The Companion Guide to Wales

A lively, informed, authoritative and entertaining account of what Wales has to offer native and newcomer alike. PLANET

The question posed to the author once by a prospective visitor to Wales - "What is there to see?" - is not susceptible of a short, or quick, answer. For the delights of Wales are cumulative and understated: a succession of small country churches rather than great city cathedrals, a labyrinth of byways away from the few highways, details of vernacular architecture rather than grand edifices, the thirteenth-century Edwardian castles being the exception thatproves this rule. A cultural tradition rooted in the austerity and erudition of the Celtic saints, a tradition more confirmed than repudiated by the Reformation, is best appreciated by lovers of small things.
Wales is a country where small is beautiful. For although the juggernaut of globalisation may be threatening the Welsh way of life with extinction, in the words of a contemporary Welsh folk anthem: "In spite of everything, we're still here."

DAVID BARNES is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and teaches at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Author: David Barnes

Publisher: Companion Guides

Publication Date: Jan 01, 1970

Number of Pages: 450 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: 1900639432

ISBN-13: 9781900639439