Ranging from the nineteenth century to the present, this book explores several central aspects of the ways in which the English-language poetry and fiction of Wales has responded to what was, for a crucial period of a century or so, the dominant culture of Wales: the culture of Welsh nonconformity.

Cyfrol sy'n edrych ar gynnyrch llenyddol o'r bedwaredd ganrif ar bymtheg hyd y presennol, sy'n ymateb i ddylanwad Anghydffurfiaeth Gymreig.

The nonconformist religion has had a tremendous influence on Welsh life, culture and literature. The latter is not always given due recognition but, in terms of Welsh writing in English, this gap is now filled by Professor Thomas’s ground-breaking work of scholarship. Nothing on this scale has appeared previously. Following a personal introduction on the significant aspects of chapel culture, the author then proceeds to explore the ways in which nonconformity developed in the eighteenth century.

The author’s mastery of his subject is equally demonstrated, as one would expect, in what he has to say about major Welsh writers in English from the twentieth century. Here the reader will encounter, among others the enfant terrible of the pulpit Caradoc Evans, as well as Rhys Davies, Glyn Jones, Gwyn Thomas, Wyn Griffiths, T. Harri Jones and Dylan Thomas.

I was pleased to find the novels of Siân James coming under very favourable scrutiny for portraying life in a Welsh-speaking community with rare honesty. Many readers will find the treatment of R. S. Thomas of immense interest.

Here is a volume of key importance which deserves a wide readership.

Dewi Roberts

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.