Poems from the Soul: Twelve of the Great Hymns of Wales

(Hardback)

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Description

Even as many in the modern world draw away from organised religion, the great hymns of our time persist: we turn to them at weddings and funerals, at rugby matches and in pubs. Bringing together twelve of Waless best-loved hymns, from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, Poems from the Soul reveals the heart and soul of a peoples poetry. These are the poems of ordinary folk blacksmiths, farmers and preachers and they played a vital role in the creation of the Welsh people. Ranging from the visionary intensity of Ann Griffiths to the striking biblical imagery of Waless unofficial national anthem, Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, in every hymn a single, singular voice sings out, loud and strong with fear, hope, ecstasy or anxiety. With original illustrations by Ruth Jn Evans throughout, this collection offers insights into the making of a modern nation and demonstrates the transformative power of voices raised in song.

Reviews

"This book feels like introductory love-letters from a doyen of the Welsh literary scene. . . What this book has shown is that hymns not only 'persist in hanging around', but that they come from remarkable spaces."-- "Nation.Cymru"

Author Bio

M. Wynn Thomas is professor of English and Emyr Humphreys Professor of Welsh Writing in English at Swansea University in Wales. He is the author of several books, including The History of Wales in Twelve Poems and A Map of Love: Twelve Welsh Poems of Romance, Desire and Devotion, also published by the University of Wales Press. Ruth Jn Evans is a professional artist who specializes in printmaking. She lives in Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion, Wales.