Braveheart Comes To Wales

The Ravenous - latest novel of British author W. B. Baker, tells the story of the Welsh Revolts


It was only a matter of time before some intrepid author picked up the story of Edward II, son of King Edward I "Longshanks" of England and decided to write about the ongoing struggle of the Welsh against the English after the defeat of William Wallace.

Far from simply adapting the Scottish tale, Baker relates how, once Scotland had gained its freedom, the king of England turned his attention to conquering the Celtic tribes of western Wales. The Ravenous deals primarily with the attacks on Caerphilly Castle in 1316 - an imposing challenge, as there is little accurate historical record of the actual battle.

This award-winning author once again demonstrates what has truly distinguished his historical fiction from that of other writers - in that there is meticulous attention given to descriptions of the locations and topography - along with complex characters with whom we can actually identify. So many writers of this genre simply invent individuals whose personalities and temperaments match the themes the authors wish to emphasize. W. B. Baker gives us a real opportunity to understand complete characters - with individuals presented with their subtlties of intention and nuance.


A fantastic look into the mindset of the aristocracy and common man of the Middle Ages.


The Ravenous has received kudos from readers across Britain, whose ancestral allegiances may or may not have been influenced by the loyalties of their patriarchs. More than any other writer today, W. B. Baker is not bashful about revealing the flaws of theology and the societies that embrace them ... which gives us, as readers, the singular opportunity to evaluate our own beliefs against the tapestry of our common history as Britons.

An uncommon novel from an exceptional mind.


What Others Have Said:


One of the Finest Authors of the last Quarter Century


Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Wales are already keenly aware of this author and his many novels ... with W. B. Baker's novels now available around the world, the list of readers is growing every day.

Recognised as one of the foremost contemporary UK authors and honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth personally, W. B. Baker has captured the TRUE magic of the British Isles in a series of novels that overwhelm the senses with vibrant imagery and historical accuracy.

Baker's latest novel, The Ravenous, is quite possibly his finest to date. Comparable to the Scottish Braveheart, Caerphilly Castle takes centre stage in this dynamic tale of war and love. Set during the Welsh Revolts and only six years after the death of William Wallace, the Welsh struggle against English rule - in a tumultous conflict that demonstrates the best of the British character.


Description:

Centuries of warfare had barely encroached upon Glamorgan’s boundaries and any who dared its conquest met with bold resistance. Warriors lurking in the mountains of Wales invited all unwary trespassers to come and taste of death. Such was the case in 1316, when Edward II attempted to resurrect a United Kingdom after the execution of William Wallace.

As Edward and his Nobles would all too soon discover, the rage that English garrisons uncovered across the valleys of Wales would prove to rival any fury of the Scots.


A Magnificent Re-emergence of English Literature For the 21st Century


W. B. Baker has done more through his writing to promote Wales around the world than anyone in recent memory. Stunning imagery and the ability to convey the warmth of Welsh culture combine with historical accuracy to bring Wales its finest champion since Dylan Thomas.

— BBC Hall of Fame


The British People at Their Finest and Most Magnificent


Shamelessly brutal in his examination of the human heart, W. B. Baker presents Britain a stunning masterpiece of fiction. The Ravenous is Baker’s tour de force; the author using his considerable command of the English language to weave a majestic tale of valour and faith.

— Tottenham Court Road London, England


A disturbing indictment of human frailty ...
An even more glorius assertion of man´s innate nobility

Couched inconspicuously within this modern epic of Wales lie affirmations of the true majesty of humankind … Within this moving tale, valiant men and women emerge from the mire of war to exemplify the inextinguishable courage of this nation we call home.

— Pwllypant Caerphilly, Wales


Novels by W. B. Baker are now available in bookstores in the UK, USA, Europe, Japan, and Australia - and around the world from Foyles Bookstore in London, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and WHSmith.

Included in Thomson Gale's prestigious Contemporary Authors, W. B. Baker has been honoured around the world as one of the premier authors of historical fiction - bestowed honours from the British Government and that of the United States as well. His UK web site: drwbbaker.co.uk showcases this author's contributions to literature and, though minimalistic in nature, cannot but demonstrate the impact this writer has had on contemporary fiction.



David McAlister said...

I feel that Dr. Baker is not only a very gifted author, he is also one of the most interesting and compassionate people I have been fortunate to become friends with.


Mitchell said...

Great to see people talking about this author!I agree - The Ravenous - is probably Baker's strongest work so far. In-depth historical research into Edward II and a compelling storyline. GREAT BATTLE SCENES and some of the best poetry I've come across in years.

Mitchell New York


Gillian - Edinburgh said...

WHSmith now offers THE RAVENOUS and several of his other books! I couldn't find them at several bookstores, but they are all available on the internet. REALLY Brilliant writing! A touching account (The Ravenous) of a father and daughter trying to come to deal with war and its effect on their lives. Extremely well researched. Some of the best British storytelling out there!


Geoffrey Crawley said...

An extremely competent writer who has combined engrossing historical fiction with, undoubtedly, the finest iambic pentametre verse England has seen in the last hundred years. In The Ravenous, Baker uses the character of the Welsh poet to give us compelling moral principles such as:

My Lord, the simplest truth may miss man’s groans
When he, in conquest of mere piece of land,
Forgets he fights above his father’s bones,
And only briefly in the sun may stand.
Despite the gains of life, his finite hand
May only once caress the timeless stone,
That stands forever, top the Dark Unknown.

and

For justice is a hot, two-edged sword.
Whose haft may glow as brightly as its blade;
To wield it long, a man may ill afford:
Its white-hot hilt demands a tithe be paid;
And from its bearer equal justice weighed.
Its glowing scabbard then is wisely left
With He whom deftly man from earth hath cleft.

