T. Llew Jones
Encyclopedia
Thomas Llewelyn Jones was a Welsh language
writer who, over a writing career of more than 50 years, was one of the most prolific and popular authors of children's books in Welsh. He wrote, and was generally known, as T. Llew Jones.
, Carmarthenshire
. Educated at Llandysul Grammar School, he was a primary school teacher in various schools in Ceredigion
for 35 years before becoming a full-time writer, first at Tregroes Primary School and then at Ysgol Coedybryn near Llandysul
where he became headmaster. He first came to prominence as a poet, winning the chair at the National Eisteddfod
in 1958 and then again in 1959.
He continued to write poetry, for children often, but was best known as a writer of adventure and detective novels for children. Many of these are historical novels based on the exploits of persons such as Bartholomew Roberts
and Twm Sion Cati
. He published well over 50 books in total, including books for adults as well as children. Some of these are non-fiction titles, for example Ofnadwy Nos is an account of the wrecking of the Royal Charter
. Some of his books have been translated into English and a number have been adapted for television.
He was awarded an honourary MA degree by the University of Wales
in 1977, and in 1991 he was awarded the Mary Vaughan Jones Award
, given for outstanding contributions to children's literature in Wales. In March 2005, aged nearly 90, he won the chair in Cymdeithas Ceredigion's annual Eisteddfod.
Jones died aged 93 on 9 January 2009.
He was the father of the political activist, Emyr Llewelyn
, and international chess player, Iolo Ceredig Jones
.
player, he wrote the only Welsh language chess manual together with his son, Iolo. He was one of the small group of Welsh Chess Union
members and officials who instigated and fought for the secession of the WCU from the British Chess Federation (as it then was) in 1970 and its successful application to join the World Chess Federation (FIDE) as an independent member. As well as holding several posts in the WCU, Jones founded and edited Y Ddraig which grew from the Dyfed Chess Association newsletter into the magazine of Welsh chess in the seventies. He managed the Men's 1974 Olympiad
team in Nice
which achieved Wales best-ever result and also the Women’s team in the 1976 Olympiad
in Israel
. He was currently, and had been for many years, Vice-President of the WCU.
Jones was heavily involved in Dyfed chess from the sixties onwards, in founding and running the Dyfed Chess Association, its league, Cardigan Chess Club and the highly successful Dyfed Open Congress. At his death he was Life President of the Dyfed Chess Association. Over the board he was a keen and competitive player well into his eighties but achieved his best results at postal chess, representing Welsh international teams with distinction.
Welsh-language writers
British children's writers
Welsh children's writers
Welsh novelists
British novelists
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
writer who, over a writing career of more than 50 years, was one of the most prolific and popular authors of children's books in Welsh. He wrote, and was generally known, as T. Llew Jones.
Biography
T. Llew Jones was born at 1 Bwlch Melyn, PentrecwrtPentrecwrt
Pentrecwrt is a village in north Carmarthenshire, Wales on the A486 road half way between Carmarthen and New Quay.-History:Pencastell is a bracken and tree-clad motte that can be seen on the hillside above Pentrecwrt....
, Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is a unitary authority in the south west of Wales and one of thirteen historic counties. It is the 3rd largest in Wales. Its three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford...
. Educated at Llandysul Grammar School, he was a primary school teacher in various schools in Ceredigion
Ceredigion
Ceredigion is a county and former kingdom in mid-west Wales. As Cardiganshire , it was created in 1282, and was reconstituted as a county under that name in 1996, reverting to Ceredigion a day later...
for 35 years before becoming a full-time writer, first at Tregroes Primary School and then at Ysgol Coedybryn near Llandysul
Llandysul
Llandysul is a small town in the county of Ceredigion, Wales. The community of Pont Tyweli lies directly across the Teifi River in Carmarthenshire. It is in the valley of the River Teifi and is visited for its fishing and canoeing....
where he became headmaster. He first came to prominence as a poet, winning the chair at the National Eisteddfod
National Eisteddfod of Wales
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is the most important of several eisteddfodau that are held annually, mostly in Wales.- Organisation :...
in 1958 and then again in 1959.
He continued to write poetry, for children often, but was best known as a writer of adventure and detective novels for children. Many of these are historical novels based on the exploits of persons such as Bartholomew Roberts
Bartholomew Roberts
Bartholomew Roberts , born John Roberts, was a Welsh pirate who raided ships off America and West Africa between 1719 and 1722. He was the most successful pirate of the Golden Age of Piracy. He is estimated to have captured over 470 vessels...
and Twm Sion Cati
Twm Siôn Cati
Twm Siôn Cati is a figure in Welsh folklore, often described as the Welsh Wizard.- Background :...
