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The Story of Wales

The Story of Wales

By Jon Gower

Ebury Publishing, 2013.

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19 mins read

16 Key insights

A brief summary of The Story of Wales

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.

Key insights in The Story of Wales

1
What do you get from this book? The rich but troubled tale of an often-overlooked nation
2
Bronze and then Iron Age Wales was an international trading hub, where the Celts established a distinctive way of life
3
The Celts shaped early Welsh history—until the arrival of the Romans—but fundamental ideas about their “invasion” have changed
4
The Romans built settlements like Caerleon and Chester to subjugate Wales, but eventually gave way to the Britons and Anglo-Saxons
5
Hywel Dda controlled Wales wisely through diplomacy, overseeing a country that was developing its own Celtic Christianity
6
Llewelyn the Great unified most of Wales, while Llewelyn the Last failed to turn Welsh spirit into victory against England
7
Owain Glyndwr offered Wales its last hope of independence from English rule before his tragic failure
8
Wales saw some of the Civil War’s bitterest battles, but emerged reformed and ready for revolutions—both religious and industrial
9
Coal fueled the Welsh economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, while tourism and “cultural blossoming” changed Wales’ image
10
Welsh political activism grew in response to poor living and working conditions in the 19th century
11
WWI and the Depression ravaged Wales and its people, while WWII reforged its relationship with Britain—for the better
12
The decline of Welsh religion also brought a decline in its language, which nationalists have worked to prevent
13
Wales was shaken by the fall of the coal industry, but its spirit is being reasserted through political devolution
14
Summary of the key insights
15
Selected critiques in brief
16
Final word

Who should read The Story of Wales

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 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).

author avatar

Jon Gower

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