Introducing Wales’ very own Encyclopaedia
Introducing Wales’ very own Encyclopaedia
After ten years of in-depth research, writing and editing, Wales will now have its own Encyclopaedia, The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales, joining the Encyclopaedias of Scotland and Ireland as a celebration of a nation’s past and present. With over five thousand entries written by more than four hundred contributors and over five hundred colour and black and white illustrations, The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales, which stretches to 787,693 words over 1088 pages is a definitive work of reference and it is undoubtedly one of the most important books published in the history of Wales. The Welsh and English editions will be formally launched at the Senedd on Friday 1 February 2008. There will also be many other events to coincide with the launch, please visit here for further details.
The work is the result of a ten-year Academi project, published by the University of Wales Press and is funded by The Arts Council of Wales through a significant Lottery grant. The research team is made up of four eminent Welsh academics, Dr John Davies, Menna Baines, Nigel Jenkins and Peredur Lynch.
Everything is contained within the covers of this magnificent book: Snowdonia to the pampas of Patagonia, the ancient bards to the super-modern Super Furry Animals, folk heroes to Welsh Olympians, and the men and women of Wales who have excelled in art, culture, commerce and politics are just some of the subjects covered in the book, which is full of incredible and unexpected facts.
Did you know that the equals sign (=) was invented by the mathematician Robert Recorde of Tenby in the sixteenth century?
Did you know that the longest corridor in Europe is to be found in Llandough Hospital near Cardiff?
Did you know that the Big Ben clock at Westminster is named after Lady Llanover’s husband, Benjamin Hall, of Llanover, Monmouthshire?
Did you know that the Dinorwic hydroelectric power station (1984) – whose machine hall, tunnelled out of a mountain at Llanddeiniolen, could accommodate London’s St Paul’s Cathedral – is Europe’s largest pumped storage scheme?
The mechanics of making a book of this size entailed approximately 280 hours of printing for the text alone, which involved using two presses each for eight solid days. Each of its sixty-nine sections had to be gathered and bound – another five days. Then the business of stitching over a million sections which took two high-speed sewers seven days. The finished result weighs 3 kilos.
Ashley Drake, Director, University of Wales Press, added, “The publication of The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales marks a significant milestone in Welsh history and is yet another sign that Wales is truly coming of age as a nation. Every self-respecting nation must have a definitive reference book to document and celebrate its achievements, its people and its contribution to the world. The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales does just that for our proud and passionate nation. It provides a full picture of what and who we are.”
Peter Finch, Academi Chief Executive said “This is probably the last great book to come from Wales before the digital revolution engulfs us all. It is a work to savour, to enjoy, to consult and, for everyone, a work to own.”
Professor Dai Smith, Chair of the Arts Council of Wales said, "The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales brings together the varied strands of Welsh culture and history in a way no other volume has ever done before. It is a stupendous achievement, ten years and many hands in the making and ACW is very proud to be its principal funder and sponsor".
The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales has also received words of support from a number of Welsh celebrities, some of whom are referenced in the publication, including singer Tom Jones, athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, cyclist Nicole Cooke and former Wales rugby coach, Mike Ruddock.
Sir Tom Jones said, “It’s a great honour to be mentioned in this incredible reference source. Living the other side of the pond and being a global traveller, but also Welsh to the core, I’m sure The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales will provide me with some fascinating insights into my own country and its people and will make an ideal present for my friends around the world who want to know a bit more about Wales. As a nation we are renowned for our music and singers, many of whom either forgotten or not given enough credit for their talents. This Encyclopaedia will set the record straight and provide a permanent written home for the achievements of past and present figures for current and future generations to research. I’m very proud to say I made it into The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales!”
Tanni Grey Thompson said, “To be recognised in any way is an honour and to be referenced in this remarkable publication is something I’m very proud of. Athletics has played an incredible part in my life and to have an entry devoted to its history and the prominent individuals involved in the sport over the years in the Encyclopaedia of Wales is something to truly cherish.”
Nicole Cooke, said, “I’m honoured to be included in the Encyclopaedia and eagerly await its publication so I can buy my own copy.”
Mike Ruddock said, “As a proud Welshman, it’s a great honour to be mentioned in this incredible reference source. Winning the Grand Slam was just as proud a moment for the Welsh management and players as it was for every passionate Welshman in the country and I’m delighted in has been included in this historical reference publication. Seen by many as a symbol of Welsh identity, I’m sure the rugby section of the Encyclopaedia will be a popular part of the publication and I look forward to the introduction of the Encyclopaedia of Wales! ”
Separate English and Welsh versions of The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales will be published and will retail at £65. Orders can be made by phoning the UWP Encyclopaedia Order Hotline on 029 2055 7451, by visiting their website here or by visting your local bookshop.