“In this remarkable book Huw Pryce does for Welsh autobiography what Sir John Lloyd did for Welsh history—establishes it as a subdiscipline of distinction. Lloyd’s work is set against earlier Welsh historiography in a manner that could only be achieved by a medievalist as well as being firmly and subtly placed in the context of Victorian intellectual history. This is an unusual, if not unique, combination of skills, and along with its elegant style they make it a landmark in Welsh historical writing. Historiography is a burgeoning field and this fine book cultivates a place for Wales within it. It will undoubtedly become a classic.”

Neil Evans, Cardiff University