Rape of the Fair Country

By Alexander Cordell

Book Overview

Set in the valleys of the Welsh iron country, this turbulent, unforgettable novel begins the saga of the Mortymer family. A family of hard men and beautiful women, all forced into a bitter struggle with their harsh environment, as they slave and starve for the cruel English ironmasters. But adversity could never still the free spirit of Wales, or quiet its soaring voice, and the Mortymers fight and sing and make love even as the iron foundries ravish their homeland and cripple their people. The Mortymer's struggle has become emblematic of a nation's history and struggle, it is a unique story of the people of Wales.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1917140991
• ISBN13: 9781917140997
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Parthian
• Length: 260 Pages

Customer Reviews

Why was this story never filmed?

I heartily agree with the other readers of this wonderful book who have given it 5 stars. I first read it as a teenager back in my native Wales and was fascinated by its accurate historical detail and wonderful earthy characters - I think it exlains better than any other novel of its type the eternal struggle of the Celts against their Anglo-Saxon would-be conquerors, and why we (the Celts) are so different. Had this book been written about Scotland or Ireland, I am sure it would have been made into an Oscar-winning movie by now!

A litle known gem

am amazed that this book seems so obscure;1 other review! Ive read extensively including all of the great and renowned authors in most modern lists-this book would be up there in any list in terms of the quality of the writing.Cordell brings the welsh character to life with 3 dimensional people enduring the bitter hardships of 19th century mining life.Humorous,tragic,heartfelt,real 'The rape of the fair country' is a must read for those searching for pure quality;unlike many novels relating struggle or hardship this one stands above,resonates truth and emotion and leaves the reader with an indelible memory.There are two more in the series of the Mortimer family but this is the best of them. Told through the eyes of the younger son Iestyn in a first person account the language will charm,the plot will intrigue and the characters will be endear with a real ring of truth.At times earthy and sensuous,never falsely romantic this book is a gem that surprisingly seems to have missed out on any mainstream recognition.Dont be misled by that ,with this book you wont be disappointed

Llyfr ardderchog (Great book)

I am 27 and embarrassed to say that "Rape of the fair country" is the first book I've really read, but what a way to start! When you begin reading the book you soon become inseparable for you feel as though you are part of the "Mortymer" family. Its a tragic but beutiful tale of life at the begining of this century in the iron works of the South Wales Valleys. But it's an eye opener into the world we live in today. (Some third world countries). It makes you appreciate our past and be thankful of what we have today. A trully wonderfull read.

A little known gem

I am amazed that this book seems so obscure;1 other review?!Ive read extensively including all of the great and renowned authors in most modern lists-this book would be up there in any list in terms of the quality of the writing.Cordell brings the welsh character to life with 3 dimensional people enduring the bitter hardships of 19th century mining life.Humorous,tragic,heartfelt,real 'The rape of the fair country' is a must read for those searching for pure quality;unlike many novels relating struggle or hardship this one stands above,resonates truth and emotion and leaves the reader with an indelible memory.There are two more in the series of the Mortimer family but this is the best of them. Told through the eyes of the younger son Iestyn in a first person account the language will charm,the plot will intrigue and the characters will be endear with a real ring of truth.At times earthy and sensuous,never falsely romantic this book is a gem that surprisingly seems to have missed out on any mainstream recognition.Dont be misled by that ,with this book you wont be disappointed

Welsh ancestry...a must read!

If you are of Welsh ancestry or if you are traveling through the south of Wales and up into the Brecon Beacons, this is a must read. It is full of the plight of the Welsh mena and women, their life and love and trouble. Centered around a wonderful family, Alexander Cordell brings you into their homes and lives and the mines in which they toil. The strugle with the British elite that leads upto the Jack Frost rebellion. The novel is followed by two other books that follow a son escaping the British tirany by going to the United States where he becomes, of course, a miner. The flavor of the green hills dotted with sheep and the lush valleys along with the deep history of the land and the people make this a delightful book, especially if you have roots there.