A Companion

Genealogy opens many doors to the past generations of our family.  Many of these generations experienced events and struggles that are, at times, difficult to understand or appreciate.  Seeking answers to the questions regarding the period of life that our ancestors experienced can often be found in the literature of the time.   For Welsh history, the following "companion" is recommended.

Edited by Meic Stephens, with over 150 contributors, it represents a treasure trove of information regarding the mind of Wales and its culture.  The topics are arranged alphabetically and span the scope of Welsh expression.   Eminent and obscure are included including as the editors states:

"...a substantial number of saints, kings, princes, gentry, patrons, philanthropists, martyrs, patriots, landowners, villains, soldiers, preachers, reformers, industrialists, politicians, publishers, painters, musicians, sportsmen and eccentrics - a motley company who share with our writers an undeniable place in the Welsh heritage."  [editor's preface, p. vi ]

First published in 1986 as The Oxford Companion to the Literature of Wales by Oxford University Press, it was reprinted in 1986, and now this edition by the University of Wales in 1998.

There is a brief discussion on the pronunciation of Welsh which is always helpful for those of us across the great pond.  Containing 841 pages, it is not intended to be read "cover to cover"  but to serve as a
reference to help identify and understand many aspects of Welsh culture. 

It ends in a chronology of Welsh history beginning with the Roman conquest [43 AD]  to the first elections for the National Assembly of Wales in 1999.  What a deal!  My kind of book.  You may find it helpful also.