In the characteristic style of the 'Real' series this book mixes autobiography, topography and history in relation to Swansea. Once a dynamic and thriving imperial port, later famous for a vibrant artistic life which includes poets Dylan Thomas and Vernon Watkins, artists Alfred James and Ceri Richards and composer Daniel Jones.

Llyfr sy'n sôn am Abertawe yn arddull nodweddiadol cyfres 'Real', ac mewn modd sy'n gyfuniad o hunangofiant, disgrifiad a hanes. Bu Abertawe unwaith yn borthladd ffyniannus a phwysig; yn ddiweddarach daeth yn amlwg ar sail ei bywyd artistig bywiog, yn cynnwys y beirdd Dylan Thomas a Vernon Watkins, yr arlunwyr Alfred James a Ceri Richards, a'r cyfansoddwr Daniel Jones.

We are all probably familiar with the large formidable looking tomes, frequently to be found in library reference departments, which focus on the history of Welsh communities. They were written by earnest local historians throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. They make fairly heavy reading as they explore the evolution of nonconformity or the growth of industry, with many statistics. Seren’s ‘Real . . .’ series, under the general editorship of Peter Finch, give us a very much more lively presentation of the past and the present. They are completely enthralling and embrace so many topics.

As someone who was born on the Gower and who lives in Swansea, who better than Nigel Jenkins to tell us about the town. He has cast his net wide and it would take a longer review than this to even begin to do justice to this cornucopia of information. I was particularly interested in the people whom Jenkins spoke to. Who would expect Spencer Davis to pop up in these pages? Spencer Davis? Well, if you are as old as I am, you will recall that he was a pop idol of the nineteen sixties. His first hit was ‘Keep on Running’.

The largely forgotten poet Bryn Griffiths also puts in an appearance. He recalls what it was like for a working-class Swansea family in the wartime blitz. Naturally, Dylan Thomas gets some attention, but I was also interested to learn that Kingsley Amis spent thirteen years as a Swansea resident, and his son Martin was born there. It seems that Amis and Dylan Thomas came into contact on more than one occasion.

This book is packed with human interest and the author has a sharp eye for all kinds of features in his home town. If you have enjoyed other volumes in this series you will certainly find this one fascinating.

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.