This post was last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 03:55 pm
These non-fiction books about Welsh themes cover topics from history to food to politics and the story of the Welsh flag. If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating country, you’ll probably enjoy this list.
Before we dive into the books, what do we mean by “Welsh themes?” Welsh themes are specific concepts or subjects related to Wales—things with an undeniable Welshness factor. They can extend to objects and even certain emotions. For example, what is the motto of the Welsh? The motto of the Welsh is “Cymru am byth,” which means “Wales forever.” You’ve probably seen this phrase printed on mugs, shirts, banners, and lots of websites related to Wales.
Some of the more well-known Welsh themes include the national emblems of Wales (the leek and daffodil), Y Ddraig Goch (the red dragon on the Welsh flag), certain foods like cawl (hearty soup) and Welsh cakes, and keepsakes like Welsh love spoons.
Another thing the Welsh are known for is the Welsh triple harp, which is the national instrument of Wales. Musicians still play the instrument, especially at Eisteddfod, a festival of music, performance, and literature. Sheep farming in Wales also has a high Welshness factor, as, at one time, wool accounted for two-thirds of the country’s national exports. And, of course, castles! With over 400 castle ruins still in existence, there’s nowhere on Earth besides Cymru where you can find so many castles per area.
This post is about Welsh themes.
Welsh Themes That Endure
The Red Kite
Red kites have lived in Cymru for as long as 120,000 years. Many Welsh people consider this bird of prey to be an unofficial symbol of wildlife in Wales and the preservation thereof. Farmers and poachers hunted them nearly to extinction in the 20th century. By the early 1900s, only two breeding pairs remained in central Wales in the forests of rural valleys.
It took truly incredible conservation efforts to increase their numbers. Fortunately, the Kite Committee succeeded, and you can now see red kites flying high over the Welsh countryside. In 2007, Welsh people voted red kites as their favorite national bird. This fascinating article by Bird Spot tells all about the incredible comeback of red kites in Wales.
The Leek
The leek’s use as a symbol in Welsh culture dates back to ancient times. Legend has it that in the 7th century, Cadwaladr, the King of Gwynedd, instructed his men to place leeks on their armour to distinguish themselves from the Saxons in battle.
Later, in the 14th century, another origin story emerged as to how the leek became a Welsh emblem. It’s tied to the Battle of Crécy in France, which took place on 26 August 1346. In a series of battles, the Welsh brought victory to Prince Edward the Black and his troops. The story goes that several thousand Welsh archers assailed their foe with an array of skillfully shot arrows in a leek field.
While not native to Wales, there are two theories as to how this vegetable came to Cymru. One is that the Phoenicians brought them to Britain to trade for tin around 1,500 BC. Another theory is that the Romans brought them after they invaded in 43 AD. However it may have happened that leeks came to Wales, they’ve since evolved into a truly Welsh crop with its own protected status. Leeks are celebrated as an emblem and as a traditional food in Welsh leek recipes.
Rebellion and Perseverance
For lovers of famous Welsh history, “The Welsh Braveheart” is certainly an evocative title. To this day, Owain Glyndŵr remains one of the most legendary figures, his name being synonymous with the Welsh themes of rebellion and perseverance.
The Welsh Braveheart: Owain Glyndŵr, The Last Prince of Wales by Phil Carradice
From the blurb: Like William Wallace in Scotland, Owain Glyndŵr fought for his country and was only finally defeated by superior numbers and the military genius of Henry V. Yet Glyndŵr was not just a freedom fighter. He was the last native-born Prince of Wales, a man who initiated the first Welsh parliament at Machynlleth and proposed an entirely independent Welsh church. Glyndŵr also laid plans for two Welsh universities, proposed a return to the far-sighted and revolutionary Laws of Hywel Dda, and formed a Tripartite Agreement with Henry Percy and Edmund Mortimer. It led to an invasion of England and nearly brought the reign of Henry V to an end.
And yet, despite his success and popularity, Glyndŵr’s rebellion seriously damaged the Welsh economy, with towns destroyed and much agricultural land laid to waste. Even so, he was never betrayed by his people, despite a huge reward being offered for his capture. Glyndŵr refused at least two offers of pardon from the English crown and remains the supreme champion of the underdog.
