Interesting list! I've read a few of them, but not that many. I would definitely suggest that you read The Mabinogion. It's such an amazing insight into early Welsh storytelling, and it's quite, quite bonkers, so well worth your time. I've got the Siôned Davies version. I would also have suggested Cysgod y Cryman, translated by Meic Stephens as Shadow of the Sickle, but it looks a bit out of print. I have a version in Welsh for learners which I need to tackle at some point.
Travels in an Old Tongue is lovely, though it's been a while since I read it, and Susan Cooper's Grey King is bloody marvellous, but it will help if you've read the previous books in the Dark is Rising series first. They're all short and fabulous, so that won't be a chore at all!
Looks like a great list, though. Lots of books there I want to read myself!
Thanks for all these thoughts. The only Mab I've read is the Matthew Francis edition which came out a few years ago which I really enjoyed. There was a recent graphic version for children which I think I'll include. Out of print doesn't matter, although does make it a little harder. My parents knew Meic Stephens a bit at Bangor but not enough to be any help to me! I've only read The Dark is Rising, not the others - I'm hoping that'll be enough as I don't want to make the list any longer really.
Really interesting. I was pleased to find that I have heard of 6 of the books / poems on the list and amazed that I have actually read 3;
Under Milk Wood, On The Black Hill & The Owl Service , the latter I think being partly based on the Mabinogion ( which I haven’t read). Looking forward to hearing your top tips when you have read them all…
Interesting list! I've read a few of them, but not that many. I would definitely suggest that you read The Mabinogion. It's such an amazing insight into early Welsh storytelling, and it's quite, quite bonkers, so well worth your time. I've got the Siôned Davies version. I would also have suggested Cysgod y Cryman, translated by Meic Stephens as Shadow of the Sickle, but it looks a bit out of print. I have a version in Welsh for learners which I need to tackle at some point.
Travels in an Old Tongue is lovely, though it's been a while since I read it, and Susan Cooper's Grey King is bloody marvellous, but it will help if you've read the previous books in the Dark is Rising series first. They're all short and fabulous, so that won't be a chore at all!
Looks like a great list, though. Lots of books there I want to read myself!
Thanks for all these thoughts. The only Mab I've read is the Matthew Francis edition which came out a few years ago which I really enjoyed. There was a recent graphic version for children which I think I'll include. Out of print doesn't matter, although does make it a little harder. My parents knew Meic Stephens a bit at Bangor but not enough to be any help to me! I've only read The Dark is Rising, not the others - I'm hoping that'll be enough as I don't want to make the list any longer really.
Really interesting. I was pleased to find that I have heard of 6 of the books / poems on the list and amazed that I have actually read 3;
Under Milk Wood, On The Black Hill & The Owl Service , the latter I think being partly based on the Mabinogion ( which I haven’t read). Looking forward to hearing your top tips when you have read them all…
Three great ones! I'd never actually read Under Milk Wood until last week, only heard/watched bits of it on radio/tv and really liked it.