. He published well over 50 books in total, including books for adults as well as children. Some of these are non-fiction titles, for example Ofnadwy Nos is an account of the wrecking of the Royal Charter
Royal Charter (ship)
The Royal Charter was a steam clipper which was wrecked off the beach of Porth Alerth in Dulas Bay on the north-east coast of Anglesey on 26 October 1859. The precise number of dead is uncertain as the passenger list was lost in the wreck but about 459 lives were lost, the highest death toll of any...
. Some of his books have been translated into English and a number have been adapted for television.
He was awarded an honourary MA degree by the University of Wales
University of Wales
The University of Wales was a confederal university founded in 1893. It had accredited institutions throughout Wales, and formerly accredited courses in Britain and abroad, with over 100,000 students, but in October 2011, after a number of scandals, it withdrew all accreditation, and it was...
in 1977, and in 1991 he was awarded the Mary Vaughan Jones Award
Mary Vaughan Jones Award
The Mary Vaughan Jones Award is a Welsh children's literature award. The Mary Vaughan Jones Trophy is awarded every three years to an author who has made a substantial contribution to children's literature over a number of years...
, given for outstanding contributions to children's literature in Wales. In March 2005, aged nearly 90, he won the chair in Cymdeithas Ceredigion's annual Eisteddfod.
Jones died aged 93 on 9 January 2009.
He was the father of the political activist, Emyr Llewelyn
Emyr Llewelyn
Emyr Llewelyn Jones is a Welsh political activist, who was active during the 1960s and 1970s. Mudiad Adfer was established based on his philosophies, and those of Owain Owain and Professor J. R. Jones. Commonly known as Emyr Llewelyn, he is also known as Emyr Llew. He is the son of author and poet T...
, and international chess player, Iolo Ceredig Jones
Iolo Ceredig Jones
Iolo Ceredig Jones is a Welsh former international chess player and is notable as the co-author of the only Welsh language chess manual, A chwaraei di wyddbwyll?, which he wrote with his father, T. Llew Jones....
.
Chess
Jones was also a keen chessChess
Chess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.Each player...
player, he wrote the only Welsh language chess manual together with his son, Iolo. He was one of the small group of Welsh Chess Union
Welsh Chess Union
The Welsh Chess Union is the national chess federation for Wales. Formed on 19 June 1954 as a Union of Associations in South Wales and Monmouthshire, it was originally a part of the British Chess Federation . The Union established the Welsh Championship in 1955...
members and officials who instigated and fought for the secession of the WCU from the British Chess Federation (as it then was) in 1970 and its successful application to join the World Chess Federation (FIDE) as an independent member. As well as holding several posts in the WCU, Jones founded and edited Y Ddraig which grew from the Dyfed Chess Association newsletter into the magazine of Welsh chess in the seventies. He managed the Men's 1974 Olympiad
21st Chess Olympiad
The 21st Chess Olympiad, organized by the FIDE and comprising an open and women's tournament, as well as several events designed to promote the game of chess, took place between June 6 and June 30, 1974, in Nice, France.-References:* OlimpBase...
team in Nice
Nice
Nice is the fifth most populous city in France, after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, with a population of 348,721 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Nice extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of more than 955,000 on an area of...
which achieved Wales best-ever result and also the Women’s team in the 1976 Olympiad
22nd Chess Olympiad
The 22nd Chess Olympiad, organized by the FIDE and comprising an open and women's tournament, as well as several events designed to promote the game of chess, took place between October 26 and November 10, 1976, in Haifa, Israel.-References:* OlimpBase...
in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
. He was currently, and had been for many years, Vice-President of the WCU.
Jones was heavily involved in Dyfed chess from the sixties onwards, in founding and running the Dyfed Chess Association, its league, Cardigan Chess Club and the highly successful Dyfed Open Congress. At his death he was Life President of the Dyfed Chess Association. Over the board he was a keen and competitive player well into his eighties but achieved his best results at postal chess, representing Welsh international teams with distinction.
Awards and honours
- 1958 - Chair, Welsh National Eisteddfod, Ebbw Vale
- 1959 - Chair, Welsh National Eisteddfod, Caernarfon
- 1967 - Tir na n-Og Award for Tân ar y Comin
- 1990 - Tir na n-Og Award for Lleuad yn Olau
- 1991 - Mary Vaughan Jones AwardMary Vaughan Jones AwardThe Mary Vaughan Jones Award is a Welsh children's literature award. The Mary Vaughan Jones Trophy is awarded every three years to an author who has made a substantial contribution to children's literature over a number of years...