The Welsh Kings: Warriors, Warlords and Princes by Kari Maund
Next on our list of non-fiction books with Welsh themes is Kari Maund’s incredible book about the rulers of Cymru in the early medieval period. If you want to learn about the kingdoms of Wales, this is the book to read! And great news: it’s available for Kindle now.
I wrote an entire post on this work and also included related information about Wales in the Early Middle Ages. You can read it here: Power Struggle of the Welsh Kings: Warriors, Warlords and Princes.
Tryweryn: A Nation Awakes (The Story of a Welsh Freedom Fighter) by Owain Williams
Tryweryn – A Nation Awakes tells of one of the Welsh leaders in history whom we rarely hear mentioned. Through this insightful autobiography, you can learn the true story of events during a turbulent time in Wales in the 1960s.
From the blurb: The life story of Owain Williams, the Welsh Freedom Fighter (and later a councillor) who was jailed in 1963 for blowing up an electricity pylon as part of the bombing campaign against the building of the Tryweryn reservoir to provide water for the city of Liverpool.
“He’s got a tale to tell that will not only entertain and keep you turning the pages, but will hopefully verify his dream of inspiring you to dedicate your services to Wales and the Welsh language.” —Eifion Glyn
“Owain Williams’s personal and political life has been colourful to say the least, and his marital breakdowns, relationships, and family tragedies are all documented very honestly in this eminently readable volume… This is a well-written book which, in parts, resembles a fictional thriller in its excitement, and which also sheds some significant new light on a turbulent and exciting period in Welsh history, and on one of its most enigmatic figures.” —Richard E Huws, Gwales
Welsh History
A Brief History of Wales (A Brief History – Around the World Edition) by KJ Smith
From the blurb: A Brief History of Wales takes readers on a fascinating journey through the rich and resilient history of this Celtic nation. From its ancient origins and the legacy of the Britons to Roman occupation and the emergence of powerful medieval Welsh kingdoms, this book provides a concise yet comprehensive look at Wales’ evolution. Explore the struggles for independence against English rule, the impact of the Acts of Union, and Wales’ role in the Industrial Revolution, which transformed its economy and society.
Delve into the country’s cultural revival, devolution of political power, and its modern identity within the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about this land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and enduring national pride, A Brief History of Wales offers an engaging and accessible account of its remarkable past and cultural heritage.
Welsh History: Strange but True by Geoff Brookes
The full Welsh history timeline is a lot to pack into one book. Instead, this volume gives you a brief history that’s a fun introduction to the subject and is packed full of Welsh themes.
From the blurb: A miniature history of Wales, filled with funny facts and strange true stories. This book contains hundreds of “strange but true” facts and anecdotes about Welsh history. Arranged into a miniature history of Wales, and with bizarre and hilarious true tales for every era, it will interest and delight readers everywhere. It includes information on the earliest prehistoric burial in Europe, which was found in Wales—the skeleton was known as the “Red Lady of Paviland” until scientists discovered that it had, in fact, belonged to a man.
Welsh royalty is also discussed, including “Rhodri the Great,” Wales’ first king, who was killed by a Saxon army, and the second King of Wales, killed by his own men. It also discusses why English armies usually contained Welsh bowmen: a Welsh-fired arrow could—and did—go all the way through armor, leg, saddle, and horse. Welsh bowmen often used English longbows against them, firing them at point-blank range during ambushes.
Welsh Themes: The Daffodil
The daffodil made its appearance as a Welsh emblem in much more recent times. “Cenhinen” is the Welsh word for leek. “Cenhinen Pedr” is the Welsh phrase for daffodil, which means “Peter’s leek.” This word similarity has a role in how the daffodil became a symbol of Wales after the leek.
Daffodils bloom around St. David’s Day (1 March). This occurrence, coupled with them being called “Peter’s Leek” or “St. Peter’s Leek,” contributed to the Welsh adopting the flower as an emblem. However, David Lloyd George, the first and only Welshman to be the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, may have also popularized the yellow blossoms. The tale tells of George wearing a daffodil at the Prince of Wales’ investiture in July 1911. Another theory is that he may have worn the flower on St. David’s Day, which seems more likely due to the blooming season.
