As with most anthologies, there is controversy over the selection of 50 works that make up The Library of Wales, a 2006 initiative formed to promote the best Welsh literature written in the English language. Included are novels, short stories, poetry and memoirs.
Phil George, chair of the Arts Council of Wales, spoke to Rachel Trezise, former winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize, who has a story in the collection, In and Out of the Goldfish Bowl, written when she was 17. She was joined by academic and critic Tomos Owen of Cardiff University, who said the collection "rediscovered silenced or forgotten voices, many of them previously out of print".
This canon of Welsh books in English was criticised for the ratio of men to women, which stands at 40:10. Undoubtedly many more excellent women writers existed in the past, and it was suggested that future series should reflect this.
Trezise said that her focus is on the Rhondda Valley and the lives of people in the mining villages, but though she grew up there and went to the University of South Wales, she was not aware of the rich heritage of Welsh writers in her area. "I thought I was the first one to write about it". At school she learned only about Dylan Thomas.
"We don't expect extraordinary work out of our own patch," agreed Owen, a sentiment echoed by the audience, who recommended greater coverage of contemporary Welsh writers on the school curriculum.
"English is a Welsh language, and writers working in English should be celebrated," said George, to ripples of dissent among a section of the audience. He remarked that funding for the project had tailed off, but it is hoped that, contrary to the fate of many other libraries, The Library of Wales will add more volumes of merit to its virtual shelves.