This is probably the best book I have ever read, detailing the adventures of Robert Roberts, Llangernyw. It's an autobiography written by the 'wandering scholar' between 1863 and 1875. The descriptions of rural life in North Wales are quite mind-blowing, staggering and inspiring. In the great tradition of Welsh heroes he end's up a drunk and broke in Australia. His grave is at St Digain's Llangernyw.
There are two editions of this book, the1923 edition edited by J.H Davies and a recent 1991 University of Wales Press edition which is probably easier to find.
2. A Wanderer in North Wales.
Cledwyn Hughes has a total disregard for normal sentencing. This is a stream of description. A journey indeed, and has the absolute effect of inspiring one to travel those back roads (preferably of Montgomeryshire). Ink drawings by John Petts. The challenge I guess is to find thsee remote corners of North Wales - hopefully unspoilt by the course of the late 20th century. Book was published in 1949. Better than 'On The Road'.
3. Tide Race
Ynys Enlli truly is a magical place. Work (archaeology) took me out twice last year.
The added value are the drawings by the author Brenda Chamberlain - who lived out there for a while. Is she one of the great forgotten Welsh artists ? This is another stream of description - almost poetic.
4. The North Wales Quarrymen 1874 - 1922.
Merfyn Jones's account of the North Wales Quarrymen Union is almost the text book, the must read for Class War. No one can really understand the psychology of the North Wales people without reading this book. This is how we became who we are. My grandfather was one of these. Who stood up to Lord Newborough. Parch.
Must see : Craig yr Undeb at Cwm y Glo - the plaque where the Union was first formed.
10. Alternative Wales. (Orkid Books and Cilgwyn Publications 1982)
Back in the 1980s post-Operation Julie - we had an influx of hippies into parts of Wales and despite the Punk motto by Jamie Reid and Malcolm McLaren of 'Never Trust a Hippie' - some of the stuff they brought with them was kind of cool. This book showcases that mentality / aspiration of an alternative lifestyle. Some of this stuff is now mainstream and some of this stuff we could probably do with more of .......
This has to be social history ..... activists and activities in Wales in the early Thatcher years.
Merfyn Jones's account of the North Wales Quarrymen Union is almost the text book, the must read for Class War. No one can really understand the psychology of the North Wales people without reading this book. This is how we became who we are. My grandfather was one of these. Who stood up to Lord Newborough. Parch.
Must see : Craig yr Undeb at Cwm y Glo - the plaque where the Union was first formed.
5. I Bought A Mountain.
What a great read. I'd love to read Gareth Wyn Jones's review of this book. The truth is, that I'm sure the locals had a bit of a laugh behind his back. Married to the formidable Esme Kirby. They put Dyffryn Mymbyr on the map. Never learnt Welsh tho' did they ?
6. Real Powys.
This book deals with my beloved Sir Drefaldwyn (Montgomeryshire) and the old counties, Radnorshire etc now swallowed up in Powys - but still unspoilt. Mike Parker has found the B roads, the back lanes. This is another slice of 'On The Road' in a Welsh style. Truly inspiring - makes you want to get on the road - makes you want to go for a cup of tea in the square in Montgomery and then visit that castle and Hen Domen ......
7. The Story of Montgomeryshire
aka Sir Drefaldwyn - where the fields are green. I'm surprised / amazed / glad that they have managed to avoid much of the 21st century in these parts. Still possible to go back in time. This was my favourite book as a child growing up at home in Llanfair Caereinion - loved Castell Powys, loved the old stories, just loved reading this book over and over and planning our next outing ....
8. The Man Who Went into the West
This is in, not only because again it's a brilliant and inspiring read, Byron Rogers is good - but we have a whole bunch of stuff about Manafon and how the Welsh language becomes more prominent with altitude - the valleys head out to England from Manafon etc R.S Thomas and Elsi Eldridge - what a pair. I recently visited her grave at Llanfaelrhys near Rhiw.
9. The Old Churches of Snowdonia.
By Harold Hughes and Herbert L North. This is the handbook for all those old churches in Snowdonia. Expect to pay a bit for this book. Best way to find a copy is via Y Casglwr http://www.casglwr.org/
10. Alternative Wales. (Orkid Books and Cilgwyn Publications 1982)
Back in the 1980s post-Operation Julie - we had an influx of hippies into parts of Wales and despite the Punk motto by Jamie Reid and Malcolm McLaren of 'Never Trust a Hippie' - some of the stuff they brought with them was kind of cool. This book showcases that mentality / aspiration of an alternative lifestyle. Some of this stuff is now mainstream and some of this stuff we could probably do with more of .......
This has to be social history ..... activists and activities in Wales in the early Thatcher years.
I've put up 10 - could have been a Top 10 - but I might do more ......
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