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24
March, 2005
PUBLISHER
APPOINTED FOR LIBRARY OF WALES PROJECT
A major development in the Library of Wales project was announced
today with the appointment of Cardigan publishing company
Parthian as the publisher for the series.
 The
Library of Wales is an ambitious project that will bring back
to print a long list of English-language classics from Wales.
Aimed at the general reader the initial list of titles will
include volumes by Gwyn Thomas, Raymond Williams and the Rhondda
writer Ron Berry. The first five books in the series will
be published in January 2006.
Reading the classics (from right)
with Alun Pugh, the Culture Minister, and Professor Dai Smith,
Elwyn Jones for the Books Council and Richard Davies, Parthian.
‘Too many of the best works by Welsh writers have been
out of print for too long,’ said Kirsti Bohata on behalf
of the Welsh Books Council who will oversee the project. ‘This
high-profile project is intended not only to encourage greater
educational take-up of these important books but to make an
immediate impact on the public imagination in this country
and abroad. We are confident that the publicity surrounding
the project will also be seen as a further boost to Welsh
Writing in English.’
The concept of the Library of Wales series was initially discussed
during the National Assembly’s Culture Committee review
of Welsh Writing in English and it is supported by additional
financial funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Alun Pugh, the Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport,
said: ‘The Library of Wales is a great opportunity for
us to celebrate our literary heritage. These books are
not remote, academic studies, but works of popular interest
that will appeal to readers on many different levels.
The Library of Wales will revive interest in our literary
classics as well as giving fresh impetus to promoting new
English-language writing from Wales.’
Professor Dai Smith will act as the Series Editor on the project,
directing the list and commissioning special introductions
for each book. He said, ‘The Library of Wales will
keep in print the English-language literature of Wales in
ways that will connect our past to our present. It will
be an essential tool in the self-understanding required to
build an emergent Wales. The world will note how we now sustain
our common memory through literature and will share in our
riches.’
Dr Richard Davies, Managing Director of Parthian added: ‘We
are delighted to have been awarded this major project and
look forward to the challenge of publishing a landmark series
of books that represent some of the best writing produced
in Wales. These are good books and we want them to be read
and enjoyed.’
For further information please contact: Elwyn Jones, Head
of Administration and Public Relations, Welsh Books Council,
Castell Brychan, ABERYSTWYTH, Ceredigion SY23 2JB T
(01970) 624151 F (01970) 625385 elwyn.jones@wbc.org.uk
Or contact Professor Dai Smith – (01446) 721064 or Parthian
– Dominic Williams (07773) 559857
Photo caption:
1.Reading the classics (from right) with Alun Pugh, the Culture
Minister, and Professor Dai Smith, Elwyn Jones for the Books
Council and Richard Davies, Parthian.
2.Discussing the classics (from right): Alun Pugh, the Minister
for Culture, Professor Dai Smith and Richard Davies, Parthian.
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