The Revolt of Owain Glyn Dwr [Hardcover]

R. R. Davies (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0198205082 | ISBN-13: 978-0198205081 | Edition: 1ST

Owain Glyn Dwr is the most commanding figure in the history of Wales, His revolt (1400-1409) gave the people of Wales a glimpse of their country as an independent state. Written by Britain's leading medieval historian, this is the first scholarly book for over fifty years to present Owain and his revolt to a general audience. It will appeal to those who are fascinated by national heroes in all periods and is of particular interest to those who are intrigued by this most famous movement in the history of Wales, and by the mystery surrounding its remarkable leader.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`It is empowered by all the resources of modern scholarship. This is history at its most professional, thorough and disinterested...what this book does is to set the familiar story in an altogether new richness of context. Davies's range of knowledge and reference is astonishing...a wonderfully learned and enlightened survey of one corner of Europe at a particularly significant moment of its history.' The Independent

`It opens with a delightful perambulation of the country int the last decade before 1400...Professor Davies it to be warmly congratulated on this work which so thoroughly explores the character, context and contribution of Owain Glyn Dwr's revolt' Medieval Life

`lively and authoritative account of the revolt of Owain Glyn Dwr' London Review of Books

`In a brilliant opening chapter, Professor Davies paints a vivid picture of Wales in the 1390's by tracing the routes which might well have been taken by two of the century's typical travellers.' (Cardiff) Western Mail

`accomplished account of the rising ... in a particularly attractive feature of this study, the author also draws extensively on contemporary literary evidence and the roots of the Welsh prophetic tradition to illustrate the nature of the revolt and the society that sustained it ... Davies writes shrewdly and objectively on the English counter-strategy ... Professor R. Davies has fused the historical and literary sources on the Glyn Dwr revolt into a major work of synthesis that will surely last for many years as a modern, authoritative study of the great rebellion.' David Rees, The New Welsh Review, July 1996

`Impeccable scholarship ... infused with an enlivening sympathy for the subject, and the result is a splendid book, reliable, readable and shot through with insights about divided societies which have relevance far beyond the boundaries of medieval Wales. This is not a biography, because the evidence does not permit one. However, it is the definitive account of one of the great events in Welsh history, and it is fortunate to have found as its chronocler one of Wales's greatest historians.' Art Cosgrove, University College, Dublin, Irish Historical Studies

`he has a fine grasp of the historical context' Max Davidson, The Daily Telegraph

`R.R. Davies's comprehensive work, which deserves to become a classic, tackles the problem of the revolt of Glyn Dwr, analysing in depth its many facets and placing it firmly in the context of medieval Welsh society, drawing a more detailed picture than ever before of the complexities of the events of 1400-15.' Rhidian Griffiths, National Library of Wales, Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies, Number 32, Winter 1996

`excellent and enjoyable book ... As the author says, he has 'scoured the archives' and in doing so he has written what must now be the definitive account, not only of the revolt but also of the social, political and cultural environment in which it occurred.' A.D. Carr, University of Wales, Bangor, Ecclesiastical History, Vol. 48, No. 1 - Jan '97

`Rees Davies has a rare knack of producing books with the stamp of lifetime achievement ... His study of the Owain Glyn Dwr revolt is bound to reach a wide audience ... he has a mastery of his material which gives his writing exceptional clarity and purpose. ... well-crafted book ... At the end of his book readers will find their understanding of the middle ages enhanced and possibly altered.' The Times Higher Education Supplement, 18 July 1997

About the Author

R. R. Davies is Chichele Professor of Medieval History at All Souls, Oxford, which is the top medieval professorship in the country. His many books include The Age of Conquest: Wales 1063-1415 (OUP, 1991), and Lordship and Society in the March of Wales 1282-1400 (OUP,1978), and also Domination and Conquest: The Experience of Ireland, Scotland and Wales 1100-1300 (CUP 1990).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 526 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1ST edition (January 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198205082
• ISBN-13: 978-0198205081
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,399,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative but bit dry, August 7, 2005

By 

lordhoot "lordhoot" (Anchorage, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Revolt of Owain Glyn Dwr (Paperback)

Revolt of Owain Glyn Dwr was one of the most important historical moments in Welsh history but its not very well covered by historians. R.R. Davies' effort to correct that situation proves to be somewhat successful. This book proves to be very well researched, quite informative about the revolt and its background as well as the consequences the people of Wales paid for supporting such a revolt. The author clearly gives out the causes and effects of Owain Gly Dwr's actions and results.

Where the book fell short - at least in my humble opinion - was that its written without much flair or energy. The text - informative and interesting as they were - proves to be quite dry and unexciting. In some way, it was like reading a college text book.

But the book was well supported with maps, figures and several family tree lines that help make the events and people more understandable. Ironic, as the author himself wrote, we seem to know more about Owain Glyn Dwr's revolt then the actual man himself. Lack of a primary sources even prevent us of knowing what he looked like much less, his personality or character.

This book was primary written for serious student of the medieval period regarding Welsh and English history. A beginner reader may get bore with the text since the book is bit hard to "get into". Despite of the exciting title, its not a very exciting book to read.