Rhys Davies: A Writer's Life

This is his first full biography, describing the early years of the Blaenclydach grocer's son, his abhorrence of chapel culture, his bohemian years in Fitzrovia, his visit to the Lawrences in the south of France, his unremitting work ethic, his patrons, his admiration for French and Russian writers, his love-hate relationship with the Rhondda, and above all, the dissembling that went into Print of a Hare's Foot (1969), an autobiographical beginning, which proves to be a most unreliable book from start to finish.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 15 January 2019
Publisher: Parthian Books

This is his first full biography, describing the early years of the Blaenclydach grocer's son, his abhorrence of chapel culture, his bohemian years in Fitzrovia, his visit to the Lawrences in the south of France, his unremitting work ethic, his patrons, his admiration for the French and Russian writers who were his models, his love-hate relationship with the Rhondda, and above all, the dissembling that went into the print of a Hare's Foot (1969), an autobiographical beginning that proves to be a most unreliable book from start to finish.

Early Life and Education

John Thomas was born on March 18, 1893, in Blaenclydach, a small village in South Wales. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a humble household. His father was a grocer, and the family struggled to make ends meet. Despite their financial difficulties, John Thomas was a bright and ambitious young man. He attended Blaenclydach Primary School and later studied at the local grammar school.

Chapel Culture and Disdain

John Thomas had a deep-seated disdain for chapel culture, which was prevalent in the Welsh valleys at the time. He believed that it was a waste of time and money and that it had a negative impact on the lives of the people who attended it. He was particularly critical of the religious hypocrisy and the moralistic preaching that he saw as prevalent in the chapel.

Bohemian Years in Fitzrovia

In his early twenties, John Thomas moved to London and settled in Fitzrovia. He was drawn to the vibrant and bohemian atmosphere of the area and quickly became involved in the artistic and literary circles. He met many famous writers and artists, including W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, and E.M. Forster.

Visit to the Lawrences in France

In 1919, John Thomas visited the Lawrences in the south of France. He was impressed by their lifestyle and their artistic achievements. He was particularly struck by Lawrence's novel, "The Ploughman's Lunch," and his poetry.

Unremitting Work Ethic

John Thomas was a hard worker and a dedicated writer. He spent many hours at his desk, writing and rewriting his work. He was determined to succeed in his chosen field and was willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve his goals.

Patrons and Admiration

John Thomas had many patrons and admirers throughout his career. He was particularly admired by the French and Russian writers who were his models. He was influenced by their style and their use of language and was determined to emulate them in his own work.

Love-Hate Relationship with the Rhondda

John Thomas had a complex relationship with the Rhondda, the valley where he was born and raised. He loved the beauty of the countryside and the sense of community that he felt there. However, he also felt that the valley was trapped in a cycle of poverty and unemployment.

Dissembling in Print of a Hare's Foot

John Thomas's most famous work, "Print of a Hare's Foot," was published in 1969. It was an autobiographical beginning, which proved to be a most unreliable book from start to finish. The book was filled with dissembling and self-contradiction, and it was clear that John Thomas was not being honest with his readers.

Conclusion

John Thomas was a complex and fascinating character. He was a talented writer and a dedicated worker, but he was also a man with a deep-seated disdain for chapel culture and a complex relationship with his hometown. "Print of a Hare's Foot" is a testament to his dissembling and his willingness to deceive his readers. Despite his flaws, John Thomas remains a significant figure in the history of Welsh literature and a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in writing.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912109968