If you've read Alexander Cordell's 'Rape of the Fair Country' trilogy and it's prelude 'This Proud and Savage Land' then you, like me have probably been touched by the passion and literary genius of this great man. But there was more than a Welshness about Cordell, only a quarter Welsh by birth, he was born George Alexander Graber in Ceylon and lived his formative years in Ireland, London & China. Enlisting in the Royal Engineers before the second world war he was badly wounded in the mass evacuation of France. His convalescence took him to the north Wales town of Harlech before returning to the army as an officer in the Royal Engineers. He ended the war as a major and went into the civil service as a surveyor based just the other side of the Welsh border in Shrewsbury. His first published writings were short stories for women's magazines, the first published novel 'A Thought of Honour' was published in 1954. It is seen as a semi-autobiographical work in which the majority of the storyline is set on the east Suffolk coast where he spent the latter part of his war. Later he was to move to Abergavenny and lived the majority of his later years in various locations throughout Wales including Milford Haven, Chepstow & Wrexham. |
The Books of Alexander Cordell
CHINA & HONG KONG - IRISH REBELLION - MISC NOVELS - OTHER CORDELL BOOKS & MEMORABILIA - RESOURCES - WALES - INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION & CHARTISM - WALES - THE MORTYMER'S - WORLD WAR II
THE BOOKS OF WALES - THE MORTYMER'S
Cordell's books on Wales as seen through the eyes of the Mortymer's tell the industrial revolution from the side of the worker, the families who suffered, the ironmasters who profited, the harshness of the environment are all told within these stories. Running alongside this theme are sub-themes of pugilism, heavy drinking, carousing and paranormal activity. See below for more information on Cordell's books and the titles we have available to purchase. |
This Proud and Savage Land (1987) This prelude to the Cordell's most famous trilogy was published 28 years after his first book of Wales and his most famous work, 'Rape of the Fair Country'. The book gives the background for, and sets the scene for the trilogy so we suggest that it is read first prior to the 'Rape of the Fair Country'. Hywel Mortymer, a direct descendant of Owain Glyndwr is on his way to London with his Dad when the coach is attacked and his father is killed by feuding cousins. Hywel escapes and works his way to Blaenafon via the gold mines of Dolcauthi and the hiring fair of Llandovery............ Please see below for editions available: |
*****
Rape of the Fair Country (1959)
published in the US as Robe
of Honour (1960) This is the book that made Cordell famous, his
third novel and best known work is well researched, informative
and passionate. He said of it in later years 'the story was crying
out to be told, it demanded to be told'. So popular was the book
that it was translated into 17 different languages. The Mortymer family live and work in the Blaenafon
and Nantyglo communities. Iestyn and Morfydd the children of Hywel rebel
against the ironmasters and the book deals with the rise of trade unionism and
the Chartist movement in South Wales. Please see below for editions available: EDITIONS AVAILABLE RAPE OF THE
FAIR COUNTRY ALEXANDER
CORDELL COLLECTION An interesting collection of items Alexander Cordell
including reproduction memorabilia relating to his most
famous novel 'Rape of the Fair Country'. The items in this collection are
as follows: "Rape of the Fair
Country" a 1960 edition of the book published by The
Reprint Society, London in 1960 - The book
has an original dust wrapper in good condition and includes a facsimile supplementary leaflet (see
back cover illustration) with opinions by "Aneurin Bevan, Jack Jones, Gwyn
Thomas and Emlyn Williams" A
reproduction typed letter dated 1/4/58 to Charles
Roebuck in which Cordell thanks Roebuck for his letter of comfort. Cordell
has been informed by a local schoolmaster reader that his book is a "politically
biased, bawdy, vulgar and sexy book that would never see the light of day in
print other than the print of a type writer" He goes on to say that
the agent Curtis Brown.... "the most efficient and
brutally truthful agent in the country" has decided to accept the
book. It goes on to mention that Charles will duly receive his gift copy,
suitably inscribed. "Having attacked everything from
the old aristocracy, Church and Throne and exposed the fiery oppression of
England and all who came under her 19th Century dominion, I can certainly expect
retirement from the Civil Service and excommunication in due
course" A reproduction typed letter dated 7/4/58 to Charles
Roebuck with many interesting comments and observations relating to 'Rape
of the Fair Country' and 'The Hosts of Rebecca', signed Alex, extracts
from the letter................. "....the easiest way to explain my
glorious news........." "Since then I have had telephone
calls galore and the book appears to be rising in Publisher/Agent opinion daily
as fresh readers get at it. Also I have now arranged to meet a Miss Sheila
Hodges of Gollancz at 5pm next Thursday in my Agent's office in Covent Garden to
discuss with her the cuts I am prepared to make. At first I was bolshi about
cutting a word..............." "Incidentally, the Reader's
complaint that the book is too tragic as it stands is a good one and correct. I
am a morbid customer at the best of times, you know, and I have already altered
the run of deaths at the end to bring it lighter, without, I am sure and
detraction from value." The collection is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
guaranteeing that the 1960 book "Rape of the Fair Country" is an original
edition and genuine as advertised.
