What is Anglo-Welsh Literature?
The Wikipedia defines it as:-"a term used to describe works written in the English language by Welsh writers, especially if they either have subject matter relating to Wales or (as in the case of Anglo-Welsh poetry in particular) are influenced by the Welsh language in terms of patterns of usage or syntax." I am broadly satisfied with that definition and prefer to avoid the sterile academic debates concerning the precise denotation of the term.
In recent decades we have witnessed a flowering of literary culture in Wales and stereotypical Welsh writing so famously satirized by Harri Webb in his poem "Synopsis of the Great Welsh Novel" has been left far behind. We have seen the emergence of Welsh noir ( Niall Griffiths, Malcolm Pryce, John Williams ) which continues to be popular and other major talents such as Lloyd jones, Rachel Trezise, Trezza Azzopardi and Owen Sheers have made their presence known.
All in all these are exciting times for literature in Wales and I hope that this page will help to introduce the works of these authors to a new audience.
New!!
- Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Poetry Competition Now Accepting Submissions - Americymru
- Today we are pleased and proud to announce the first of our Left Coast Eisteddfod online competitions for 2010. Others will soon follow. Watch this space for further announcements. The rules and submission guidelines are reproduced below. We wish the very best of luck to all our future contestants.
- An Interview With Fflur Dafydd - Welsh Novelist, Singer-Songwriter - Americymru
- Fflur Dafydd is an award winning novelist, singer-songwriter and musician. Whilst predominantly publishing in Welsh, she also writes in English. She records in Welsh, and her work is regularly played on Radio Cymru. She spoke to Americymru ahead of her forthcoming visit to Portland, Oregon with the
- My Google Library
- A link to my Google "Library".
- Google "My Library" Reviews
- Book review page on Americymru.com.
Americymru Blogspot
Book reviews and literary press releases are featured in the Americymru Blog frequently. Check back for the latest news.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byLeft Coast Eisteddfod 2010 Poetry Competition Submissions
You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. You may submit up to five entries in each language category. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. Accompanying graphics are not permitted. There is a US150 dollars (approximately 100GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories. The final submission date is September 15th 2010 and the winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod ( October 2010 ). The judges are:- Peter Thabit Jones ( English Language Category ) and John Good ( Welsh Language Category ) . The judges decisions will be final. The winner ( and runners up ) in the English Language Category will be featured in "The Seventh Quarry", an international poetry magazine edited by Peter Thabit Jones. The winner will also receive a years subscription to the magazine.
All poetic styles and conventions are welcome ( limericks, however, will not be considered for a prize ) There is no upper or lower word limit. Entries need not reference Wales in any way , shape or form. You may submit up to four entries in each category and work which has appeared elsewhere is acceptable provided you have not surrendered your copyright.
The winner and his/her work will also be featured on this site on what we hope will be a heavily trafficked page.
How To Submit Your Poem
Members
Simply join this Group and post your poem (and any links) as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Please include your name in the subject line. If you wish to include a link to your website or blog please do so but remember you must link back to us.
Post your poem your website or blog and post a link to the relevant url as a separate discussion in the group forum ( here ). Once again you will need to link back to us.
Non Members
Post your submission on your blog and email us with the url ( americymru@gmail.com ). We will include it on the Group page. We would appreciate a link to this page or to the blog home page.
Email your submission to us and we will post it on the group page and credit you as author. ( in this case mutual linking is an option but not required )
The Fine Print
There is no entry or submission fee for this competition. The requirement to backlink if you are posting on your own blog and linking here ( or submitting a link to your blog on this page ) is obligatory and designed to be mutually beneficial.
Any materials submitted in this group will remain the sole property of the author. We guarantee not to display any story or any portion thereof on other pages or sites without the express permission of the author. Likewise materials submitted here or linked here can be removed or unlinked at any time by the author or at his/her request.
Last Years Winners
Welsh Language Elizabeth Barrette 'Hanes'
English Language Sherry Weaver Smith 'Imprint'
Subscribe to our LCE 2010 Poetry Competition RSS feed HERE.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAmericymru: New American Welsh Social Network
Anyone interested in Anglo-Welsh literature in the US ( or Wales ) might consider joining the Americymru Social Network. Here are the membership requirements:-Americymru Social Network
This is a very exclusive group. In order to join you must:-
A. Be Welsh or of Welsh descent...or not.
B. Be a keen admirer of Tom Jones...or not.
C. Know at least 2 Windsor Davies quotes...or not.
D. Know how to give detailed directions from Fochriw to Ystradgynlais
avoiding all main roads and passing at least 15 pubs en route...or
not.
The above nonsense notwithstanding feel free to join if you have some
regard for, and/or interest in, Wales and Welsh culture and way too
much time on your hands.
