Taking the subject chronologically from the 1890s to when the book was initially published in 1989, this book analyses those films specifically concerned with working-class conditions and struggle, and discusses them within the context of the debate on the social significance of the feature film. It concentrates on films which depict labour organizations and political activists, as well as life in working-class communities and actors with working-class identities such as James Cagney. Reviews of the original edition: '...fills a gap in film studies...the study of social and labour history, and the development of popular culture in Britain and the United States.'

Taking the subject chronologically from the 1890s to when the book was initially published in 1989, this book analyses those films specifically concerned with working-class conditions and struggle, and discusses them within the context of the debate on the social significance of the feature film. It concentrates on films which depict labour organizations and political activists, as well as life in working-class communities and actors with working-class identities such as James Cagney. Reviews of the original edition: '...fills a gap in film studies...the study of social and labour history, and the development of popular culture in Britain and the United States.'

A team of distinguished authors highlight and evoke the genius of Welsh football stars and place them in the context of the changing pattern of the game in Britain and internationally.

The experimental Dennis Potter is generally regarded as Britain's outstanding television playwright. His play, The Singing Detective, is frequently broadcast to American audiences on public television. The film adaptation of the play is currently in production. Seldom less than controversial, Potter's work has often been misunderstood. In England, its wider commentary and message have often been lost beneath a sometimes hysterical response to part of its content. In this first critical study, Stead reviews all of Potter's plays, with reference to his novels as well, providing a much needed critical work explaining Potter's unique literary achievements.

This work examines the Welsh acting tradition. Although lacking a metropolitan centre, a culture developed in which both chapels and schools encouraged recitations and performances. Each chapter evokes an actor and assesses their work, career and contribution made to film and theatre in general.

In this collection of essays, a group of musical enthusiasts assess the international careers of great Welsh soloists in the context of the national musical tradition. These individual careers are examined against the background of wider local traditions such as the Eisteddfod, religious festivals and male voice choirs. The emphasis of the book will be on the classical and operatic but the sheer variety and perpetually evolving nature of popular music in Wales is reflected in both general essays and in studies of two of the country's most successful entertainers. The book includes detailed chapters of Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel, alongside contemporary music phenomenons such as The Stereophonics, Catatonia and the Manic Street Preachers.

Though few outside of its native borders associate the great Celtic nation of Wales with the gritty history of pugilism, Welsh fist-fighters have made their talent--and passion--for boxing unmistakable for centuries. "Wales and Its Boxers" traces this triumphant spirit through the lives of village heroes and national superstars such as "Peerless" Jim Driscoll and Freddie Welsh, commenting along the way on compelling cultural issues like masculinity, Welsh identity, and the changing face of the ringed spectacle. Here you'll read the story of Jimmy Wilde, "The Mighty Atom," who rose from a life in the Tylorstown coal pits to become - according to "Ring "magazine - the third greatest puncher of all time, as well as a Welsh legend. Moreover, you'll discover why Wales currently has more registered boxers than any other region in Europe and how current boxing superstars like WBO champion Joe Calzaghe continue to fight under the banner of Welsh pride in this fascinating and peerless account of one nation's love for sport and country.