Throughout the centuries, poets have provided Wales with a window into its own distinctive world. This book aims to give general readers a sense of the view to be seen through that special window. Poetry played a crucial part in sustaining a sense of Welsh identity from the seventh century until today. This study views the history of Wales through the lens of twelve poems that span almost fifteen hundred years. The featured poems bring different periods and aspects of the Welsh past into focus while providing some flavor of a poetic tradition, both ancient and modern, that is internationally renowned for its distinction.