New publication  
Waldo Williams Society Lectures  2010 and 2024  
This is a collection of lectures and talks organised by the Waldo Williams Society between 2010 and 2024. There are a variety of contributions, including analyses of some of this important poet’s poems as well as insights into his character through the stories and memories of those who knew him.
It is an entertaining and valuable volume for anyone who wants to understand more about Waldo Williams and his work and a key volume in bringing a country’s attention to one of our nation’s greatest figures.
A riveting, beautiful and rich volume of probing thoughts and analyses of Waldo’s poetry, life and locale.  
Darlithiau Cymdeithas Waldo 2010 – 2024
Waldo Williams Society Lectures 2010 – 2024
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Waldo Williams
Waldo Williams

1904 – 1971

Waldo Goronwy Williams is regarded as a mythical figure. No one who knew him bore a grudge towards him. Whoever spent time in his company would embrace him and treasure every meeting. Young children were always fond of him when he taught them.

Some would insist that he possessed the attributes of a saint. Indeed, he had strong convictions and an impish humour. Someone once said it had taken two thousand years of Welsh civilization to create a man such as Waldo. He had immersed himself in the history of his nation. On one occasion he stood as a Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidate.

Although he lost his deposit he won many admirers. To many Waldo was the greatest Welsh poet of the twentieth century. To others he was a pacifist who happened to be a poet. He was much admired for his insistence on serving two prison sentences for his refusal to pay income tax in protest against war and compulsory military service.

In his mid-fifties he joined the Quakers. He relished the inner stillness he would experience in the Meeting House. He dedicated his only volume of poetry Dail Pren (Tree Leaves) as a source of healing for his nation. We do not know of any other poet who made a similar gesture to his nation.

  • Annual Cymdeithas Waldo Lecture 2024
    Waldo: Bardd y Lleiafrif Aneirif In her lecture ‘Y Lleiafrif Aneirif’ (Immense Minority) at Aberystwyth, Friday September 27, Menna Elfyn…
  • Waldo Walks 2024
    Vernon Beynon shares his memories of Waldo at Weun Parc y Blawd. Since it is 120 years since Waldo’s birth…
  • TALWRN WALDO
    The contestants who took part in the special Waldo Talwrn at Bwlch-y-groes     A large audience was present at…
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