Anglo-Welsh literature is a term used to describe works written in the English language by Welsh writers, especially if they either have subject matter relating to Wales or (as in the case of Anglo-Welsh poetry in particular) are influenced by the Welsh language in terms of patterns of usage or syntax. It has been recognised as a distinctive entity only since the 20th century. The need for a separate identity for this kind of writing arose because of the parallel development of modern Welsh literature, ie. literature in the Welsh language. Many distinguished literary figures, such as Saunders Lewis, have written in both languages.
The best known Anglo-Welsh poet is Dylan Thomas, followed by Ronald Stuart Thomas. Poets such as Robert Graves can be regarded as Anglo-Welsh, insofar as they write about or in Wales, even though they may not have Welsh blood.
Anglo-Welsh novelists include Richard Llewellyn and Jack Jones. Their usage of language marks them out from writers of "standard" English, as demonstrated in the following extracts:
My father moved his head, and I looked down at him, sideways to me, and tried to think what I could do to ease him, only for him to have a breath.
- (from How Green was my Valley by Richard Llewellyn)
- (from How Green was my Valley by Richard Llewellyn)
- (from The Outing by Dylan Thomas)
- (from The Outing by Dylan Thomas)
- (from A Small Country (1979) by Sian James)
- (from A Small Country (1979) by Sian James)
- (from A Few Selected Exits (1968) by Gwyn Thomas)