A total of 4 items (book
including supplementary leaflet & 2 letters) plus a COA. Ref: PL48-ocwa-cordell-bk-rape.1960-clgp4 -
£59.00
ANEURIN BEVAN on "Rape of
the Fair Country" "It is a tremendous book; an exciting book.
There is not a single dull or jaded character and the story moves from incident
to incident without faltering. There is a passion and a pity in it rarely to be
found in novels of historical evocation. It is impossible to say about a
historical novel that its characterisations are authentic, nevertheless the
events Alexander Cordell writes about are sufficiently near in time, and for me
at any rate, familiar in their setting, to carry a haunting sense of
authenticity. I shall be astonished if this novel is not universally regarded as
one of the outstanding literary events of the year."
*****
Hosts of Rebecca (1960) The Second novel in the 'Rape of the Fair Country'
trilogy. The scene moves from industrial Monmouthshire to rural
Carmarthenshire but the workers are no better off. The book covers
the 'Rebecca Riots' a peasant rebellion against unfair taxes
levied at 'toll gates' by the owners of the roads. Iestyn's
brother Jethro Mortymer is the lead character. Please see below for editions available: EDITIONS AVAILABLE
*****
Song of the Earth
(1969) The third and last novel in the 'Rape of the Fair Country'
trilogy. It's back to the hub of the industrial revolution for the
Mortymers, the novel starts in Merthyr and finds it way for the
majority of the narrative to the village of Resolven in the Neath Valley. Please see below for editions available:
*****
Beloved Exile (1993) Iestyn Mortymer is
captured during the Chartist Rebellion and exiled to Afghanistan
where he meets the beautiful Princess Durrani. Set amongst true
historical facts the story tells of the 'Afghan Promenade', a
retreat which cost the British Army 17,000 lives Please see below for editions available:
*****
Land of Heart's Desire (1994) Iestyn Mortymer escapes
from Afghanistan and is joined in 'Cae White' in Carmarthenshire
by Princess Durrani and their son Suresh. Suresh's grandfather the
Dost Mohommed wished for him to return to Afghanistan, Iestyn
resists his wishes. Please see below for editions available:
*****
The Love that God Forgot
(1994) Tom Mortymer, Iestyn's son marries his
childhood sweetheart Jen Wildflower, they move to Flatholm in the
Bristol Channel but all is not well when Uncle Jethro returns from
the US. Please see below for editions available: Paperback edition 2000 published by Macmillan ISBN 0 330 39690 0 280 pages
A secondhand paperback book in good condition. Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell-bk-forgot2000-pb -
£7.00
*****
THE BOOKS OF WALES - THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND CHARTISM
The Fire People (1972) THE FIRE PEOPLE was inspired by, and climaxes
in the hanging of Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis), the first martyr of the Welsh working class.
Penderyn was said to have taken part in the Merthyr Tydfil riots of 1831 and
was convicted of stabbing soldier Donald Black of the 93rd
Highlanders. Primary characters in the book include Gideon Davies, a blind fiddler from
Taibach, Port Talbot who makes his way from Taibach to Merthyr via
Maesteg and Pontypridd, Sun Heron who eventually marries Dic,
Billa Jam & Mamie Goldie, two 'beer' widows who also travelled
north from Taibach, Lewis Lewis, the chief rioter and Penderyn
himself. Cordell has built this story around the facts of the
rebellion and given life to the principal characters. It is said
that during the riots the 'red flag of rebellion' was flown for
the very first time. In a post script he dissects the evidence
given at Penderyn's trial and champions the work of Neath Quaker
Tregelles Price who petitioned the King for a pardon for Dic
Penderyn. A moving and sometimes humorous tale that lays bare the
cruelty of the Ironmasters of Merthyr. Related books - none
- although Morfydd Mortimer from the 'Rape of the Fair Country'
trilogy makes an appearance on more than one
occasion. Please see below for editions available:
*****
This Sweet and Bitter Earth
(1977) Toby Davies is a slate
miner in north Wales but he's drawn south by his love of a woman.
