Welsh Journals

Though this slim volume, published as part of a series on Welsh medium authors and their works, is bound between what can only be described as unimaginative covers, and though it is offered for sale for a mere £ 5.00, anyone who is able to read Welsh and who is remotely interested in the history of religion in Wales or in the study of Welsh literature would do well to obtain a copy at once. For this publication contains an interesting discussion on the life and work of one who is yet to be suitably lauded for the immense contribution that he made to the literary and spiritual development of the nation to which he belonged, the Revd John Davies of Mallwyd in Meirioneth. John Davies' importance as a historical figure is beyond doubt, and he has already been correctly described as one of Wales's greatest scholars (see The Dictionary of Welsh Biography). His influence can be seen on the Welsh Bible and the translated version of the Book of Common Prayer, on the development of Welsh grammar and vocabulary, as well as on the literary and devotional life of his fellow Welshmen and their descendants. Despite this, he has received scant attention in the past within academic circles, a situation that may be explained by two factors. Firstly, that he was a giant living among other giants great Bible translators such as William Morgan and Richard Parry and secondly, that he was a self-effacing man, willing to allow others to receive praise for what he had done. Ceri Davies clearly shows this to have been the case. He begins by placing John Davies against the rich and colourful backdrop of intellectual activity that was taking place at that time on the wider European stage, and then goes on in a considered and convincing manner to bring to the fore both his great talent as a linguist and his scholarly prowess. He then explains how Davies belonged to a well-connected and highly influential network of academics and prominent people that lived in England and Wales during the sixteenth century, and though details of his personal life are still scarce, through analyses of the nature and contents of Davies' works, and of the publications with which he was associated, we are led to a balanced but elevating appraisal of the magnificent contribution that he made. As all this done in a lively and interesting manner. The volume will undoubtedly give great pleasure to the majority of its readers, and it is for that reason that it is commended with enthusiasm