The Story of Wales
By Jon Gower
Ebury Publishing, 2013.
Summary of The Story of Wales book by Jon Gower
A sweeping exploration of the history of Wales—the oldest surviving European nation—whose fate has been hugely important to England and its rule, covering everything from its oppression under English kings to its religious, poetic, and political developments.
Chapters in The Story of Wales book summary
What do you get from this book? The rich but troubled tale of an often-overlooked nation
Bronze and then Iron Age Wales was an international trading hub, where the Celts established a distinctive way of life
The Celts shaped early Welsh history—until the arrival of the Romans—but fundamental ideas about their “invasion” have changed
The Romans built settlements like Caerleon and Chester to subjugate Wales, but eventually gave way to the Britons and Anglo-Saxons
Hywel Dda controlled Wales wisely through diplomacy, overseeing a country that was developing its own Celtic Christianity
Llewelyn the Great unified most of Wales, while Llewelyn the Last failed to turn Welsh spirit into victory against England
Owain Glyndwr offered Wales its last hope of independence from English rule before his tragic failure
Wales saw some of the Civil War’s bitterest battles, but emerged reformed and ready for revolutions—both religious and industrial
Coal fueled the Welsh economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, while tourism and “cultural blossoming” changed Wales’ image
Welsh political activism grew in response to poor living and working conditions in the 19th century
WWI and the Depression ravaged Wales and its people, while WWII reforged its relationship with Britain—for the better
The decline of Welsh religion also brought a decline in its language, which nationalists have worked to prevent
Wales was shaken by the fall of the coal industry, but its spirit is being reasserted through political devolution
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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The Story of Wales — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read The Story of Wales book
- History buffs
- those interested in British history
- lovers of a great tale
- monarchists
- Game of Thrones obsessives
About the author of The Story of Wales
Jon Gower
Jon Gower is a Welsh documentary maker, travel writer, journalist, and novelist. He has worked on documentaries for over thirty years, including a TV version of The Story of Wales, while his books include An Island Called Smith (2001) and Uncharted (2010).
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