A new biography presents new and revealing revelations about Carwyn James, one of the most iconic and popular characters in recent Welsh history.

The two sides to the life of Carwyn James are revealed in the book, Carwyn – Yn Erbyn y Gwynt by Alun Gibbard, published this week, the public figure and the private man. As well as new information and photographs never seen before, in depth research conducted by the author reveals new information about his personal life, including his sexuality, his drinking problem and his time in Italy. There's also details on the problems between his relationship with the BBC and the Welsh Rugby Union.

‘The Welsh Rugby Union belittled him, and the BBC did the same.’ said Alun Gibbard, ‘Both organisations failed to use Carwyn’s genius in a responsible way and benefit from his experience and talent.’

Detailed is his life as a student in Abersytwyth, a young man in the Navy during the Cold War, then his period as a teacher. All of which happened before Carwyn James became famous and a familiar household name at the age of forty. ‘Carwyn James was a genius. He was also a trouble soul’ said Alun Gibbard.

‘Conversations came from what can be described as the four pillars in Carwyn’s life - rugby, literature, patriotism and broadcasting.’ says Alun, ‘It is the sign of a great man that his contribution extends over all these different fields. Who can he be compared to today, I wonder? There is no obvious answer’.

Said the Professor Gareth Wililams, ‘This is a Grand Slam of a biography that breaks new ground in Welsh sport literature and beyond. One of the books of the year, there is no doubt.’

‘A moving and comprehensive portrait of a Welshman who lived two lives in one – a politican, a teacher, a broadcaster and author as well as one of the world’s greatest rugby strategist. Carwyn continues to inspire’ added Jon Gower.

The biography is the result of extensive research including over a hundred conversations with Carwyn’s family and the greats in his areas of interest including Colin Meads, Lord Elystan Morgan and Huw Llywelyn Davies.

Alun Gibbard is a full time author from Llanelli who has published almost thirty non-fiction titles and one novel. He contributes weekly to the Welsh magazine Golwg. A broadcaster for over 25 years before he began his writing career, he still contributes to radio and television.

‘Carwyn as a popular man but it was just him, on his own, at the end in Amsterdam. This is an attempt to understand the life of ‘...a man that everyone knew his name but nobody knew him’ according to his friend, the author Alun Richards’ explained Alun.

Two launches will be held in the company of Carwyn James’ family and the author Alnu Gibbard to celebrate the life and contribution of Carwyn James.

The first launch will be held at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth, Cefneithin on Wednesday 23 ^rd November at 7pm.

The second launch will be held at Aberystwyth rugby club on Thursday the 24 ^th of November at 7pm .

Carwyn – Yn Erbyn y Gwynt by Alun Gibbard (£14.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.