References to Welsh Writers who wrote on issues of justice needed, here

[Seraffa]

Sorry - am dealing with and writing on a justice issue of my own, over here! Any references to good reading providing me with "heroes" who stood up to prevailing circumstances through their publicly- made writings would be greatly appreciated. Mabinogion through the present day. (diolch - yes, I'm THAT clueless) ~S.

[Paul Durden]

Gwyn Alf Williams...what a man and what an attitude....you must read his books...honest...

[Ceri Shaw]

Couldn't agree more... I recently received a copy of 'Dreaming a City: From Wales to Ukraine' by Colin Thomas which is an account of the making of the 1992 documentary 'Hughesovka and the New Russia' which Gwyn narrated. You can find it online here. I'm hoping to find time soon to write a review for the site. Of his own writings I would say that 'When Was Wales' is still perhaps THE classic one-volume introduction to Welsh history. It should be borne in mind however that Gwyn was extremely pessimistic about the future of the Welsh 'nation' at the time of writing but his account of its past is masterful. He also wrote the definitive account of the Merthyr Uprising of 1831 and, dare I say it, of the Madoc legend. His position on Madoc is that of an academic historian, a researcher and certianly not that of a 'true-believer'. Nevertheless his book includes a wealth of information about the Madoc saga which will prove invaluable to anyone interested in the subject regardless of their position in the controversy. As a history undergraduate back in 1980 I was privileged to attend one of his courses on 'The European Marxist Tradition'. I can confirm that he was a great teacher and lecturer as well as a great writer. All in all Gwyn was a national treasure. Read his books....you wont be disappointed:)