The Little Book of Welsh Culture

Did you know?

• Richard Burton claimed that he would rather have played rugby for Wales at Cardiff Arms Park than Hamlet at the Old Vic.

• Local rivalries between choirs in the ‘land of song’ used to be so fierce that fights would break out following singing competitions.

• Roald Dahl was an RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War, and a near-death crash landing inspired his first published work.

The Little Book of Welsh Culture is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the cultural heritage of Wales, crammed full of myths, traditions and personalities.

Experience the country’s immense artistic legacy as never before, from the medieval legends surrounding King Arthur and The Mabinogion to its modern-day transformation into a thriving filming location for big-screen blockbusters. Discover the truth behind the ancient druidic rituals of the National Eisteddfod, separate the facts from the fiction that surround Dylan Thomas’ infamous lifestyle, and learn how Wales successfully regenerated the Doctor Who franchise – and unearth some fascinating secrets and hidden gems along the way.

MARK REES is the arts writer for Wales’ largest selling newspaper, the South Wales Evening Post and also writes for several leading magazines and weekly titles, including Swansea Life. Outside of print, he is a member of the Wales Theatre Awards judging panel, hosts a monthly arts show on local radio, has presented three documentaries on Welsh culture and, as a fluent Welsh language speaker, plays an active role at the National Eisteddfod. He lives in Port Talbot.