Welsh History

Although we know little about the ancient Druids, their reputation for wisdom and harmony with nature lives on. Today, Druidry is a vibrant, diverse movement with groups and practitioners on every continent but Antarctica. Spiritual rather than religious—more an attitude than an ideology—it can be embraced by people from different faiths and backgrounds. Archdruid John Michael Greer explores the history and basics of Druidry; how to perform Druidic rituals, meditation, and divination; elements of the lifestyle; and advice for placing less of a burden on the Earth.

Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as The Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and hunting a magical boar.

By far, the leading interpretation of todays Church regarding the age of this planet, Earth, takes us back to approximately 4004 BC: the year believed to be Adams creation. However, just as Galileo challenged the Church to accept that Earth circles the sun (not the other way around), it is far beyond time for traditional interpretations regarding our planets earliest ages (and what occurred between God and Lucifer during those eras) to be updated in light of what we know today. Once this is done, the evidence overwhelmingly stacks in favor of a harmony between science and theology.

Culture and Anarchy is a series of periodical essays by Matthew Arnold, first published in Cornhill Magazine 1867-68 and collected as a book in 1869. Arnold's famous piece of writing on culture established his High Victorian cultural agenda which remained dominant in debate from the 1860s until the 1950s. According to his view advanced in the book, ‘Culture [...] is a study of perfection’.

Modern communications have driven motorways and pylons through the countryside, dwarfed us with TV and telephone masts, and drastically altered the way in which we move around, see, and understand Scotland. Recent politics and logistics have established borders and jurisdictions which now seem permanent and impervious. The Faded Map looks beyond these to remember a land that was once quiet and green.

Wales has a long and storied history, filled with heroic deeds, legendary figures, and pivotal moments. In this concise history book, you will discover the fascinating story of Wales, from its ancient Celtic origins to the modern-day nation. From the reign of King Arthur and the battles of the Welsh princes to the industrial revolution and the rise of Welsh nationalism, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the key moments and figures that have shaped Wales over the centuries.

Written by a Welsh practitioner, this book shares the magical traditions of the land of the red dragon, exploring deities, fairies, folklore, charms, plants, and magic with dozens of exercises for hands-on practice. Explore the history and terminology of Welsh magic and methods for honoring the land. Discover how you can incorporate traditional Welsh folk magic into your modern witchcraft practice, with exercises for honoring those who came before, connecting with the spirit of your home, protecting against adversity and malignant spirits, changing the weather, and much more.

This book is considered a prophetical novel foretelling the advent of nuclear weapons. A constant theme in Wells’ work, such as his 1901 nonfiction book Anticipations, was the role of energy and technological advance as a determinant of human progress. The novel opens with this: "The story of mankind is the history of the attainment of external power. Man is the tool-using, fire-making animal...."

Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.

Taliesin's is one of the most important names in all Welsh literature - and one of its greatest mysteries. He has fascinated and inspired some of our greatest poets, including Tennyson and Robert Graves. He is a poet; a shape-shifter; a seer; a chronicler of battles fought, by sword and with magic, between the ancient kingdoms of the fifth- and sixth-century British Isles; a bridge between old Welsh mythologies and the new Christian theology; and a figure whose literary legend culminated with the compilation in 13th-century North Wales of The Book of Taliesin.

Brittle with Relics is a vital history of Wales undergoing some of the country's most seismic and traumatic events: the disasters of Aberfan and Tryweryn; the rise of the Welsh language movement; the Miners' Strike and its aftermath; and the narrow vote in favour of partial devolution.

The third novel in a meticulously researched series chronicling the life of the man behind the legend of Welsh hero, Owain Glyndŵr, who fought so valiantly for Welsh Independence. 'Can you see what sunset will bring?’ Owain murmured too low to be overheard by the men around them. ‘Death and victory.’ ‘I could predict as much. Which side has death and which victory?’ ‘Both have death and neither will have everlasting victory.’ ‘You have taken lessons from the Greek oracle,’ Owain snapped. ‘Whoever or whatever was behind it, was expert in giving ambiguous answers.’ ...

"Brother, you have often declared that you would not end your days in slavery. I see no possible way in which you can escape with us; and now, brother, you are on a steamboat where there is some chance for you to escape to a land of liberty. I beseech you not to let us hinder you. If we cannot get our liberty, we do not wish to be the means of keeping you from a land of freedom."

When Harry was five his mother married a coal miner. Loved by his new family, Harry embraced their socialism and considered rejecting his inheritance from the father he'd never known. He graduated Oxford with dreams of becoming an artist but when his beloved 'step-grandfather', ex-miner Billy Evans succumbed to TB Harry volunteered to accompany him to a sanatorium. There he met Diana, a beautiful, feminist medical student; and Mary, an illiterate, farmer's daughter fighting to keep her family together. Harry falls in love - suffers rejection - and finds out about life and the responsibility...

The book that you have found is not just a book. It is a treasure that has been virtually hidden and forgotten for over 100 years. The Welsh revival is one of the most famous and impactful revivals in modern history. However, there has been very little written on it by actual eyewitnesses because of the belief that no person should take any credit for what happened.

1910 Rhondda Valley. Poverty and hardship bite as troops are brought in to control the striking miners. Megan Williams is eighteen and in love with striker, Victor Evans, but the only work she is offered is in the lodging house catering for police and soldiers. Shunned by friends and neighbours, for working for the enemy and disowned by her father who would rather see her dead than married to a Catholic, whose father and brother are strike ringleaders. Victor and Megan find themselves fighting for the right to love one another, remain together and build a future.

Homeless, Judy Hamilton finds friendship, work and lodging in Edyth Slater's bakery while nurturing her dream of becoming a singer and actress. Restless, anxious for fortune and excitement, David Ellis left his family's Breconshire farm. The natives of Tiger Bay are not above flouting the law. They open illegal nightclubs to cater for those with money in their pockets. None are more ruthless than Aled James who helps Judy to break into the glittering cardboard world of showbusiness, but his assistance comes at a high price. One David and Judy soon discover they would rather not pay.

Tom Jones, a foundling, is brought up by the kindly Mr. Allworthy as if he were his own son. Forced to leave the house as a young man after tales of his disgraceful behavior reach his benefactor's ears, he sets out in utter despair, not only because of his banishment but because he has now lost all hope of gaining the hand of the beautiful Sophia. But she too is forced to flee her parental home to escape an undesirable marriage and their stories and adventures intertwine.

Published in 1791, Thomas Paine’s The Rights of Man defended the French Revolution’s values of freedom, equality, and brotherhood. He argued that a government based on justice ought to support mankind’s civil rights relating to security and protection, as well as the natural rights to life, liberty, and freedom of conscience. He also proposed plans for universal education, pensions, poverty relief, and social welfare in this classic work that was widely read across the West.

Originally published in 1778, Evelina is Frances Burney's first and most beloved novel. It was a landmark in the development of the novel of manners and went on to influence such enduringly popular authors as Jane Austen. By turns hilarious and grim, witty and lyrical, the story follows young Evelina as she leaves the seclusion of her country home and enters into late eighteenth-century London society - both its pleasures and its dangers. Life in eighteenth-century England is vividly rendered as Evelina is educated in the ways of the world and, eventually, love.