Have a look at the fascinating selection of books written or personally selected by Gareth D John. Glimpses of Gwent Books will shortly be offering a substantial selection of books that can be ordered and paid for online using the PayPal system.   All of these books will be shown in the "Shop" section where you will be able to peruse more information on each book by clicking on any of the pictures. Until this facility has been completely developed at the start of 2008, the following books are currently available:
		Cwmbrân Book 1 Cwmbrân is set in the verdant 'Valley of the Crow' where in 1949 an area of some 3,160 acres was designated for a new town.  At that time the poulation barely numbered 12,000 and was based in two small townships and surrounding hamlets. Cwmbrân Development Corporation was faced with the difficult tasks of constructing a large town on difficult terrain and of grafting socially the new to old communities.  This book charts the town from humble beginnings to the vibrant success story it is today. Read about the lives our forefathers led, of their trials
and tribulations, and sample the simple pleasures that abound in past everyday life which contrast sharply with modern lifestyles.  Profusely illustrated with photographs of a bygone era and the present day, this is a book that future generations will surely treasure.
Glimpses of Gwent Book 1 One of the most fascinating and informative works published for some time.  Gareth D. John's lively series of essays are a pleasure to read and this is the sort of book to be read cover to cover and then re-read randomly picking out a chapter here and there. As we move forward through the new Millennium we should not lose sight of our past: Glimpses of Gwent, dedicated by the author to lovers of South Wales, will serve as a timely reminder of the people, landscapes and events which have made this border County unique in Wales.
		Glimpses of Gwent Book 2 This second collection of narratives has proved just as popular and equally informative as the first compilation. Again, the 'mix' comprises both 'old'and 'new'; certain themes may be familiar, but much of the text describes places that remain outside the mainstream of everyday life. A series of relevant photographs enhance the subject matter and the listing is neither definitive nor exhaustive - merely another personal selection from Dr John.
Glimpses of Gwent Book 3 Dr John embarks upon yet another journey through the pleasant land of Gwent to complete his trilogy. The industrially-scarred valleys of Gwent are very much past history with the once bible-black spoil heaps now appearing as richly wooded hills; track-beds of redundant railways have become the haunt of ramblers and cyclists, all of which testify to the tenacious power of Mother Nature to heal and reclaim the ravaged land. By contrast, Eastern Gwent has remained largely unspoilt over centuries, boasting scenery of outstanding natural beauty, of undulating pastoral and unsurpassed broad-leaf woodlands.
		A Gwent Miscellany Gwent as a principality once covered most of South East Wales and beyond into what is now England.  A few years ago Gwent was used as the name for the old County of Monmouth and it is from this area that Gareth D John has already written three fascinating volumes, each entitled 'Glimpses of Gwent'. 'A Gwent Miscellany' follows much in similar vein in describing people, places, monuments, features, customs and curious happenings that many if not most may well be unaware of. The style is racy, comments sometimes caustic yet perceptive, and the research meticulous.  Readers will surely be enthralled as well as informed, which is as it should be. And rightly so!
Poetry and Porridge A seemingly unusual title for an anthology of poetry, but an apt one nonetheless.  For the contemporary poet Glynfab John is indeed a true 'son of the Valleys', as his name implies. He is a man of Gwent in every sense of the word, and proud and fiercely passionate about his native environment and upbringing. The diversity of his poems is quite remarkable, for poets are seers.  Over centuries they have been regarded as 'different', 'visionaries', 'soothsayers' or simply 'wise men'. They possess the uncanny gift of perception where others can but only see.
To order any of these books then please go to the 'Shop' section and send through an order form.  We will then get back to you with details of payment required. We apologise in advance for this somewhat clumsy method of ordering and hope that you will be patient with us for the next few weeks until we can get our PayPal system properly set up, which we hope will be fairly soon!