Christmas Evans, the Preacher of Wild Wales His country, his times, and his contemporaries

Set against the rugged hills and isolated valleys of 18th‑century Wales, this portrait captures the spirit of a nation where the pulpit was as vital as the hearth. The author opens with a vivid sketch of the Welsh preaching tradition—its bardic cadence, the striking “hwyl” that stirred congregations, and the way language and landscape intertwined to shape a uniquely fervent faith. Through anecdotes of village chapels, superstitions, and the everyday devotion of ordinary people, readers gain a sense of the cultural backdrop that forged a remarkable voice.

Against that backdrop emerges the story of a singular minister whose sermons rang like a far‑reaching bell across the wild countryside. Known for a charismatic style that blended fire‑brand conviction with poetic fluency, he inspired both reverence and curiosity among his contemporaries. The narrative follows his early ministry, friendships, and the growing reputation that made him a central figure in Wales’s spiritual awakening, offering a compelling glimpse into a life that still echoes in the hills today.