Next Phase of the Library of Wales Project

Following five successful years of the flagship Library of Wales project, the Welsh Books Council has awarded Parthian the tender to publish the next list of fifteen classic books from Wales.

The Library of Wales is a prestigious Welsh Government-funded project that has already brought back to print 29 English-language classics from Wales, reacquainting the nation with its rich literary heritage. Aimed at the general reader, the next three books to be published in October 2011 are ‘The Volunteers’ by Raymond Williams, ‘All Things Betray Thee’ by Gwyn Thomas and ‘Goodbye, Twentieth Century’ by Dannie Abse.

Professor M. Wynn Thomas, Chair of the Welsh Books Council, extended his congratulations to Parthian: “It is good to see that, as the founding publishers of the Library of Wales, Parthian are proposing to extend and develop this important series.”

Richard Davies, Director of Parthian, added, “We’ve got some fascinating new titles planned in the Library, books by Dannie Abse, Brenda Chamberlain, Raymond Williams, James Hanley that continue to emphasise the range and vitality of Welsh writing in English.”

The series has attracted some high-profile fans. Renowned author Philip Pullman was enchanted by the latest Library of Wales title, ‘Make Room for the Jester’ by north-Wales writer, Stead Jones. Pullman will join the Series Editor, Professor Dai Smith, Richard Davies and Jon Gower in conversation at the Hay Festival on Sunday 5 June at 11.30am in the Elmley Foundation Theatre.