Lewis Morris

Born in Carmarthen in 1833, he studied at Jesus College, Oxford, trained in law, and was called to the Bar before turning much of his energy toward literature and public service. He became one of the best-known Anglo-Welsh poets of his day, writing in English while drawing strongly on Welsh history and tradition.

His books include The Epic of Hades, which brought him broad popularity, along with later works such as Songs of Two Worlds. Beyond writing, he took an active role in Welsh educational life and helped promote the development of higher education in Wales.

He was knighted in 1895 and died in 1907. Although his reputation is not as large now as it was in his lifetime, he remains an important figure in the story of Welsh writing in English and in the cultural life of nineteenth-century Wales.