W. B. Baker supports a finely woven tapestry of British history with powerful questions of morality that withstand not only the closest literary scrutiny; but compel each reader to examine one’s own perception of society and belief. How refreshing to find an author who has not bowed to contemporary norms, but has re-ignited the fires of quality and merit that have distinguished English literature through the centuries. One would hope that this author, based on the attributes of excellence and weight of his body of work, would warrant consideration for the Honours Lists.

- Geoffrey Crawley London, England


Kathleen Ashford said...

Every now and then, one inadvertently picks up a book and discovers not only a moving story but stumbles upon an innovative perspective.

Such is the case with W. B. Baker’s, The Ravenous.

Far from the hackneyed, stale viewpoint of British history that one finds all too often amidst the gloomy corridors of University – this writer narrates a magnificent tale of Caerphilly Castle and Edward II in bright, unsullied prose. Vibrant images of Britain and its people capture one’s imagination – depicting the indefinable majesty of our often ignored heritage.Writing that genuinely glorifies our birthright and legacy as a nation!

- Kathleen Ashford University of Hertfordshire


Ystrad Mynach said...

Since several readers have mentioned Baker's poetry, I thought I would mention A SOLITARY FROST - his book of poetry. The love sonnets are particularly worth noting! Nice to see so sensitive a writer these days!

- Ystrad Mynach


Christopher MacAskill said...

W. B. Baker comes to Oxford

Followers of The Carmarthen Trilogy have discovered that the author’s writing style has become more sophisticated; while retaining the almost panoramic and yet meticulous attention to detail that characterizes Baker’s exposition.

Unlike the minimalistic dialogue and theological themes of earlier novels, The Ravenous presents multi-faceted personalities grappling to make sense of the austere conditions brought upon them by the Welsh Revolts. Of particular mention is the character of John Linstrum; an exceptionally strong protagonist who struggles with his dedication to duty and a commitment to family for which he is ill-prepared.

A remarkable encapsulation of English manhood: an individual whose integrity and courage compel him to greatness. It is a testament to Baker’s skill that such serious themes and relationships are presented in so thoughtful and sympathetic a fashion. The Ravenous is a landmark piece of historical fiction – that may well help define the genre in Britain.

- Christopher Oxford, England


Sion Phillips said...

Contrary to what most of the world thinks, there are many in the UK who embrace our history and mythology over pure escapism. Indeed, a surprising number actually prefer a well written novel about actual events over Harry Potter.

Having followed the novels of W. B. Baker for years, it would be brilliant to see a movie about Merlin as a child – as depicted in The Carmarthen Trilogy. Perhaps the BBC might take a look at The Ravenous as well – in that it is based on events that actually changed our nation.

The BBC Hall of Fame features a listing that proclaims W. B. Baker as having “done more through his writing to promote Wales around the world than anyone in recent memory.”

After reading his books, one finds it difficult to disagree.

- Sion Phillips Nottingham - by way of Swansea


Fiona in Bloomsbury/London said...

Brilliant!

Nothing short of Brilliant!

Found THE RAVENOUS at Foyles Bookstore in London. Simply unbelievable that Baker has not been honoured or mentioned in the Queen's Honours Lists!

Great Story - Superb Characters

Probably one of the greatest living English authors!!

- Fiona Axworthy in Bloomsbury London, England


Trevor Carrington said...

Well, I must say that it is about time W. B. Baker has received some attention from bloggers around the world. I particularly appreciated the great effort and attention needed to create the entire religion of the Banfaith Witches in Baker's Carmarthen Trilogy. To mesh conceptual theology with Christianity and Druidism was NO SMALL undertaking.

Clever and Creative Writing by an author that has long been overlooked.

- Trevor Carrington Aberdeen


James Talbot, Cambridge UK said...

The battle at Caerphilly is told from the sensitive perspective of well-meaning participants on both sides of the conflict: revealing the good and despicable characters of both the Welsh and the English. Baker’s approach blends shrewd scholarship, biography, and hearsay in his beautiful novel, The Ravenous.

Summing up: HIGHLY Recommended.


Phillipa Edwards, Kingston-upon-Hull said...

This account of Caerphilly Castle and the period of Edward II captivated me. It was as though I sat in the company of the characters, whose personal histories entwined with imposing countryside.

Evocative word pictures of an astonishing array of locales in Monmouthshire.

Baker aptly combines local lore and legends with anecdotes and scholarly research and, as a result, this book would find a worthwhile place on the shelf of both scholars and followers of English historical fiction. An entertaining and intimate narrative that captures not only the charm of the area, but of the Welsh and English as well.

“Exceptional book”


Richard - Leicester, England said...

Delightful Storytelling!

W. B. Baker lavishes special attention on Monmouth’s extraordinary heritage. An engaging and compelling history of Wales in the decades after the defeat of William Wallace, when the English under Edward II attempted to subjugate Wales.

The Ravenous encapsulates the sweeping historical transformations and charm of charismatic individuals who shaped Caerphilly.

A classic local history of the region and a true pleasure to read.

FIVE STARS!