Fury of Past Time: A Life of Gwyn Thomas

Gwyn Thomas was a Welsh writer who was born in 1913 into a mining family. He studied Spanish at Oxford University and witnessed the Spanish Civil War. He wrote novels, screenplays, short stories, and plays, which portrayed the world of South Wales. His creative genius earned him fame on both sides of the Atlantic and the European Cold War divide. This biography, enriched with private papers and international archives, tells the remarkable story of one of modern Wales's greatest literary voices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Parthian Books

Gwyn Thomas, born in 1913 into a Rhondda mining family, was the last of twelve children. His childhood was marked by the strikes of the 1920s, which shaped his perspective on the world. After studying Spanish at Oxford University and in Madrid, where he met the renowned poet Federico Garcia Lorca, Thomas witnessed the tumultuous events that led to the Spanish Civil War. Upon his return to Wales in the 1930s, amidst the economic challenges and his growing teaching career in Barry, he picked up his pen and began to write.

For over forty years, until his passing in 1981, Thomas excelled as a novelist, screenwriter, master of the short story, and prizewinning playwright. His creative genius earned him enduring fame on both sides of the Atlantic and across the European Cold War divide. As a provocative and insightful broadcaster, he embraced the possibilities of radio and television, leaving his hosts and guests in fits of knowing laughter.

This landmark biography, enriched with unparalleled access to private papers and international archives, tells the remarkable story of one of modern Wales's greatest literary voices. It explores Thomas's upbringing, education, and literary journey, highlighting his contributions to Welsh literature and his impact on the world stage. Through extensive research and analysis, the book sheds light on Thomas's personal life, relationships, and struggles, providing a comprehensive and engaging portrait of a truly remarkable individual.

Dimension: 215 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914595196