Wednesday 6 January 2010

Portrait of a Fighter for Welsh Independence


front cover of Owain Glyndwr Prince of Wales by R.R. Davies
"Owain's revolt was a war on behalf of justice and independence. It was not personal ambition which drove him, but a great vision, a dream which was shared by many Welsh people."
This is a masterful study of the life and legacy of Owain Glyn Dwr, whose revolt against the English rule of Wales in the early 15th century ensured his status as a national hero. The concise and lively account will appeal to students of Welsh history as well as the general reader.
Author Rees Davies was Chichele Professor of Medieval History at All Souls College, Oxford until his death in 2005. He was one of the most respected experts on medieval history and was the main authority on Glyn Dwr's uprising.
Welsh version available: "Owain Glyndwr: Trwy Ras Duw, Tywysog Cymru".


A new concise and accessible study of the life and legacy of Owain Glyn Dŵr, whose revolt against England’s rule of Wales in the early 15th century ensured his status as a national hero, is published this week by Y Lolfa. R R Davies, author of Owain Glyn Dŵr: Prince of Wales, was Chichele Professor of Medieval History at All Souls College, Oxford and was regarded as the main authority on Glyn Dŵr’s uprising before his death in 2005. In his introduction to the original Welsh version of the book he said,


“If there is any subject from Welsh history which deserves to be retold, then it is the story of Owain and his revolt. I have the privilege of having been born and reared in Glyn Dŵr’s own land. In a way this volume is some small repayment for the inheritance I received in that special countryside.”


Owain was voted the most influential Welsh person of the millennium in a BBC Wales poll and revolutionaries from around the world including Fidel Castro have been influenced by his pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics. There have been petitions and internet campaigns for a Braveheart style film on Owain Glyn Dŵr, with names such as Ioan Gruffudd and Matthew Rhys being touted to play the leading role. Publishers Y Lolfa hope that this accessible book will raise the profile of Glyn Dŵr introducing one of the most inspiring stories of Welsh history to thousands of new readers. Lefi Gruffudd, chief editor and former student of R R Davies said,


We will be sending a copy of the book to Hollywood directors as well as to Welsh film producers.

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