The Mabinogi

by John K. Bollard (translator), Anthony Griffiths (photographer)

The Mabinogi remains one of the great classics of European literature. Its Four Branches are tales of heroism and heartbreak, of love and disloyalty, that for all their magic and mystery, remain rooted in the emotional realities and moral complexities of everyday life. They are also rooted in the very soil of Wales, in a landscape relatively unchanged since these tales were first told in the early Middle Ages. This new and faithful English translation of The Mabinogi features photographs of the locations and landscapes evoked by and specifically named in the text, reminding us of the timelessness and beauty of the stories and the land they inhabit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology

127 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to being an absolute Mabinogi nerd. See a translation I don't own, I can't resist buying it. This one sat on my shelf for awhile, but I've been reading it this week and I love it. Bollard's language flows beautifully, and of course the notes are very good.

This is the same John K. Bollard who wrote the rather famous paper on the structure of the Four Branches back in the 1970s. He now has my full attention. Highly recommended on all counts. The beautiful photos of Wales are a bonus.

[Linda Price-Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book visually, with places that I recognise such as Mochdre village on page 83. The fourth branch of the Mabinogi describes the journey of the first pigs introduced into Wales up through Mochdre (pigtown) along the Ceri Ridgeway and to the Welsh princes in the north. Not an easy read but beautiful to look at. Jack of Clubs for the Vipers 2015 book challenge.

[J.]

77

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14405522