The rationale for this publication is two-fold. On the surface it is for Welsh people to build up and remember their loved ones' birthdays, anniversaries, important dates and events against days of the year. There is also an A-Z section annexed, so that addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses and the like can be entered. Thus we can keep our personal and social records in one easy-to-find book, rather than delve among scraps of paper, fading memories, or boot up the computer. On the other hand, it is to let us know about famous Welsh people and events upon each of these days. For each day, there is also a quotation, usually from a Welsh source, often tying in with the people and events of the day.

The author hopes that readers will be enthused to find out more about Wales and the Welsh from the entries in this book.

Many important dates in our history do not exist any longer, as records were destroyed during the taking of the land, and it is hoped that this publication will allow more information to surface about the heroes, heroines and events that shaped the nation. The Almanac is not linked to its year of publication, but can be used in years to come. It will be an ideal Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary present for those who care about Wales, its past and its future.

The genesis of this book was the author's 'The Book of Welsh Saints'. Wales has over 900 saints from the Dark Ages of the rest of Europe, and apart from David and Dwynwen (the Welsh Valentine) they are universally neglected. We have records of our saints' days, only because their feasts were kept until the 18th and 19th centuries in the places still named after them.