Owain Glyn Dŵr - The Last Prince of Wales

This is the fourth novel by Peter Gordon Williams and in this, his third historical novel, he attempts to put flesh on the bones of the story of the great Welsh national hero, the last native Prince of Wales, Owain Glyn Dŵr.



Williams takes up the story of Glyn Dŵr, warrior, magician, international statesman and political visionary, in 1399. Glyn Dŵr is already middle aged but, after fighting alongside Richard II in the Scottish campaigns, finds Henry IV wanting and so begins the Welsh Revolt: the longest rebellion in medieval history.



This is a colourful and action-packed period of history. The author quotes Shakespeare, in whose play Henry IV, Part 1 Glyn Dŵr is portrayed as Owen Glendower. Williams’s narrative is enriched by characters like mad King Charles (Charles VI of France), and tales from the Arthurian legend and the Mabinogion.



Williams has done his best to bring to life the events of long ago, attributing dialogue, details of personal appearance and emotions to the characters. The reader is transported into the midst of battles, private deliberations and, finally, to the last days of Glyn Dŵr. His date of death is unknown, and his place of rest is a mystery, but here the reader can find a possible resolution as the author places him in a peaceful place at the end of a hard life of great ambition, fighting and, ultimately, unrealised dreams. Scholars have recorded Glyn Dŵr as the father of modern Welsh nationalism. His tragedy was that he did not live to see that story unfold.



This book sets out Owain Glyn Dŵr’s vision: an independent Welsh state, Welsh church and two universities. We know that he summoned two parliaments; however it is questionable that the ideas of modern democracy were part of his vision.



This is a novel for those who love to read about battles and treachery, besieged castles and ambushes, danger, escape, patriotic love, loss and, ultimately, despair. ~Catriona Jackson @ www.gwales.com