He is caught up in two of the early 20th century industrial
infamies, the Tonypandy Riots and the Senghenydd Universal Pit
disaster. Cordell tells it as it was ! Please see below for editions available:
*****
Land of My Fathers (1983) The town of Amlwch is home
to Taliesin Roberts and Parys Mountain his workplace but a brush
with the authorities sees him move south and exchange this for
Merthyr and Dowlais Ironworks. The book focuses on the lead up to
the Chartist rebellion. Please see below for editions available: 1st edition 1983 published by Hodder &
Stoughton ISBN 0 340 26979 0 300 pages
An ex-library secondhand hardback with a dust
wrapper. Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell-bk.fathers.1983-ed1-ex.lib -
£15.00
*****
Requiem for a Patriot
(1988) This story is seen through the eyes of
John Frost, the ex-Mayor of Newport and one of the leaders of the
Chartist Rebellion. He is transported to Van Dieman's land where
life as a convict at her majesty's pleasure awaits him. Please see below for editions available:
*****
Rogue's March (1981) This book centres on the life of James Alexander McAndrew, artist, raconteur, and drunkard.
He leads an incredible life which sees him become a bouncer and an
artist in Toulouse-Lautrec's Montmartre, a member of the armed
forces, a sailor and even a shipping line owner. But with love lost even success cannot hold
him and he hits the road one more. Partly set in Barry and
other parts of Wales. Please see below for editions available: 1st Edition 1981 published by Hodder &
Stoughton Ltd 511 pages
An ex-library edition in good condition. Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell-bk-rogue1981-ed1-ex.lib -
£17.00
*****
Tunnel Tigers (1986) A story centred around the building of the
railway network in Great Britain, and in particular the Sheffield
to Manchester line and the construction of the tunnels. Nick
Wortley is one of labourers under the railway engineer Stephenson
who risks his life day in day out in the name of progress. Although
the majority of the book is set in the north of England, Wortley
was born in Pontypridd and returns there via Rhymney in the final
few chapters. Please see below for editions available:
*****
Moll (1990) Sir Richard Carling, a highwayman & Moll
Walbee, a pickpocket travelling in the disguise of a French
aristocrat fall madly in love when Carling holds up the stagecoach
in which she is travelling. Set on the English border near
Shrewsbury, their adventures take them as far afield as
Australia. Please see below for editions available:
*****
Peerless Jim (1984) The life and times of the boxer Jim Driscoll as
told by Cordell. Based around true historical facts Cordell brings
the Irish born Cardiff boxer to life, from the boxing booths of
the Rhondda Valley to the rings of USA & the National Sporting
Club in London. Driscoll was one of the finest boxers to have come
from Wales. Please see below for editions available: Paperback Edition 1986 published by Coronet 368 pages
A second hand paperback edition
in good condition. Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell-bk-peerless1984-pb -
£8.00
*****
BOOKS ON CHINA
/ HONG KONG
The Sinews of Love (1965)
A novel of a concubine in modern Hong Kong - Pei
Sha, the daughter of a native Hong Kong Tan-gar fisherman is
orphaned and left to bring up her younger siblings. She has no
alternative but to become a concubine like her older sister Orla.