David Lloyd George: The Great Outsider by Roy Hattersley
As one of the prominent Welsh people who changed the world, we remember David Lloyd George as the Prime Minister who led the United Kingdom in the First World War. He was the first and only Welsh person to hold the title. Additionally, he was the last member of the Liberal Party to do so.
From the blurb: A Welshman among the English, a nonconformist among Anglicans, and a self-made man in the patrician corridors of power, David Lloyd George, the last Liberal Prime Minister of Great Britain, was the founding father of the Welfare State and was as great a peacetime leader as Churchill was in war.
In this fascinating biography of an authentic radical, Roy Hattersley charts the great reforms—the first old age pension, sick pay, and unemployment benefit—of which Lloyd George was architect, and also sheds light on the complexities of a man who was both a tireless champion of the poor and a restless philanderer who was addicted to living dangerously.
In Pursuit of Saint David: Patron Saint of Wales by Gerald Morgan
St. David is the patron saint of Cymru. The Welsh celebrate St. David’s Day each year on the 1st of March. That was the date of his death in 589 AD. This kind-hearted Celtic monk spread Christianity throughout the tribes and built at least 10 monasteries. He also helped and ministered to those in poverty and performed miracles through his faith.
From the blurb: A comprehensive volume about St David, the patron saint of Wales. It contains information about the life of David, the myths associated with him, the history of St David’s Day, and the churches which carry his name.
Welsh Themes: Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon)
Nothing seems to sum up the fiery spirit of the Welsh nation quite like the red dragon on the Welsh flag. The first writings we see about the red dragon being associated with Wales are in the Mabinogion, one of the earliest written collections of Welsh stories. Tales tell of a red dragon defeating an invading white dragon. In the stories, the red symbolizes the Welsh, and the white, the Saxons.
The red dragon is also a symbol of the old Welsh god Dewi, a great red serpent. The Welsh word was “Dyw i,” and is a diminutive form of the name Dafydd (David). Later, St. David took the place of this pagan deity. There’s also a theory that the Brythonic tribes may have originally taken the Welsh dragon symbol from the Romans. Seeing the emblem on Roman standards, the Britons adopted it as a sign of strength. Later, the Tudor king, Henry VII, also popularized the dragon symbol. In 1959, the Welsh officially adopted Y Ddraig Goch as the national flag of Wales.
The Red Dragon: The Story of the Welsh Flag by Sion Jobbins
From the blurb: The Welsh Red Dragon is one of the most striking and memorable of national flags. But where did it come from? Celtic mythology? The Roman legions? Was it flown at the Battle of Bosworth and on the Mimosa ship that sailed to Patagonia? And why did it take until 1959 for it to be officially recognized? Read the full story in this fascinating book—and learn some Welsh history as well!
Welsh Themes in Food
Leeks in Cawl
As mentioned above, leeks are an essential part of Welsh food. One such dish is cawl, which is the Welsh word for broth or soup. One type is called “cawl cennin,” the leek and potato soup pictured above. When you hear someone say “Welsh cawl,” they’re usually referring to a heartier variety of soup, more like stew. Although there are many variations, Welsh cawl is often made with lamb, leeks, potatoes, and vegetables. Since it’s a dish born of necessity like so many traditional foods, people made it (and still make it) with whatever meat and veggies they had to hand.
People often have a family recipe that they hand down to their children. Methods and ingredients also vary by region. A custom is to serve cawl in wooden bowls and eat it with wooden spoons. Add sides of homemade bread and wedges of Welsh cheese, and you’ll have a perfectly comforting meal fit for the cottages of Ceredigion! Here are some great cawl recipes to try, as well as more Welsh leek recipes.
Welsh Cakes
Welsh cakes are small, griddle-fried cakes resembling a biscuit, scone, and pancake rolled into one. They evolved in the 1800s as a way for workers to take a filling and portable food to work when they went down into the coal mines. Wives made the cakes with available ingredients, like flour, butter, eggs, dried fruit, spices, and a bit of salt. Over the years, Welsh cakes have become sweeter. Some recipes use chocolate chips, for instance. You can also find savory recipes incorporating cheese, garlic, and leeks. The history of Welsh cakes is an interesting study all on its own. You’ll also find a yummy recipe at that link.
