Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Travel to Wales

Family tree climbing has led me from Kentucky, to Virginia, to London, to the county of Kent, and finally to the Vale of the Dee.  "Wild Wales" it was called by George Borrow in 1862.  Being on this side (USA) of the Atlantic Ocean, it was difficult at times to get a clear understanding of my ancestor's home.  The following book by Peter Sager helped give me insight to this land.


First published in German 1985, it was translated into English 1991 by David Henry Wilson.  A second edition came in 1996.  It was published by Pallas Athene, London 1991.

Mostly written as a travel guide, it provides a picture of Wales from South Wales, to Mid Wales , and to North Wales.  It contains 135 illustrations and diagrams, 64 color plates, 104 black and white plates, and 2 fold-out maps.  Certainly a good collection it is.  "Wales and the Welsh" is the first section.  "South Wales", "Mid Wales", and "North Wales" complete the 511 pages.  As the author states:

             "Books live with their readers, and some may also grow with their readers..." (p. 9)

Alive and growing it remains for me.  For the genealogist it fits well into the family tree of those with Welsh descent.