A Treasury of Welsh Heroes

In this substantial and beautifully produced book, we meet ten Welsh men and women who have figured importantly in Welsh history and legend. From St David, the patron saint of Wales, to Twm Siôn Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood, from Hywel Dda, the law-maker, to Gwenllian, the brave defender of her husband’s kingdom, to Owain Glyndwr, the self-declared Prince of Wales, the exploits of each figure is told in true fireside¸ bard-like manner. Some of the stories are first person narratives, others are told by friends, and two of them are related through poems. Legend is blended with fact giving the stories something of the fairy tale element.

Each page is decorated, and Brett Breckon’s ample illustrations are full of the colour, liveliness, beauty and – sometimes – fierce tragedy of the tales told. The stories are recounted very much from the Welsh point of view (the English don’t come out very well in these tales) but when it is necessary to admit defeat, it is admitted, though somewhat grudgingly.

This is a book that will decorate libraries both at home and at school, and it will be of real use in showing children everywhere the richness and complexity of Welsh history and legend.