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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.
Americymru Book Club November Selections - My First Colouring Book: Lloyd Jones
Prize-winning Welsh author Lloyd Jones celebrates the launch of his first collection of short stories next week. The work entitled "My First Colouring Book" will be available from Nov 5th. Lloyd Jones is the award winning author of "Mr Vogel" and "Mr Cassini", two of the most refreshing and challenging novels to come out of Wales in recent decades. His new book will be reviewed on this site in due course, meanwhile you can pre-order a copy from Amazon.com here:- My First Colouring BookRead reviews HERE.
Americymru Book Club November Selections - Fatal Neglect: Who Killed Dylan Thomas?
Fatal Neglect: Who Killed Dylan Thomas? is published by Seren on November 9 2008, the 55th anniversary of the death. £9.99, ISBN 978-1-85411-480-8It is now available from local bookstores, internet book suppliers or direct from www.seren-books.com. It will be many months before it appears in the US and other countries, so the internet and the Seren website are your best bets....MORE
Americymru Book Club November Selections - The Mourning Vessels
Cardiff author Peter Luther has just launched his second novel, The Mourning Vessels. It is loosely located in his favourite town of Tenby. The fast paced supernatural thriller is based on the machinations of a Satanic coven -The Divine Sentiment and the story follows the main character Ellen's quest to unriddle their sinister operations and free the souls of her dead parents....HERE Americymru: 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 07/05/2009) 
List Price: $13.95
Used Price: $9.55
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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: $18.68 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $23.95
Used Price: $1.61
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Skirrid Hill
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
List Price: $12.95
Used Price: $24.12
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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
Blue Sky July
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 07/05/2009)
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
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 byGeneral
- My Google Library
- A link to my Google "Library".
- Google "My Library" Reviews
- Book review page on Americymru.com.
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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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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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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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!
CDT wrote...
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
Posted April 08, 2008
antony wrote
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
Posted March 23, 2008
Gee Williams wrote
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 .
Posted January 15, 2008
lloyd jones wrote
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!
Posted November 14, 2007
