Gwlad! Gwlad!
We are delighted to be publishing the Summer 26 issue of the New Welsh Review, issue 140 Gwlad! Gwlad! which is launched at Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las this Thursday. And in introducing the new editor, Imogen Davies. Originally from Aberystwyth Imogen has studied in Durham, Barcelona and Edinburgh. She has an interest in literature in translation especially from Welsh and Catalan both of which she can speak in addition to French and Spanish.
"The aim of this issue of New Welsh Review, my first as editor, is to explore the definition of what it means to be Welsh. Celebrating the diversity of Cymru and its people. From Cymru’s Muslim community to queer Welsh poets, cultural connections between Cymru and Japan, and creative pieces written by those who can speak Cymraeg and those who cannot. All equally Welsh. Launching this issue at the National Eisteddfod in Y Garreg Las is an opportunity to come together and honour the nuanced and multi-faceted nature of Welsh identity through literature and the arts. Perhaps this issue can give readers a reason to retreat to a shady corner and cool off, taking shelter from the environmental and political heat of the world, and have their own ‘Hydration Break’. Quenching a human thirst for literature and the arts, offering a means of escape from the burning state of the world, if only for a short while." Imogen Davies, August 26
You can read more about the plans for the magazine here on Nation.Cymru.
Issue 140 Gwlad! Gwlad! is launched at Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las this Thursday (11am Parthian stand (next to Cardiff Uni stand) 6th August). The issue includes work by Esyllt Lewis, Kate Roberts, Hilary Watson and Katie Gramich, a photo essay by Catrin Menai, reviews by Hanan Issa, Stevie Davies, Hannah Dafforn and Daryl Leeworthy, an interview with Brennig Davies, a cartoon by Corb Davies plus an archival essay on “The making of the Anglo Welsh tradition”, taken from the very first issue of the NWR in 1988.
As a reader of the NWR (past and present) I hope you can continue to buy the magazine. In the brave new world of Welsh publishing and bookselling we are encouraging readers to order a copy from your local bookshop in Wales. Most are now regularly stocking it and all can order through the Books Council of Wales.
If you live outside Wales or would prefer to receive the NWR by post you can buy issue 140 here or if you would like to subscribe for three issues you can do so here via this page.
The next issue (141) will be published in November and will have a focus on Welsh Gothic while issue 142 will have a theme on the incredible diversity of children’s literature from Wales past and present.
I do hope you find the new edition interesting.
With best wishes,
Richard Davies
Publisher Parthian and New Welsh Review