Geraint Bowen (poet) facts for kids

Dr. Geraint Bowen (born September 10, 1915 – died July 16, 2011) was a famous Welsh language poet and a smart university expert. He was born in Llanelli, a town in Carmarthenshire, Wales. His father was Thomas Bowen, and his brother, Euros Bowen, was also a poet. His uncle, David Bowen, was a minister from Carmarthenshire.

Early Life and Learning

Geraint Bowen went to grammar school in Aberaeron. After that, he studied at University College, Cardiff. He finished his first degree in 1938. Then, he went to the University of Liverpool to study Celtic Studies, which is about the history and languages of Celtic people, like the Welsh.

Studying History and Books

For his highest degree, a doctorate, Geraint Bowen studied old Welsh books written by people who kept their faith secret when it was not allowed. He wrote a lot about this topic and other parts of Welsh religious history during his time as a university expert. He helped publish some important old Welsh books, like Gwssanaeth y gwyr newydd in 1970 and Y Drych Kristnogawl in 1996. He also wrote a book about the history of Welsh Mormons in the 1800s, called Ar Drywydd y Mormoniaid, which came out in 1999.

A Voice for Wales

Geraint Bowen was a strong supporter of Wales and its culture. He believed Wales should have more control over its own future.

During World War II

During the Second World War, Geraint Bowen chose not to join the army because of his beliefs. This was called being a conscientious objector. Instead of fighting, he worked on farms to help with the war effort.

Politics and Famous Neighbors

He was a candidate for the Plaid Cymru party, which works for Wales, in the 1950 election for the UK Parliament in Wrexham. In 1944, he moved to New Quay to live with his parents. The famous Welsh writer Dylan Thomas was also living there at the time. Some people think that Geraint's father, Orchwy, might have been the inspiration for a character named Reverend Eli Jenkins in Dylan Thomas's famous play, Under Milk Wood.

Poetry and Welsh Culture

Geraint Bowen was very important in Welsh poetry and culture.

Winning Awards

In 1946, he won a special poetry award called the bardic chair at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The Eisteddfod is a big festival in Wales that celebrates Welsh language and culture. He won for his poem "Awdl Foliant i'r Amaethwr."

Leading the Eisteddfod

Later, in 1977, he became the editor of a Welsh newspaper called Y Faner. From 1978 to 1981, he was chosen to be the Archdruid. This is the main leader of the Eisteddfod ceremonies. As Archdruid, he worked hard to convince the government to create a Welsh-language television channel, which is now known as S4C.

Caring for the Environment

Geraint Bowen also cared deeply about protecting the environment. He was a campaigner against putting nuclear waste in Wales. In the early 1980s, he was the leader of a group called MADRYN. This group's name means "Movement to Defend Dulas from Nuclear Waste" in Welsh.

Family Life

In 1947, Geraint Bowen married Zonia North, who was also a writer, translator, and activist. They had two sons and two daughters together.

Works

Poetry

• Awdl Foliant i'r Amaethwr
• Cân yr Angylion
• T. Gwynn Jones (Y Bardd Celtaidd)
• Cwm Llynor
• Y Drewgoed
• Cywydd y Coroni
• Yr Aran
• Prynhawnddydd
• Dr. Gwenan Jones
• Teyrnged i Gwyndaf
• Cyfarch Bro Myrddin
• Ar Doriad Gwawr
• Branwen

Autobiography

• O Groth y Ddaear (1993)

Books

• Welsh recusant writings published in 1999 in English
• Gwssanaeth y gwyr newydd, 1580 by Robert Gwyn published in 1970 in Welsh
• Golwg ar Orsedd y Beirdd by Geraint Bowen published in 1992 in Welsh
• Y traddodiad rhyddiaith yn yr ugeinfed ganrif : (darlithiau Dewi Sant)published in 1976 in Welsh
• Y Traddodiad rhyddiaith (darlithiau Rhydychen) published in 1970 in Welsh
• Y Drych Kristnogawl : llawysgrif Caerdydd 3.240 published in 1996 in Welsh
• Y traddodiadd rhyddiaith yn yr Oesau Canol : (darlithiau Dewi Sant)published in 1974 in Welsh
• Y gwareiddiad Celtaidd published in 1987 in Welsh
• Ar drywydd y Mormoniaid : golwg ar hanes y Mormoniaid Cymreig 1840–80 by Geraint Bowen published between 1998 and 1999 in English and Welsh
• Cerddi by Geraint Bowen published in 1984 in English and Welsh
• Atlas Meirionnydd published in 1974 in Welsh
• Bwyd llwy o badell awen : (cwrs ar y gynghanedd) by Geraint Bowen published in 1977 in English and Welsh
• Hanes Gorsedd y Beirdd by Geraint & Zonia Bowen published in 1991 in Welsh
• Ysgrifennu creadigol : darlithiau Taliesin published in 1972 in Welsh
• Y Drych Kristianogawl : astudiaeth by Geraint Bowen published in 1988 in Welsh
• John Morris-Jones : y diwygiwr iaith a llên by Geraint Bowen published in 1989 in Welsh
• W.J. Gruffydd published in 1994 in Welsh
• Mynegai i cerdd dafod : sef celfyddyd barddoniaeth Gymraeg, John Morris-Jones by Geraint Bowen published in 1947 in English and Welsh
• Penllyn by Geraint Bowen published in 1967 in Welsh