News

An author who himself learnt Welsh has written a novel to help other learners. Ewan Smith's novel was inspired by the traditional song 'Hen Ferchetan'. Ewan, who lives in Colwyn Bay, writes pocket novels and romantic and crime stories for women's magazines, The People's Friend and My Weekly, but this is his first novel in Welsh. Why, then, did he turn to the language and start learning enthusiastically?  read more

A new book published by Y Lolfa aims to transform the way people think about Welsh independence. Authors Jim Wingate and Jen Llywelyn share personal experiences and practical exercises in this compact book that aims to decolonise minds. The book, 20 Radical Steps to Welsh Independence: By first decolonising our minds, is a self-help guide, giving the reader various examples and actions to transform the way the reader thinks about Wales.  read more

A new book published on St David’s Day presents a stunning array of images of saints from churches across Wales. The early saints of Wales have become an integral part of the story of the nation. The patron saint, David, or Dewi Sant, remains bound up with modern Welsh identity, and others such as Teilo, Illtud, Cadfan, Melangell, Beuno and Winefride or Gwenfrewy hold a special place in the traditions of different regions across Wales.  read more

Nigel Owens: The Final Whistle is the long-awaited autobiography of one rugby’s favourite characters. The story of Nigel’s career is one of triumph over adversity, hope over despair.  read more

This week sees the publication of the first full biography of this iconic figure – Dic Penderyn: The Man and the Martyr by Sally Roberts Jones. A book launch and concert have been organised in Port Talbot to coincide with the publication.  read more

This week sees award-winning Welsh storyteller and author Daniel Morden’s short story collection, Dark Tales from the Woods, back in print and available in paperback for the first time. Rich with the mystery of the Welsh landscape, the stories are vivid retellings of gypsy tales collected from the famous Wood family of Caegwyn.  read more

With travelling abroad becoming a possibility again, the author of an unusual new handy pocket-sized phrasebook is hoping to use humour to inspire people to learn some simple Italian phrases. Unlike many traditional phrasebooks, Teach Your Dog Italian (Y Lolfa) shows that learning useful expressions doesn’t have to be boring or daunting, and makes picking up a few basics accessible to everyone.  read more

A Welsh author is launching a search for girls’ names to appear in print in her forthcoming book celebrating inspiring women from Wales. Medi Jones-Jackson is asking for the names of would-be wondrous women aged 7-11 as part of her new project. The aim is to collect as many names as possible to print in her new book Wondrous Women of Wales, which will be published this June by Y Lolfa.  read more

This week sees the publication of memories that paint a vivid picture of growing up in the small seaside town of Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula. 'On Bonfires, Butlins and Being Welsh' by Jos Simon (Y Lolfa) is a nostalgic look back at growing up in the 1950s and 1960s.  read more

Dr Wyn Thomas’ highly praised analysis of a turbulent time in Welsh history, Hands Off Wales, has been reprinted by Y Lolfa in a new paperback edition. The book addresses the campaign of militant activism – inspired by ‘Tryweryn’ and the Investiture – which Wales witnessed between 1963 and 1969.  read more