Americymru Social Network
Sea Holly
Sea Holly
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 12/11/2009) ![]()
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Gee Williams: Salvage
John A. Shaffer: St Winifred's Well
Owen Sheers: Resistance
This novel is set in an alternative universe. One in which the Nazis succeed in conquering Russia and invading Britain after the failure of the D-Day landings in 1944. Such literary contrivances can seem very intrusive in a work of 'mainstream' literature but to Owen Sheers' credit the conceit is rendered with a masterful touch and seems almost essential in order to intensify the focus of the books' main theme. In the depths of a freezing winter in a remote corner of the Black Mountains in South Wales two people consider whether it is possible to 'cheat' history; leave the past behind and assert their shared humanity in the midst of bloody conflict. ......more. Buy on Amazon
Resistance: A Novel
Release Date: 02/19/2008
Amazon Price: $17.96 (as of 12/11/2009) ![]()
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Skirrid Hill
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/11/2009) ![]()
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Blue Sky July: Nia Wyn
Her prose style is breathtaking! Follow the link to download the first three chapters of this minor masterpiece and see for yourself:- LINK Buy on Amazon
Rachel Trezise
Ok I.ll go out on a limb and say that Rachel Trezise is one of the finest short story writers alive today. She writes about poverty and youth in a post-miners strike South Wales with particular emphasis on the Rhondda valley. Whilst her evocations of that area will delight people who are acquainted with it, her themes are sufficiently universal to entrance readers everywhere. Her stories are firmly anchored in their own geographical context and as a result they are able to project a universal significance.It was once fashionable to praise short story writers by describing their works as 'Chekovian'. Rachel Trezise's stories are not 'Chekovian'. They do not follow the 'Life in the day of" approach of the best of Chekov and deal instead with very concrete and structured incidents in the classic short story tradition. Indeed one of her stories entitled 'Chickens' has a morally didactic tone reminiscent of Katherine Mansfield's classic tale "The Doll's House".more
The Authors
- Rhys Henry Hughes
- A Welsh master of the absurd!
- Niall Griffiths
- The uncompromising creator of "Sheepshagger", "Grits" and "Stump"
- Malcolm Pryce
- Welsh Noir set in Aberystwyth.
- John Williams
- Welsh Noir set in Tiger Bay, Cardiff.
- John Evans
- "One of the most committed writers in Wales today"
- Alastair Reynolds
- A first rate Welsh born science fiction writer.
- Dave Langford
- Welsh science fiction writer from Newport, Gwent.
- Owen Sheers
- New talent! Poet and Novelist
- Desmond Barry
- Novelist and short story writer.
- Trezza Azzopardi
- Author of "The Hiding Place", shortlisted for the Booker prize in 2000.
- Lloyd Jones
- A surreal novelist. Major new talent.
- Rachel Trezise
- One of the finest short story writers alive today!
- Gee Williams
- Scriptwriter, poet and novelist from North Wales.
Anglo Welsh Literature Bookmarks
Some Recommended Titles
This is not a top ten! Just a list of fine Welsh writing available from amazon.com. Most of these titles are referenced or reviewed elsewhere on this site or in links.
New Featured Lenses
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Top 10 Audio Books
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There is certainly more tha one top 10 audio books list, but here's mine: I love audio books and am constantly travelling with at least two or three on my MP3 player. I use audio books to learn languages and I'm using audio books to simply relax. Wh...
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Ernest Hemingway Audio Books
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Ernest Hemingway Audio Books - What better way to enjoy this marverlous' author than to listen to the narrator making these faboulous stories come to life! Ernest Hemingway is one of the very great authors in the English language and certainly must...
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The Top 10 Best Novels of All Time
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In 2005, Time Magazine held a readers' poll for the top 10 greatest novels of all time. Here's a list of what the results came out to be!
Guestbook & Suggestions
Please feel free to sign our guestbook. We particularly welcome suggestions for authors to include in our Links list. Croeso!
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Reply
- CDT CDT Apr 8, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
- Oh wow...Welsh Literature on Squidoo :D
Being of Welsh origins myself, I'm over the moon to see this!
I've recently started a new Squidoo group myself devoted to "British Literature" and wondered if you'd be interested in joining and having this lens featured there? - British Literature (http://www.squidoo.com/groups/british-literature)
Regards CDT
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Reply
- antony antony Mar 23, 2008 @ 9:20 am
- hi Neb, i really liked your lens. u have given amazing information regarding Anglo-Welsh Literature. its really praiseworthy. i have also created a lens-lord of the rings audio books
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Reply
- Gee Williams Gee Williams Jan 15, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
- Really nice to see myself listed on your site- the World Wide Welsh have been doing well for Salvage recently! If you'd like a review copy say and it'll happen. good wishes Gee williams .
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Reply
- lloyd jones lloyd jones Nov 14, 2007 @ 11:44 am
- Good luck with your site Neb. Nice to be featured!
Ever homesick? If you send me your address I'll post you my latest publication, a hand-printed volume of my poems. My email address is lloyd2jones@aol.com
Hwyl!
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