Adolygiadau
Possibly my first exposure to Welsh Evangelicalism came through the writings of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who regularly turned to such eighteenth-century preachers as Daniel Rowland and Howel Harris for inspiration and encouragement. Once authors like these men were read, I too was hooked, and the Welsh revivals of the long eighteenth century, with their distinctive Celtic flavor, have often been a deep source of encouragement to this fellow Celt with Irish roots.Two of the great figures of these revivals were the hymnwriters William Williams Pantycelyn (1717–1791) and Ann Griffiths (1776–1805). Pantycleyn played the critical role in defining the contours of the Welsh hymn, and can really be considered the father of Welsh hymnody through his some one thousand hymns. Griffiths, who left only seventy stanzas (as well as eight letters) is more limited in the scope of her hymnody. Her hymns, though, are a tremendous witness to the beauty and glory of the Incarnate Lord Jesus. This edition of Hodges' essays on both of these remarkable hymnwriters also contains a full translation of all of Griffiths' hymns. Very highly recommended!
- Michael A.G. Haykin, Books at a Glance
Wyn James's encyclopaedic Flame in the Mountains collates the late Professor "Horse" Hodges's extensive, elegant, and courteous material on William Williams and Griffiths, including an English metrical and prose translation of Griffiths's hymns, with commentary. This is a poetic expression of Welsh revivalism.
- Rt Revd David Wilbourne, Church Times
I cannot recommend reading this book highly enough. It is an important work that opens up a source of spirituality that is profoundly Christian and genuinely expressing the geography of the country in which the two hymn writers lived. This is no synthetic, new-age faux Celtic spirituality, but the lived experience of Christians.
- Father Richard Peers, EducationPriest
"I cannot recommend reading this book highly enough. It is an important work that opens up a source of spiritually that it profoundly Christian and genuinely expressing the geography of the country in which the two hymn writers lived.
- Father Richard, educationpriest.wordpress.com
"The publication of this volume now feels nothing short of miraculous, and Wyn James is owed a great debt of gratitude for finally effecting it and adding greatly to its scope by his skilfull inclusion of some of the unpublished notes that were to accompany Hodges' and Allchin's edition of Ann [Griffiths]'s work, his own critical edition of the Welsh text of her hymns, and notes on her scriptural references and allusions. It is of immense value for any serious student of Ann Griffiths, and provides an illuminating and inspiring guide to anyone new to the riches of the Welsh hymn and its two greatest exponents.
- Nicola Mason, Fairacres Chronicle
This is a rich and rewarding collection. Both H. A. Hodges and A. M. Allchin would concede that their perspectives on Welsh literature are those of outsiders, yet to have their critical and objective appreciation of our greatest hymnwriters is a boon to students of Welsh hymnody and Welsh literature. And for those who believe that translating Welsh literature into English is 'selling the pass', a volume like this should give pause for thought.
- Rhidian Griffiths, Gwales
"This collection provides a valuable overview of two of the most prominent Welsh hymn writers [William Williams and Ann Griffiths]... This is a valuable study for those unfamiliar with the broader topic of the power and elegance of the Welsh hymn. While there are other books that introduce Ann Griffiths and her poetry and letters this volume provides the most useful and extensive notes and background on her life and literary genius. It deserves a broad reception among those whose interest lies in hymnody, early Evangelicalism and Christian spirituality.
- Tom Schwanda, Journal of Ecclesiastical History
There is much here to draw many of Reform [magazine]. Flame in the Mountains brings to our attention something beautiful that is in danger of being lost. Hodges wanted us to hear these distincitve voices from a place he loved: Wales has a voice of its own, and has something to say. He has helped us hear it.
- Reform
"a formidable introduction to [Williams Pantycelyn and Ann Griffiths], to the Welsh Calvanistic Methodist movement of which they were part and to an already thriving scholarly discourse surrounding these topics... By providing its readers a compendium of not only primary materials but also much research they have already inspired, this edition resonates with recent recovery efforts while adding yet another dynamic to them. As such, it will be necessary reading for all who desire a more comprehensive knowledge of the social, religious and literary cultures of Romantic Britain.
- Matthew C. Jones, Romantic Textualities
An important book.
- The Hymn Society
"This is the best book about [Ann Griffiths]. Her letters are simply stunning.
- Father Richard, Twitter
