The Welsh Language: A History

First off, I loved the author’s reason for writing this book- it was a book she herself wanted to read, but it didn’t exist yet!Anything you might want to understand about the development, downfall and resurgence of the Welsh language is in this book. Loads of historical, cultural, religious and economic information. It gives a great all around picture of Wales.

A lovely book but it’s more about how Welsh was spoken than the language itself

This is a good book, in much need of an upgrade. So much has changed regarding the language since Davies published this excellent and helpful volume. This interested in the basic story of how the language evolved will find this most helpful.Davies does a super job in avoiding jargon and redundancy. She did a good job researching for this publication and anyone interested in Welsh history in general and the language in particular will benefit from this quick read.

The author does a great job of quickly but efficiently taking readers through Welsh history and each stage of the Welsh language/its role in various time periods. There are also sections on the language's unique features and grammar. A must-buy for anyone interested in Wales, its language, or language in general. Who knows -- someone may pick this up and be inspired to start learning this incredible language!

Great history of an ancient and still vital language. Prof. Davies also gives an enthusiastic account of the modern revival of the Welsh language, not only in Wales but in other countries. The book increases one's appreciation for the beauty, history, and literary depth of this colorful language. As a Welsh-American laboring to learn Welsh, I found this book to be an added inspiration.

Very true with content, honest and interesting to Welsh people. The survival of the language is very important, historical and culturally to Wales.

A very good in depth study of the Welsh Language. The book also points out why all Languages need to be saved. If you have a love for History and Linguistics Read this book

I really enjoyed learns by more of the specifics of Welsh language history and the amazing resilience of this language. Whether you are a linguist or a history-buff, I suggest this read.

I'm learning Cymraeg at the moment and I kept getting reccomendations for this book, so I decided to read it and I'm really glad I did. As someone who is Welsh but does not speak Cymraeg, has grown up mostly in England, with a Welsh speaking grandmother, I have a lot of feelings about being able to speak the language that should be my mother-tongue.This book has not just given me a good introductory grounding on the history of Cymraeg as a language through from the early mediavel to current day, but also provided me several bits of language learning I didn't have, including some particular bits of pronunciation, the dialectical differences, and so on. I heartily reccomend it to anyone learning Cymraeg, as well as language enthusiasts.Gwnewch bopeth yn Gymraeg!

Great book, interesting information. This book is straight to the point and doesn't go on a train wreck of ideas as some other books do. This is definitely your type of book if you like straight forward and detailed information. This is a must have introduction for any Celtic studies student or inquisitive mind. I am English but if you are proud of being Welsh then this will add to that and give you a deeper sense of your identity. A language is the backbone of a culture as someone once said.

An excellent read for both myself, a fluent Welsh speaker, and my husband from the Middle East who has enjoyed studying the language for over twenty years. Can heartily recommend.

Still trying to learn this because Dad has been gone from me for 37 years

I found this book interesting and well researched. I was hoping for more on the history pre-medieval and more etymology. Maybe a later edition remedies this. Still worthwhile though