The Companion Guide to Wales

David Barnes

The question posed to the author once by a prospective visitor to Wales - 'What is there to see?' - is not susceptible of a short, or quick, answer. For the delights of Wales are cumulative and understated: a succession of small country churches rather than great city cathedrals, a labyrinth of byways away from the few highways, details of vernacular architecture rather than grand edifices, the thirteenth-century Edwardian castles being the exception that proves this rule. A cultural tradition rooted in the austerity and erudition of the Celtic saints, a tradition more confirmed than repudiated by the Reformation, is best appreciated by lovers of small things.

Wales is a country where small is beautiful. For although the juggernaut of globalisation may be threatening the Welsh way of life with extinction, in the words of a contemporary Welsh folk anthem: 'In spite of everything, we're still here.'

DAVID BARNES is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and teaches at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

click on image to enlarge

Reviews
A lively, informed, authoritative and entertaining account of what Wales has to offer native and newcomer alike. [...]A clear, polished and informative text that manages to balance detail with a broader sweep at almost every bend in the road. PLANET
David Barnes...is knowledgeable, nicely ironic and wholly committed to introducing the reader to the charms of Wales, including some of the lesser but no less interesting places[...] This is a book that ought to be in the glove compartment of every Welsh patriot's car. CAMBRIA
The author's personality is strongly felt throughout and as such fulfils the aims set out by the Companion guides, which intend their authors to communicate both their 'knowledge and affection' for a place they know intimately. This book communicates both with ease. WWW.GWALES.COM [with the permission of the Welsh Books Council]