The Companion Guide to Wales (Companion Guides)
Publisher: Companion Guides
Published: January 1, 1970
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 440
ISBN-13: 9781900639439
Subjects: British & Irish history; Wales; History; Travel - Foreign; History: World; Europe - Great Britain - Wales; Europe - Gt. Britain/Wales; Europe - Great Britain - General; Description and travel
Description: The question posed to the author once by a prospective visitor to Wales - 'What is there to see?' - is not susceptible of a short, or quick, answer. For the delights of Wales are cumulative and understated: a succession of small country churches rather than great city cathedrals, a labyrinth of byways away from the few highways, details of vernacular architecture rather than grand edifices, the thirteenth-century Edwardian castles being the exception that proves this rule. A cultural tradition rooted in the austerity and erudition of the Celtic saints, a tradition more confirmed than repudiated by the Reformation, is best appreciated by lovers of small things. Wales is a country where small is beautiful. For although the juggernaut of globalisation may be threatening the Welsh way of life with extinction, in the words of a contemporary Welsh folk anthem: 'In spite of everything, we're still here.'