‘This monograph, which complements the earlier book
by Delyth George, will stimulate the reader who, like the present reviewer,
knows only the Lleifior novels, to venture further and enjoy the writings of the
man regarded as the father of the modern Welsh novel.’ (gwales.com)
The 1950s was a watershed in the history of the Welsh-language novel. This was largely due to Islwyn Ffowc Elis, whose Cysgod y Cryman (The Shadow of the Sickle) is considered a milestone in the development of the form in Welsh. In this and in subsequent work, Islwyn Ffowc Elis succeeded in giving the Welsh novel contemporary relevance, thereby opening up a new range of themes and ideas for exploration by the rising generation of novelists. In this first book-length study in English of Islwyn Ffowc Elis, T. Robin Chapman provides a comprehensive assessment of the work of an author regarded by many as the father of the modern Welsh novel.
