Cwyn y Gweithwyr a Cherddi Eraill (R.J. Derfel)

“Tra byddo ein gwlad o gwr i gwr
    Yn eiddo arglwyddi tir,
Na chaned Cymro wladgarol gerdd,
    Heb ynddi frawddeg o wir;
Yn hytrach datganer rhyfel gân,
    I gasglu y Cymry ynghyd;
I ymladd â’r gelyn am y tir,
    Nes ennill y wlad i gyd.”

Robert Jones Derfel (1824-1905) was a poet, essayist, bookseller and publisher, and is remembered today as an early proponent of Welsh nationalism but above all as one of the pioneers of the socialist movement in Wales. Rather than competing in Eisteddfodau he used his poetry to draw attention to the injustices of 19th century Britain: poverty, inequality, the rights of workers, and attitudes towards women.

This selection of his poetry is the first to be published in over a century. Included also is an introduction by D. Ben Rees, one of the foremost historians of Wales's radical history who has published a number of books on Wales's socialist heritage.

Paperback, 110pp.