100 GREATEST WELSH WOMEN

418 pages Glyndŵr Publishing paperback illustrated 2017

Fully revised and updated – review from previous 2001 edition:

‘If you have had the opportunity to read Breverton's 100 Great Welshmen, you will already have had an insight into this interesting and inspired writer, whose almost fanatical feeling for all that is Welsh has produced books of impeccable craftmanship. His research is exemplary, though highly personalised, and he makes no secret of this. In his introduction he says, ‘Margaret Roberts has been omitted. Her services to the destruction of British manufacturing and social equality as Mrs Thatcher, and her illegal treatment of miners can never be forgiven by this author. In the same vein, all present female politicians (and wives of former politicians) were not considered for this book.’

It is therefore with added interest we find ourselves avidly reading to whom Breverton himself has decided to give the accolade of being in his opinion one of Wales's 100 greatest Welsh women and whether we, the readers, agree with his selection. Who could argue with Tracy Edwards, yachtswoman, who in 1997 together with her 10-woman crew covered 1,516 miles in the first four days across the Atlantic? Then there are Petula Clark, the very much loved popular singer who has sold over 70 million records with more gold discs than any other UK artist; Megan Lloyd George, who died in 1966 having done so much for feminism; Queen Elizabeth Tudor, the grand-daughter of Henry VII and whose lifetime companion was her Welsh nurse Blanche Parry who, it is said, taught Elizabeth to speak Welsh. How many of us knew that the renowned film star Bette Davis was of Welsh extraction, as were so many others including Saint Claudia and Saint Darerca. Or the queen of them all -Boadicea?

Whatever our own opinions may be, Breverton certainly will give the reader room for thought and argument, together with a greater knowledge of the effects that the little-known emancipation of Welsh women from mediaeval times has had on women’s lives, including the Welsh colony in Patagonia, who were the first society anywhere in the world to give women the vote in 1865. All in all, 100 Great Welsh Women is an informative reference book as well as a fascinating read.’ Norma Penfold: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Books Council of Wales

Amazon description: ‘100 Greatest Welsh Women - Did you know that the Britons can boast hundreds of female saints, one of whom has the oldest continuously worshipped well in Europe, as well the female Valentine, Arthur’s queen, an unknown Queen of England, the first woman poet, the inspiration for The Bible Society, the real 'Lady of the Lamp', the ‘First Lady of the Confederate States of America’, the tutor to the Children of the King of Siam, the first British female physician, ‘one of the finest painters of our time and country’, the pioneering bacteriologist responsible for pasteurised milk, a leading actress for eight decades, the ‘Queen of Hollywood’, the founder of a global fabric empire, ‘the most successful British singer, a fashion icon who gave us the mini-skirt, the ‘Best Female Singer in the Last Fifty Years’, one of the 20th century's greatest sopranos, the first folk artist to play Carnegie Hall, the Greenham Common martyr, and the most successful Paralympic athlete in the world?’

Rob Burns gave a review on Amazon: ‘5.0 out of 5 stars About time! Great book about great Welsh women.’ Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 April 2023 ‘The book is over 400 pages long, but easy to read, as each woman has around 4 pages of her life and achievements described. The book begins with early Welsh saints, including Dwynwen, the Welsh Valentine, and progresses in chronological through to Baroness Carys Davina 'Tanni' Grey-Thompson, the world's most successful paralympic athlete. Thus you can pick it up at any page and immediately be 'hooked' into reading that entry. There is a really sad entry upon Helen Wynne Thomas (1966-1989) who became known as the 'Greenham Common Martyr'. There is also a really interesting short appendix upon 'The Treatment of Woman in Wales' - I really recommend this book. There is a review of the original edition on the back page, from the Sunday Express - Breverton's breadth, generosity and sheer enthusiasm about Wales are compelling. I totally agree.’

Dave Lewis on 7 April concurred: ‘Having read the excellent 100 Greatest Welshmen I thought I'd give this one a go too. I wasn't disappointed, a true treasure chest of fab achievements from some amazing Welsh women. Highly recommended.’

However, it was almost impossible to achieve any publicity for the book and sales were very poor, whereas the 2001 edition sold out in weeks.