- 2007 - Welsh Publishsing Awards, "Best Seller - Poetry", for Geiriau a Gerais
Books by T. Llew Jones (incomplete list)
| Title | Notes | First published | Other editions |
|---|---|---|---|
| * Trysor Plas y wernen | 1958 | 1991, Gwasg Christopher Davies & November 2005, Gwasg Gomer |
|
| * Merched y môr a chwedlau eraill | 1958, Gwasg Gee, Aberystwyth | ||
| * Trysor y Môr-Ladron | 1960, Llyfrau'r Dryw | January 1989, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Y Merlyn Du | 1960, Gwasg Aberystwyth | January 1995, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Anturiaethau Twm Siôn Cati: Y Ffordd Beryglus |
April 1963, CLC Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion was a Welsh publisher, established in 1954, specialising in books of interest to Ceredigion, and Welsh language children's books, including adaptations and original works... |
March 1994 & July 2000, Gwasg Gomer |
|
| * Anturiaethau Twm Siôn Cati: Ymysg Lladron |
CLC | February 1999, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Swn Y Malu | 1967, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Anturiaethau Twm Siôn Cati: Dial o'r Diwedd |
CLC | CLC, November 1998 & January 2004, Gwasg Gomer |
|
| * Yr Ergyd Farwol | 1969, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Ofnadwy Nos | Factual book | 1971 | 31 December 1991 & January 1995, Gwasg Gomer |
| * Barti Ddu o Gasnewy' Bach | 1973 | Under the title Barti Ddu: November 1995, Gwasg Christopher Davies & February 2004, Gwasg Gomer |
|
| * Un Noson Dywyll | 1973 | January 2003 & February 2008, Gwasg Gomer |
|
| * Cyfrinach y Lludw | January 1975 | January 1994, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Tân ar y Comin | Tir na n-Og Award winner | June 1975 | December 1993, June 2003, Gwasg Gomer |
| * Arswyd y byd! | December 1975, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Rwy'i Am Fod Yn Ddoctor | 1976, JD Lewis | ||
| * Ysbryd Plas Nantesgob | 1976 | ||
| * Cerddi Pentalar | August 1976, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Lawr ar Lan y Môr | April 1977, JD Lewis | ||
| * Dirgelwch yr Ogof | August 1977, Gwasg Gomer | November 2002, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Dysgu Difyr | November 1977, JD Lewis | ||
| * Cerddi | 1979, JD Lewis | ||
| * Slawer Dydd | December 1979, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * A Chwaraei di Wyddbwyll? | with his son, Iolo Ceredig Jones Iolo Ceredig Jones Iolo Ceredig Jones is a Welsh former international chess player and is notable as the co-author of the only Welsh language chess manual, A chwaraei di wyddbwyll?, which he wrote with his father, T. Llew Jones.... |
31 December 1980, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Dewi Emrys | 1981, Cyhoeddiadau Barddas | ||
| * Cyfoeth Awen Isfoel | June 1981, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Ynys y Trysor | 1986, Gwasg Mynydd Mawr | ||
| * Rownd Y Byd mewn 80 diwrnod | Translation of Round The World in 80 Days by Jules Verne | 1986, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Storm | 1987, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Popeth am Ysbrydion | 1987, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Canu'n iach! | 1987 | October 1988, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Cri'r Dylluan | 31 December 1988, Gwasg Gomer | March 2005, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Gwaed ar eu Dwylo | 31 December 1988, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Berw gwyllt yn Abergwaun: Hanes rhyfedd glaniad y Ffrancod yn Abergwaun yn 1797 |
1986, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Gwasg Carreg Gwalch is a publishing company based in Llanrwst, Wales. They specialise in publishing works in the Welsh language, but also publish English-language books of Welsh interest.... |
||
| * Corff ar y Traeth | 1988 | February 1989, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Lleuad yn Olau | Tir na n-Og Award winner | 20 April 1989, Gwasg Gomer | June 1999, Gwasg Gomer |
| * One Moonlit Night | Translation of Lleuad yn Olau Gillian Clarke Gillian Clarke Gillian Clarke is a Welsh poet, playwright, editor, broadcaster, lecturer and translator from Welsh.-Life:Clarke was born in Cardiff and brought up in Cardiff and Penarth, though for part of the Second World War she was in Pembrokeshire... |
September 1991, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Penillion y Plant | Illustrated by Jac Jones Jac Jones Jac Jones is a Welsh children's book illustrator.He was born in Gwalchmai, Anglesey and raised in Bristol until the age of 7, before returning to Gwalchmai. He was educated at Ysgol Gynradd Gwalchmai and Ysgol Uwchradd Llangefni.... |
January 1990, Gwasg Gomer | March 1992, Gwasg Gomer |
