Overview

An exploration of Wales's deep connections to music through one specific style: the hymn. Even as many in the modern world draw away from organized religion, the great hymns of our time persist: we turn to them at weddings and funerals, at rugby matches, and in pubs. Bringing together twelve of Wales's best-loved hymns from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, Poems from the Soul reveals the heart and soul of a people's poetry. These are the poems of ordinary folk—blacksmiths, farmers, and preachers—and they played a vital role in the creation of the Welsh people. Ranging from the visionary intensity of Ann Griffiths to the striking biblical imagery of Wales's unofficial national anthem ""Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,"" in every hymn a single, singular voice sings out, loud and strong with fear, hope, ecstasy, or anxiety. With original illustrations by Ruth Jên Evans throughout, this collection offers insights into the making of a modern nation and demonstrates the transformative power of voices raised in song.

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9781837600113

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Reviews

""The University of Wales Press produced the book, but it's easily available through distribution in North America. The design is captivating, with a dozen full-page black-and-white block print illustrations by Ruth Jen Evans that capture the emotions of reaching and yearning for what's divine. All these hymn-poems are Christian, but with a sense of universality to the emotions of faith so that people of all faiths, or none, may benefit from them.""-- ""Spirituality & Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys"" ""This book feels like introductory love-letters from a doyen of the Welsh literary scene. . . What this book has shown is that hymns not only 'persist in hanging around', but that they come from remarkable spaces.""-- ""Nation.Cymru""

"""The University of Wales Press produced the book, but it's easily available through distribution in North America. The design is captivating, with a dozen full-page black-and-white block print illustrations by Ruth Jen Evans that capture the emotions of reaching and yearning for what's divine. All these hymn-poems are Christian, but with a sense of universality to the emotions of faith so that people of all faiths, or none, may benefit from them.""-- ""Spirituality & Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys"" ""This book feels like introductory love-letters from a doyen of the Welsh literary scene. . . What this book has shown is that hymns not only 'persist in hanging around', but that they come from remarkable spaces.""-- ""Nation.Cymru"""

"""This book feels like introductory love-letters from a doyen of the Welsh literary scene. . . What this book has shown is that hymns not only 'persist in hanging around', but that they come from remarkable spaces.""-- ""Nation.Cymru"""

Author Information

M. Wynn Thomas is professor of English and Emyr Humphreys Professor of Welsh Writing in English at Swansea University in Wales. He is the author of several books, including The History of Wales in Twelve Poems and A Map of Love: Twelve Welsh Poems of Romance, Desire and Devotion, also published by the University of Wales Press. Ruth Jên Evans is a professional artist who specializes in printmaking. She lives in Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion, Wales.

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