There is little doubt that Wales has a rich history of heroes and villains who are both idolized and despised in equal measures but Heroes and Villains in Welsh History published by Gomer Press compels us to question the virtues of those historical figures that we all thought we knew.

Like the previous book in this series, A New History of Wales (Gomer 2011), this publication is the result of a collaboration between the Western Mail and a group of twenty-two historians who form part of History Research Wales. First published as part of a series of articles in the national newspaper, the essays retain the clear, easy-to-read appeal, which made them so popular with readers.

The 24 accessible and entertaining essays profile a number of characters in Welsh history from politicians to sport stars and saints to soldiers. The cast of both heroes and villains range from well-known national figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Gerald of Wales to ordinary local heroes teachers, miners and rugby players. Yet not all heroes and villains come in the form of a man or a woman, some of the essays also discuss the hidden villains in Welsh history, such as disease and poverty, which have also plagued the country.

Be prepared for some surprising conclusions as the authors pull no punches in their assessments and cast a new light on our perceptions of the heroes and villains in Welsh history and ask us to reconsider their achievements.

Several events will take place at this years Hay Festival to coincide with the publication of Heroes and Villains in Welsh History . Editor Huw Bowen, Professor of Modern History at Swansea University, will be joined by various guests for thought-provoking discussions which are sure to surprise as well as entertain the audience (please see below for full details of these events).

Heroes and Villains in Welsh History is available from

all good bookshops and online retailers.

For more information, please visit www.gomer.co.uk