These are resources which I found worthwhile in my preparation for, and travels in Wales. If I found a work of particularly high utility, I marked it with an astreisk(*).
Maps and Atlases
AA Road Atlas Great Britain*
18th Edition - September 1998:The Automobile Association publishes a fine atlas covering all of the UK at a scale of 4 miles to the inch, for a reasonable price. The maps show not only the major roads and give limited topographic information, but also most of the minor roads, except in the more urban areas. I find this atlas or the next one indispencable for planning and driving. The symbols help in locating sites of interest, so that a reasonable itinery can be created.
Ordinance Survey Motoring Atlas of Great Britain*
The Ordinance Survey produces wonderful charts and Atlases, this one at a scale of 3 miles to the inch, the comments for the AA atlas apply to this book with equal validity.
Books
History
The History of the Kings of Britain
by Geoffery of Monmouth (Gaufridus Monemutensis)Translation by Lewis Thorpe Penguin Books, London, 1976
Geoffrey of Monmouth gives us a history of the British Kings that spans the misty times from the legendary founding of Britain by Brutus of Troy (ca. 1240 B.C.), great-grandson of Aeneas to Cadwallader of the Cymri, who died in 689 A.D. I found it fascinating to discover that Lear and Cymbeline (ca.750 B.C. and 40 B.C., respectively) appear as historical figures.
The Journey through Wales/The Description of Wales
by Gerald of Wales (Geraldus Cambrensis)Translation by Lewis Thorpe Penguin Books, London, 1976
I found this translation of the White Book of Rhydderch quite interesting in a number ways. I guess that since the tales were intended for telling by bards, the book emphasises who did things and what they looked like, rather than the action itself, which is only roughly outlined, so that the bard is given a great deal of freedom in spinning the action of the tale. Composed between the second half of the 11th century and the end of the 13th century from much older oral traditons, The Mabinogoin is the definitive record of Welsh mythology and folklore. The collection concludes with a group of three Arthurian romances which show Norman-French influence and are related to the work of 12th-century French poet Chr�tien de Troyes.
Politics
Tourism
Michelin Green Guide to Wales*
Michelin's slender green guide is rich in photographs and maps, as well as notes on the relative qualities and interest of those details which make a great deal of difference to the tourist. Rich in historical comments, I found this guide more than helpful in planning my journey.
Blue Guide: Wales*
8th Edition - 1995
by John Tomes A&C Black, London, 1995
Over the years, I have found the Blue Guide series to offer an unparalleled insight into the significance and history of the personalities, sights, arts, antiquities and architecture of every village and town of the book's given region. While the format is somewhat old fashioned, the content is of such high value that I consider this book a true must to bring along.
Folklore and Literature
The Mabinogion
Translation with introduction by Jeffrey Gantz Penguin Books, London, 1976
I found this translation of the White Book of Rhydderch quite interesting in a number ways. I guess that since the tales were intended for telling by bards, the book emphasises who did things and what they looked like, rather than the action itself, which is only roughly outlined, so that the bard is given a great deal of freedom in spinning the action of the tale. Composed between the second half of the 11th century and the end of the 13th century from much older oral traditons, The Mabinogoin is the definitive record of Welsh mythology and folklore. The collection concludes with a group of three Arthurian romances which show Norman-French influence and are related to the work of 12th-century French poet Chr�tien de Troyes.
Nature
Springtime in Britain
Edwin Way Teale Dodd,Mead & Co., New York, 1970
This wonderful book describes the natural history of the entire Isle of Britain, imparting a lovely comprehension of the plush green land of Wales.
Jim Flegg's Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe
Jim Flegg New Holland Ltd, London, 1990
A very useful reference if you are interested in birding.
