"The Span of the Cross" is the first full-length study of the history of Christianity in twentieth-century Wales, a period that saw the trauma of two world wars, economic depression, political change, and increasingly secular attitudes. Beginning with a description of religion and its place in society in 1914, the book assesses the effect of the Great War on people's spiritual convictions and practices. Further discussions include the state of the disestablished church in Wales, the interwar crisis of nonconformity, the churches' response to economic dislocation, and the role of religion in the twenty-first century. This edition includes a new introduction by the author.

Pennar Davies played a notable part in the literary, cultural and religious life of Wales in the second half of the twentieth century. An exceptionally talented scholar and author, whose interests spanned the disciplines of the novelist, poet, critic, historian and theologian, he also possessed a powerful and enigmatic character which influenced many who came into contact with him. This is an important book not just because of its sharp portrait of a key cultural figure, but because of its portrayal of a way of life. Its focus on Nonconformity, patriotic politics and social commitment - which although still very much alive to older generations is rapidly becoming incomprehensible to the younger generation.

A study of seven significant figures in the religion and culture of twentieth-century Wales: D. Cynddelw Williams, Timothy Rees, Lewis Valentine, J. E. Daniel, Ivor Oswy Davies, Pennar Davies and R. Tudur Jones. Each of the individual 'portraits' draws out a number of themes-for example the effects of the First World War, the polarization between church and chapel, and the clash between secularism and religious orthodoxy-and examines each of the characters in their context (Wales and beyond).