Seriously injured whilst serving as a member of the British Expeditionary Force in 1940, Alexander Cordell's convalescence was spent at Harlech in North Wales, giving him a fascination and love of Wales and its people.
"I was never happy anywhere till I came to Wales and I am really sorry that I am not Welsh. Inthe Welsh people I have found a frankness, friendliness, hospitality and industry that I have found nowhere else." Alexander cordell 1959 at the success of "Rape of the Fair Country."
Opinions vary on the accuracy of his portrayal of valley life, but the writing certainly provides for the reader, the full spectrum of humour, violence, romance and much more. His wonderfully poetic prose is explosively descriptive. Its well worth reading one or more of his books for a taste of how life may have been in the Valleys during the heat of the Industrial Revolution.
Alexander Cordell wrote many books between 1954 and 1997, but his trilogy follows a family
through the Industrial Revolution - a soap long before Coronation Street.
"Rape of the Fair Country"
"Hostsof Rebecca"
"Song of the Earth"
A museum in his honour is located on the ground floor below the library in Blaenavon, Torfaen and he is also mentioned at the town's Heritage Centre.
Chris Barber of Blorenge Books has written many books on the South Wales area including:
"In the footsteps of Alexander Cordell," providing an insight into how the author researched his books in the area.
(Note: I love rummaging around charity shops. You can make some interesting finds.)
"I was never happy anywhere till I came to Wales and I am really sorry that I am not Welsh. Inthe Welsh people I have found a frankness, friendliness, hospitality and industry that I have found nowhere else." Alexander cordell 1959 at the success of "Rape of the Fair Country."
Opinions vary on the accuracy of his portrayal of valley life, but the writing certainly provides for the reader, the full spectrum of humour, violence, romance and much more. His wonderfully poetic prose is explosively descriptive. Its well worth reading one or more of his books for a taste of how life may have been in the Valleys during the heat of the Industrial Revolution.
Alexander Cordell wrote many books between 1954 and 1997, but his trilogy follows a family
through the Industrial Revolution - a soap long before Coronation Street.
"Rape of the Fair Country"
"Hostsof Rebecca"
"Song of the Earth"
 |
| Cover of Coronet Books, published 1984 First published 1960 |
A museum in his honour is located on the ground floor below the library in Blaenavon, Torfaen and he is also mentioned at the town's Heritage Centre.
Chris Barber of Blorenge Books has written many books on the South Wales area including:
"In the footsteps of Alexander Cordell," providing an insight into how the author researched his books in the area.
(Note: I love rummaging around charity shops. You can make some interesting finds.)
No comments:
Post a Comment