Traditional Welsh Home Cooking: 65 Classic Recipes by Annette Yates
What could be more fun than reading about, cooking, and (especially) eating delicious Welsh food? Nothing, unless it’s doing all those things with a friend on a rainy day! Welsh themes you’ll find in these recipes include bara brith (speckled tea bread), Welsh cawl, and hearty, portable favorites such as oggies and Welsh cakes.
From the blurb: Traditional Welsh recipes are characterized by what was the standard diet of the local working population—coalminers, fishermen, farmers, and labourers—and the ingredients available to them. For many years, Welsh cooking was a well-kept secret, with recipes passed from generation to generation only by word of mouth. This oral tradition means that recipes often have regional variations and have also been altered over the years to adjust to times of hardship or plenty. After an exploration of the geography and culinary history of the region, this book presents a selection of traditional Welsh fare from the hills, valleys, and fishing villages.
The Welsh Language
Short Stories in Welsh for Beginners by Olly Richards
From the blurb: Read for pleasure at your level, expand your vocabulary, and learn Welsh the fun way! What does this book give you? Eight stories in a variety of exciting genres, from science fiction and crime to history and thriller, making reading fun, while you learn a wide range of new vocabulary. Controlled language at your level to help you progress confidently. Realistic spoken dialogues to help you learn conversational expressions and improve your speaking ability. Accessible grammar so you learn new structures naturally, in a stress-free way. Pleasure! Research shows that if you’re enjoying reading in a foreign language, you won’t experience the usual feelings of frustration—’It’s too hard!’ ‘I don’t understand!’
Carefully curated to make learning a new language easy, these stories include key features that will support and consolidate your progress, including a glossary for bolded words in each chapter, a full plot summary, a bilingual word list, and comprehension questions after each chapter.
As a result, you will be able to focus on enjoying reading, delighting in your improved range of vocabulary and grasp of the language, without ever feeling overwhelmed. From science fiction to fantasy, to crime and thrillers, Short Stories in Welsh for Beginners will make learning Welsh easy and enjoyable.
The Welsh Colony In Patagonia
A Welsh Song in Patagonia by William Casnodyn Rhys
Welsh themes continue in the story of Welsh Patagonia. It’s the Welsh Colony in Patagonia, Argentina, in South America, where the Welsh language is going strong. The Welsh call it “Y Wladfa,” which means “The Colony.” A Welsh Song in Patagonia tells the story of how the first arrivals from Wales founded the settlement.
From the blurb: William Casnodyn Rhys, a young theology student, dreamed of establishing a Welsh colony where the Welsh language and culture could be preserved. A few years later, the Baptist congregation of the Chubut Valley Colony offered this young pastor of the Baptist Congregation of Swansea, Wales, an invitation to pastor the chapel they were building. Rhys accepted the offer, and with his young wife and baby daughter, Myfanwy, sailed in 1876 to Patagonian shores where they began their new home in the lower valley of the Chubut River, called Chupat by the Tehuelche Indians, and Camwy by the Welsh.
For over 70 years, Rhys’s manuscript about life on the Welsh Colony in Patagonia, Pioneers in Patagonia, together with the talks “15 Years in Patagonia”, lay dormant in the archives of The National Library of Wales. The manuscripts were finally discovered and, for the first time, are available in English, as compiled in 2005 by Rhys’ grandson, David H. Rhys, Ph.D.
Welsh Culture
The Little Book of Welsh Culture by Mark Rees
From the blurb: Did you know? Richard Burton claimed that he would rather have played rugby for Wales at Cardiff Arms Park than Hamlet at the Old Vic. Local rivalries between choirs in the ‘land of song’ used to be so fierce that fights would break out following singing competitions. Roald Dahl was an RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War, and a near-death crash landing inspired his first published work. The Little Book of Welsh Culture is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the cultural heritage of Wales, crammed full of myths, traditions, and personalities.
Experience the country’s immense artistic legacy as never before, from the medieval legends surrounding King Arthur and The Mabinogion to its modern-day transformation into a thriving filming location for big-screen blockbusters. Discover the truth behind the ancient druidic rituals of the National Eisteddfod, separate the facts from the fiction that surrounds Dylan Thomas’ infamous lifestyle, and learn how Wales successfully regenerated the Doctor Who franchise—and unearth some fascinating secrets and hidden gems along the way.
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