The Writers of Wales Database

DAVIES, JOHN

Historian, Dr John Davies was born in Llwynypia, Rhondda but moved to Bwlch–llan, Ceredigion when he was seven years old. He was educated at the University of Wales, Cardiff and at Trinity College, Cambridge before becoming a member of the staff in the History Department at Swansea University and also in the Welsh History Department at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. For eighteen years he was the Warden of Neuadd Pantycelyn, Aberystwyth. Hanes Cymru is the author’s masterpiece, which has proved to be a milestone in Welsh historicism. Hanes Cymru encompasses balanced and measured writing, far reaching sympathy, and a readable style. It was later translated by the author himself, The History of Wales (Welsh Academic Press, 1993).

John moved to Cardiff in 1990, a city that was the subject of his research in his first work, Cardiff and the Marquesses Bute (1981). He also wrote about modern day Cardiff in, Broadcasting and the BBC in Wales (1994) and also of the same corporation in The Making of Wales (1996). John was one of the editors of the The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales (University of Wales Press, 2008). In 2005, John received the Glyndŵr Award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Wales during the Machynlleth Festival. He has extensive broadcasting experience and is a Fellow of Academi.

Reviews:

”…His book on the History of Wales is thought by many to be the definitive version of the story of the Welsh nation…”
BBC Wales


Selected Publications:
Hanes Cymru (Penguin, 1992) / The History of Wales (Allen Lane, 1993)
Llunio Cymru (Cadw, 1999) / The Making of Wales (The History Press, 1999)
Cardiff (A Pocket Guide Series) (University of Wales Press, 2002)
The Celts (Cassel, 2002)
Phil Williams: The Assembly Years: 1999-2003 (Plaid Cymru, 2004)
The History of the National Party of Wales (Welsh Academic Press, 2006)
Cymru - Y 100 Lle i Ymweld â Nhw Cyn Marw (Y Lolfa, 2009) / 100 Welsh Places to See Before you Die (Y Lolfa, 2010)

Contributed to:
100 o Arwyr Cymru / 100 Welsh Heroes (co–author with Allison Coleman et al) (Culturenet Cymru, 2004)
Darlithoedd Fforwm Hanes Cymru: Angen Am Owain, Yr (editor) (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, 2005)
The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales (co-editor) (University of Wales Press, 2007)
 

The History of Wales (Allen Lane, 1993)

This account traces the history of Wales, from the earliest times to the late-20th century. From the first Welshmen at Ffynnon Beuno to the miners’ strike, from the Red Lady of Paviland to the establishment of the Welsh television channel, from the end of the Ice Age to the politics of today, this book is a comprehensive and detailed study of the whole span and history of Wales.

To purchase this title from gwales.com, please click on its front cover



Cardiff (A Pocket Guide Series) (University of Wales Press, 2002)

This guide to Cardiff explains the history and present aspects of the city. It begins with an overview of Cardiff as seen from Caerphilly Mountain. Starting with the heart of the city at the castle and the Roman occupation, the guide then moves on to the medieval fortifications and then to the extravagance of Bute and Burgess. The author shows how the layout of the town in medieval times has given rise to modern Cardiff.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover