Tuesday 17 July 2007

Wales


During the 16th century, printing came to Wales, and there were connections to the Counter-Reformation. The first book printed in Welsh (Yn Y Lhyvr Hwnn, or In this Book, by John Price, of Brecon) had appeared in 1546. Toward the end of the century, the first book was printed in Wales. Y Drych Cristianogawl, or The Christian Mirror appeared in 1586 or 1587, having been printed in a cave near Llandudno. The book was produced in secret because it was a Catholic work, and would have been prohibited. A false imprint was put on the title page, stating in Latin that the book was printed in Rouen in 1585. In fact, the work of the press was never finished, as those involved fled after authorities learned of the activity.