She falls in love with Anglo-Dutch engineering student Jan
Colingten, she that knows her dreams of lasting happiness with Jan
are impossible............ or are they ? Please see below for editions available: 1st Edition 1965 published by Victor
Gollancz Ltd
256 pages
A secondhand edition
with light foxing, with a dust wrapper in very good condition Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell.sinews.1965-cqwiduwp -
£35.00
*****
The Bright Cantonese (1967) published
in the US as The Deadly Eurasian An American warship launches an atomic bomb into
mainland China. Mei Kayling is tasked with finding out the truth,
was it deliberate or an accident, the future of the world depends
upon it ! Please see below for editions available: NO EDITIONS AVAILABLE
*****
The Dream and the Destiny (1975) The Long March of Mao Tse-tung and the Chinese people is not only one of the most significant events of world history; it is also one of the most romantic. It is a story of unutterable hardship, of slaughter and disease, all on a vast panoramic scale; and it is the story of courage, determination, idealism, of belief and hope and defeat and victory. It is a story of the birth of a nation. Cordell views the Long March through the eyes of a young doctor, Lin-wai, his love for at first Pipa and the nurse Kwelin is the backbone of the storyline of this incredible march. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
The Dreams of Fair Women (1993) Set against the turbulent backdrop of Hong Kong's piracy, infamous Opium Wars and 'Yellow' slave trade, Milly Smith, the daughter of a Hong Kong tycoon falls for Eli Boggs, the wild and dashing pirate. This doesn't go down well with Eli's regular squeeze, Anna No-Name, a Chinese peasant whi is believed , by her village, to be possessed with the spirit of a fox. Please see below for editions available: |
Ulvescroft large print edition 1995 |
326 pages |
A second hand edition in good condition. Ref: LB-ocwa-cordell-bk.women1995ulvescroft - £12.00 |
*****
The Traitor Within (1971) Ling lives on a commune in Red China which is under repeated attack by the rebels from Taiwan. Although brought up to fight Ling has to come to terms with his growing pacificism. Please see below for editions available: NONE AVAILABLE |
*****
THE IRISH REVOLUTION
The White Cockade (1970) John Regan, a proud Irishman living in Wales has to deliver a letter to Lord Edward Fitzgerald in Dublin after his father is killed attempting the same task. The book covers his journey during which he is attacked several times, press ganged into the Royal Navy an befriended by many. Set amongst the Irish rebellion of 1798. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
The Witches Sabbath (1970) The second novel in the Irish Rebellion trilogy, John Regan is well placed to witness the first battles of the Irish Rebellion, he is destined to play an influential role in the capturing of the British Army's Lord Kingsborough. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
The Healing Blade (1971) The third and last novel of John Regan. Sent to France to bring back Wolfe Tone, Regan is part of the invasion force that reaches the shores of Ireland Please see below for editions available: |
*****
BOOKS ON WORLD WAR II
A Thought of Honour (1954) The first of Cordell's novels set in second world war. The book is seen as semi-autobiographical. Please see below for editions available: NO EDITIONS AVAILABLE |
*****
The Enemy Within (1957) Cordell's first novel 'A Thought of Honour' re-titled and published in paperback Please see below for editions available: NONE AVAILABLE |
*****
MISCELLANEOUS NOVELS
Race of the Tiger (1963) The O'Hara family of Connemara emigrate to Pittsburgh. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
To Slay the Dreamer (1980) A story based in the Spanish Civil War. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
Send Her Victorious (1997) An interesting tale set mainly in post-revolution France. Alicia Bernard impersonates Queen Victoria and is put on trial by the people of France. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
If You Believe the Soldiers (1973) An Orwellian 1984 style novel from the pen of Cordell, Mark Seaton is a civil servant whose honesty get him into hot water with the government. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
Sea Urchin (1979) A story set in the Isle of Man. Although listed as a children's book, it's still quite a good read. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
Tales from Tiger Bay (1986) A collection of short stories, believed to have been published in paperback only. Please see below for editions available: |
*****
MISCELLANEOUS CORDELL PUBLICATIONS & MEMORABILIA
*****
CORDELL RESOURCES
Known addresses:
The Lodge, Llanellen, Nr Abergavenny (source - from a letter to Charles Roebuck, St Govans, Parc Rd, Caerphilly, dated 22/5/1953)
Ubique, Holywell Crescent, Abergavenny (source - from a letter to Charles Roebuck, St Govans, Parc Rd, Caerphilly, dated 24/8/1958)
Headlands, Tidenham, Chepstow (source, newspaper report on the death of Mrs Rosina Graber, 21/3/1972) probably in England
Railway Road, Rhosddu, Wrexham (source - letter to newspaper 'Tory Government is a dictatorship')
'Rebecca', 130 Friary Park, Castletown, Ballabeg, Isle of Man. (source, letter to John of Barry)
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