
Bred of Heaven
One man's quest to reclaim his Welsh roots
Jasper Rees(Author)
Profile Books Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 4. August 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-84668-299-5 (ISBN)
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Description
Jasper Rees has always wanted to be Welsh. But despite Welsh grandparents (and a Welsh surname) he is an Englishman: by birth, upbringing and temperament.
In this singular, hilarious love letter to a glorious country so often misunderstood, Rees sets out to achieve his goal of becoming a Welshman by learning to sing, play, work, worship, think - and above all, speak - like one. On the way he meets monks, tenors and politicians, and tries his hand at rugby and lambing - all the while weaving together his personal story with Wales's rich history. Culminating in a nail-biting test of Rees's Welsh-speaking skill at the National Eisteddfod, this exuberant journey of self-discovery celebrates the importance of national identity, and the joy of belonging.
In this singular, hilarious love letter to a glorious country so often misunderstood, Rees sets out to achieve his goal of becoming a Welshman by learning to sing, play, work, worship, think - and above all, speak - like one. On the way he meets monks, tenors and politicians, and tries his hand at rugby and lambing - all the while weaving together his personal story with Wales's rich history. Culminating in a nail-biting test of Rees's Welsh-speaking skill at the National Eisteddfod, this exuberant journey of self-discovery celebrates the importance of national identity, and the joy of belonging.
Reviews / Votes
A most entertaining and inspiring handbook for anyone who would really prefer to be Welsh - and who wouldn't? -- Jan Morris A lyrical book: funny, hugely enjoyable, often deeply moving. And he's learned what makes the Welsh tick. No mean feat for a man who's English by birth. -- John Humphrys Know myself? If I knew myself I'd run away,' said Goethe. No such fear for Jasper Rees who delightedly travels around Wales to discover who this Jasper is. -- Dannie Abse An engaging, touching story told with humour and heart * Wanderlust * Wonderfully readable, warm, funny and very entertaining -- Steve Dube * Western Mail *More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
332 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84668-299-5 (9781846682995)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Book
05/2012
Profile Books Ltd
€31.13
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Person
Jasper Rees is an arts journalist, and the author of Wenger and I Found My Horn.