, Welsh, Scots, and Irish. This gave them a new strength and a new pride. It is this spirit that is still very much alive today.

This collection of essays addresses the role of literature in radical politics. Topics covered include the legacy of Robert Burns, broadside literature in Munster and radical literature in Wales.