‘The Hymn Belongs to Williams’ In this episode we begin discussing the Welsh Methodist movement’s chief poet, William Williams, Pantycelyn (1717-1791). Although we summarize some of the history of his life (including his conversion), we take more time in stressing the significance of his literary work as we agree with those we see Pantycelyn’s early hymns as the start of new chapter in the history of Welsh-language poetry.
Here is a completely new kind of praise poetry! We examine one of his popular hymns, taking note of the personal tone and accessible language and suggesting that there is something daring in the way in which he used themes and imagery from the old love poetry in order to treat love of God. We discuss the persona heard speaking in the composition and we perceive an interesting combination of the personal-private and the communal-public in the work. We suggest that Pantycelyn’s publications provide a way of appreciating the growth of the Welsh printing press and we consider the material foundations of his literary career.
