About the Author

John K. Bollard received a BA from the University of Rochester in New York, after which an interest in medieval literature, especially early Arthurian literature, enticed him to the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he took an MA in Medieval Welsh Language, Literature, and History. Moving then to the University of Leeds, he received a PhD for his comparative study of Middle English and Welsh Arthurian narrative. His published articles on the structure of The Mabinogi are recognized as seminal studies that broke new ground in our understanding of this Welsh classic. While pursuing a career as a lexicographer and editor in western Massachusetts, Dr. Bollard has taught courses in Medieval Welsh literature at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Connecticut, and Yale University, as well as courses in English at Smith College and Mount Holyoke College, and he has lectured widely on Medieval Welsh Literature and History. He has also published translations of early Welsh Arthurian poetry, the romance of Peredur, the prophetic poetry of Myrddin (Merlin), and Chaucer's Wife of Bath's Tale. He recently served as Executive Editor of the African American National Biography at Harvard University, and is currently Editorial Director of the Native American Biography Project.

Reviews

The Mabinogi represents a substantial Welsh contribution to European literature. As such, it has appeared in a number of reprints and formats over the years; in 1881, for example, Sidney Lamier produced his Boys' Mabinogion. This latest version takes the form of a large format coffee table volume and includes an number of wonderful colour photographs by Anthony Griffiths of locations and landscapes evoked in the stories. John Bollard is one of the leading authorities on the Mabinogi and provides an extremely helpful introduction as well as an afterword. 'The continued popularity of the work since it was rediscovered, published and translated in the early nineteenth century testifies to its timeless relevance and artistic value,' he writes, 'earning it a respected place among the classics of European literature.' I cannot think of a finer introduction to such an all important work of literature.
*Dewi Roberts @ www.gwales.com*