Welsh Recusant Writing (Writers of Wales) - Softcover

Geraint Bowen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0708315151 ISBN 13: 9780708315156

Publisher: University of Wales Press, 1999

Synopsis

A collection of writings from the time of Queen Elizabeth I and the Stuarts, by Catholics who refused to attend Protestant services. They discuss many aspects of Catholic devotions and dogma and give an illuminating insight into their lives and times under hardship and repression.

About this title

Review

'This short book in the Writers of Wales series deserves the attention of recusant scholars everywhere.' Recusant History

Synopsis

The word recusant was originally used to describe those Catholics whose names were entered on registers because of their refusal to attend Anglican services during the reign of Elizabeth I, but the term 'recusant writings' covers writing by Catholics, whether open or covert. For over a hundred years after the accession of Elizabeth in 1588, the publication of Catholic books was prohibited by law. Nevertheless, during that period the registered recusants, others who had avoided registration and, most notably, the Welsh Catholic emigres made a substantial contribution to Welsh scholarship. Welsh recusant writing, published abroad, on secret presses at home, or, as was most often the case, remaining in manuscript, was not confined to works of Catholic devotion and dogma. The Tudor period witnessed important developments in Welsh scholarship and literature, and the first contributions to this development were made by exiled Catholics. The enforced residence abroad, particularly in Italy, of men like Morys Clynnog, Gruffydd Robert, Sion Dafydd Rhys and Owen Lewis gave them access to the learning of the Renaissance and to the knowledge and enthusiasm of its most notable exponents.

The humanist belief that the vernacular could be elevated to the status and dignity of the classical languages led the exiles to attempt to achieve that standing for their native tongue, Welsh, and the consequences were far-reaching. Geraint Bowen's book is the fruit of many years of research and is the first to be published on writing by Welsh recusants.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Wales Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0708315151
• ISBN 13: 9780708315156
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 89