John Rowlands (author) facts for kids

John Rowlands (born August 14, 1938 – died February 23, 2015) was an important Welsh language author. He wrote several novels, including Lle bo'r gwenyn which means "Where Bees May Be" and was published in 1960. He was also a professor who taught Welsh literature at universities.

John Rowlands: A Welsh Author

John Rowlands was born in a place called Trawsfynydd, in Merionethshire, Wales. He loved the Welsh language and spent his life studying and writing in it.

His Education and Teaching Career

In 1959, John Rowlands finished his studies in Welsh at Bangor University. After that, he became a lecturer, which is like a teacher at a university. He taught at several places, including Abertawe/Swansea, Coleg y Drindod, Caerfyrddin, Llanbedr Pont Steffan, and Aberystwyth.

He retired from teaching in 2003. However, he stayed very busy! He continued to work as an editor, helping to prepare other people's writings for publication. He was also a critic, meaning he would review and share his thoughts on books and other literary works. John Rowlands also often served as a judge in writing competitions. Even after retiring, he helped teach creative writing courses back at Bangor University.

Contributions to Welsh Literature

John Rowlands did a lot for Welsh literature. He was the editor for a big series of books called Y Meddwl a'r Dychymyg Cymreig. He also wrote many academic books and papers about literature.

He was known for being one of the most active judges in the literary competitions at the Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is a huge festival in Wales that celebrates Welsh culture, including music and literature. Many people thought he was the best critic of Welsh writing in Wales. He also wrote a regular column for a magazine called Barn.

John Rowlands' Books

John Rowlands wrote many books that people enjoyed reading. He also wrote academic books that helped others learn more about Welsh literature.

Novels for Readers

Here are some of the novels he wrote:

• Lle bo'r Gwenyn (1960)
• Yn ôl i'w Teyrnasoedd (1963)
• Ienctid yw 'mhechod (1965)
• Llawer Is na'r Angylion (1968)
• Bydded Tywyllwch (1969)
• Arch ym Mhrâg (1972)
• Tician Tician (1978)

Academic Works

He also wrote or helped with these academic books:

• Priodas Waed, a translation of 'Bodas de Sangre' by Lorca (with R Bryn Williams) (1977)
• Writers of Wales, T Rowland Hughes (1975)
• Profiles (with G Jones) (1981)
• Cnoi Cil ar Lenyddiaeth (1989)
• Ysgrifau ar y Nofel (1992)
• Y Meddwl a'r Dychymyg Cymreig - series editor