| * Cyfrinach Wncwl Daniel: Hanes Rhyfedd Hen Feddyginiaeth Lysieuol |
with Dafydd Wyn Jones | January 1992, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Cancer Curers - Or Quacks?: The Story of a Secret Herbal Remedy |
with Dafydd Wyn Jones Translation of Cyfrinach Wncwl Daniel, by Dafydd Wyn Jones |
January 1993, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Corn, pistol a chwip | 31 December 1992, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| *Cân y Morfilod | Translation of a book by Dyan Sheldon Dyan Sheldon Dyan Sheldon is an American novelist, who has written for adults, children and young adults. Originally from Brooklyn, she resides in London and has written a number of young adult novels as well as many picture books in a variety of genres. Her young adult science-fiction novel Perfect was... |
CLC | |
| * Santa | CLC | ||
| * Gipsy Fires | Translation of his novel Tân ar y Comin, with Carol Byrne Jones |
January 1994, Pont Books Pont Books Pont Books is the name of the imprint for young people published by Gomer Press, the largest independent publishing house in Wales. Pont Books was launched in 1991. The logo shows its intention of building bridges between young people in Wales, whatever their background and whichever languages... |
|
| * Y Gelyn ar y Trên | January 1994 | June 2004, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Jona Ym Mol y Morfil | January 1994, Gwasg Cambria | ||
| * Llyfrau Darllen Newydd: Llyfr 1 | 1994 | June 2000, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Llyfrau Darllen Newydd: Llyfr 2 | 1996 | January 1996, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Hen Gof : Ysgrifau llên gwerin | 1996 | ||
| * Trysorau T. Llew: Modrwy Aur y Bwda a Storïau Eraill |
Collection, illustrated by Jac Jones Jac Jones Jac Jones is a Welsh children's book illustrator.He was born in Gwalchmai, Anglesey and raised in Bristol until the age of 7, before returning to Gwalchmai. He was educated at Ysgol Gynradd Gwalchmai and Ysgol Uwchradd Llangefni.... |
Wedi eu cyhoeddi eisioes | November 1997, Gwasg Gomer |
| * Trysorau T. Llew: Y Môr yn eu Gwaed | Siân Lewis's selection from T. Llew Jones' exciting novels |
November 1997, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Llyfrau Darllen Newydd: Llyfr 3 | 1997 | July 2000, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Llyfrau Darllen Newydd: Llyfr 4 | November 1998, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Lladron Defaid | Welsh adaptation of The Wild Morgans by Alison Morgan |
May 2001, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Storïau Cwm-pen-llo | Collection of 4 stories | Appeared in Pethe Plant in 1976 |
1 November 2001, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Gwasg Carreg Gwalch is a publishing company based in Llanrwst, Wales. They specialise in publishing works in the Welsh language, but also publish English-language books of Welsh interest.... |
| * Fy Mhobol I | Autobiography Autobiography An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:... |
August 2002, Gwasg Gomer | March 2003, Gwasg Gomer |
| * Trysorfa T. Llew Jones | ed. Tudur Dylan Jones, illustrated by Jac Jones Jac Jones Jac Jones is a Welsh children's book illustrator.He was born in Gwalchmai, Anglesey and raised in Bristol until the age of 7, before returning to Gwalchmai. He was educated at Ysgol Gynradd Gwalchmai and Ysgol Uwchradd Llangefni.... |
November 2004, Gwasg Gomer | |
| * Bocs Anrheg | October 2005, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Geiriau a Gerais | November 2006, Gwasg Gomer | ||
| * Cerddi newydd i blant (o bob oed) | |||
| * Gormod o Raff | |||
| * Helicopter! help! : a storiau eraill |
CDs
- Lleuad yn Olau - Chwedlau Traddodiadol o Gymru, November 2003, re-printed February 2005 (TympanTympanIn hand-operated letterpress printing, the bruzer tympan is the taut cloth or paper mounted in a frame which is placed over the sheet of paper immediately prior to lowering the platen to make the impression....
)
Books edited by T. Llew Jones
- Cerddi Gwlad Ac Ysgol, October 1976, Gwasg Gomer
- Tales the Wind Told, August 1979, JD Lewis
- Cerddi Bardd y Werin - Detholiad o Farddoniaeth Crwys, January 1994, Gwasg Gomer
Books about T. Llew Jones
- Teifi, Siân Cyfaredd y cyfarwydd : astudiaeth o fywyd a gwaith y prifardd T. Llew Jones
- Cyfrol deyrnged y Prifardd T. Llew Jones (edited by Gwynn ap Gwilym)
External links
- (Welsh) Cronfa Goffa T Llew Jones, T Llew Jones Memorial Fund.
- Interview from BBC News on 11 October 2005
- (Welsh) "Adnabod Awdur", brief biography and questionnaire.
Welsh-language writers
British children's writers
Welsh children's writers
Welsh novelists
British novelists