Being a story of the first Eisteddfod as told by the people of the court.

It is Christmas 1176 at the Court of the Lord Rhys in Cardigan Castle, preparations are under way for one of the most important events in Welsh History - a contest of Bards and Musicians, later known as the First Eisteddfod.
Walter Map, envoy to King Henry II is in attendance, and invites three of the people closest to the Lord Rhys to talk to him of their life and the pending contest. This they do, each throwing a new light on their leader, and on their life in the once Norman town on the banks of the River Teifi in West Wales.
Walter, with his love of celebrity chatter and the trappings of wealth, could be said to embody the spirit of a 12th century Piers Morgan. Sent by Henry II to the wilds of Wales to discover what is going on, he finds himself unexpectedly charmed by the welcome he is afforded and impressed by the wealth of poetry and music on offer from the best poets and songsters gathered from throughout Wales, Ireland, France, England and Scotland.
The book is written with a light touch - a genuinely accessible read with moments of high drama, humour and pathos carrying the reader with ease into the 12th century. Along with the political and romantic intrigues, the book offers an unforgettable insight into the court of The Lord Rhys and his uniquely imaginative moment in history which gave birth in later centuries to the annual celebration of music and bardic splendour that is the Eisteddfod today.

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John Sharkey's book is a fascinating compilation of the enormous range of traditional healing practices found in Wales, from pre-history to the present day. Split into three historical periods, each subdivided to reflect different aspects of medicine, it is well-planned, well-researched, and well-written.

This massive historical sweep encompasses material including; the operative techniques used by Roman army surgeons, and their legacy; an enlightening discussion of the healing powers of the Welsh saints; the cultural outlook of the Welsh humanists, and the relation of medicine and law in medieval Wales. From the opening section covering the plagues of the early to late medieval period and then moving on to healing associated with sacred sites, other sections touch on spells and herbs, wizardry and cancer cures.

This is an unusual and welcome addition to the history of Wales and provides us with an insight into the lives of its people. Packed with fascinating detail, it is both an enjoyable read and a scholarly work containing very substantial notes.

Born in Dublin, the writer has lived in Pembrokeshire for over 20 years and published books on Celtic arts, Mythology, Welsh landscape and its' pre-history

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This unique work is of great value to anyone interested in both herbal medicine and the folk traditions of Wales. Although the material dates back to the twelfth century, it is still recognized as a useful and relevant text by present day practitioners as well as those with a more historical perspective.

The original physicians of Myddfai date from the twelfth century and their remedies have come down to us in two books, originating from the descendants of Rhiwallon the physician, a short one named The Physicians of Myddfai and a much longer one attributed to Howel the physician. The two books are included in this present collection, together with the famous legend of Llyn-y-Van which claims that Rhiwallon was taught his medicinal art by his estranged mother, the mysterious Lady of the Lake, who predicted his family would be the most skilful physicians in the country for many generations.

Whatever one thinks of the legend printed here, it is a fact that the descendants of Rhiwallon became notable physicians and that as late as the 19th century more than one royal surgeon originated from the little village of Myddfai. The last known practitioner in Wales seems to have been Rice Williams M.D. of Aberystwyth, who died in 1842 aged 85.

This present collection is a facsimile of the English text first published in Llandovery in 1861 and translated into English by John Pughe. From an index spanning Abdominal complaints to a variety of Wounds, this work advises treatments on hundreds of conditions, sufficient to fascinate any reader.

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This book gives an absorbing picture of life in Buddhist and Taoist (Daoist) monasteries in China during three decades of this century. It is difficult to define precisely what the practicing Taoist believes, thinks and does. Taoism must be evidenced by the way it is lived and so, in revealing how his gradual initiation into the meaning of Taoism took place, Peter Goullart describes fully his visits to various Taoist Monasteries, his discussions with Abbots and monks, and their ritual practices and ceremonies. Since consciousness of the beauty and oneness of the natural world and its creatures is essential to the Taoist philosophy—indeed the monasteries are very carefully sited to allow natural surroundings to make the maximum effect— his book is filled with splendid descriptions of the Chinese scene. Peter Goullart was a refugee from the Russian revolution who travelled east, along the silk road. He lived in China for thirty years, acquiring a tremendous knowledge of the language and people, and his book is probably unique in that so much information on Taoism, drawn from personal knowledge and practice, is given by a Western writer.

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