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.
One should begin the adventure with Baker's Carmarthen Trilogy: The Orphans Of Carmarthen, Vault Of The Griffin, and Ordeal Of The Dragon.
The Orphans Of Carmarthen
Best of Carmarthen Carmarthen, Wales
A fantastic novel, and a must-read for any native of Wales.Not only are the characters of the people and land portrayed in beautiful, lyrical writing; the spirit of Wales becomes very nearly tangible in this great novel. This work is replete with local superstitions, myths, and legends: giving the reader a clear insight into the heart and mind of a nation.
Dragons Under Carmarthen Westminster, England
A stunning depiction of post-Roman Wales, The Orphans of Carmarthen captures the natural magic of the rolling countryside. The author is a master of exposition, using words to great effect in painting the poverty and beauty of post-Roman Carmarthen. His knowledge of the local superstitions, myths, and archaeological evidence is remarkably thorough, and woven throughout the adventures of the small boy and his dog. Having been to Carmarthen on several occasions, this book touched the familiar, fond memories and painted the hills along the Towy as well as any artist might have done. While pastoral and tranquil in depicting the love between the pair, the battle of the dragons was nothing short of spectacular.
“…a compelling depiction of pre-Christian Wales.” Worcester, England
“The author triumphs in creating a work of fiction entirely appropriate to the historical environment, while embracing the regional superstitions and legends of a long-forgotten age.”
Vault Of The Griffin
Inspiring and Utterly Brilliant Storytelling — London, England
"Eagerly awaited sequel to The Orphans of Carmarthen, Vault of the Griffin re-introduces the reader to fifth-century Britain. A fantastic descent into the bowels of the cavernous empire of the White Griffin, Baker´s latest novel is a devastatingly candid and brilliant commentary on human nature. The pastoral countryside of Wales is painted in broad and exceptional vistas, the author skillfully employing language to exemplify the struggle between great concepts of ideology and theology, most capably illustrated against a backdrop of poverty and classical mythology. Once again, this internationally acclaimed writer validates his reputation as a master of literary exposition."
— Ruth Ryland
CORO Fellow 1991 - 1992
CORO Fellow 1991 - 1992
The second novel in the Carmarthen trilogy, Vault of the Griffin takes up again the exploits of Myrddin Emrys, stray child of the vale of Towy. Introduced in the first novel, The Orphans of Carmarthen, he, along with his dog, faces the challenges presented in post-Roman Wales. Confronted with a realm of superstition, dragons, and sorcery; the pair try to endure as best they can outside the influence of civilisation; where only an ancient Banfáith witch takes any interest in their survival.
"W. B. Baker surpasses himself with the creation of an entirely believable, functional religion of the Banfáith Witches, demonstrating not only a masterful command of the English language, but revealing astounding insight into theoretical theology. Within the realm of conceptual mythology this writer is, conspicuously, one of the most intuitive authors of the genre."
"Idyllic conceptual thinking; imparted in a beautiful tale of a boy and his little dog. Emotions envelop the reader completely and swathe one´s consciousness with the realization that, on the odd occasion, grandeur and brilliance of sentiment lie far beyond our ability to express. Vault of the Griffin is one of those rare, exceptional examples."
Ordeal Of The Dragon
Eloquent, Powerful, and Articulate! - New York
These works come from an author who is providing an outstanding recognition of the United Kingdom and its life, history, and people. Literature is the vehicle, far beyond the transitory cinema of contemporary life, which provides depth for his audience. Dr. Baker challenges the reader to understand these tales for their immediate pleasures as well as for their deeper meanings. In this, he accomplishes the best that his art can and should do – to mirror the human condition.
- Daniel Paul Larson, D.M.A.
President
Cayuga/State University of New YorkBRILLIANT! A Bloody Good Read!!
– Douglas Neal, MRCVS
W. B. Baker’s novels may well be among the finest examples of representative literature of the region. From a nation renown for dramatic warrior poets comes this author’s third novel of Carmarthen, a stunning combination of narrative melded with the extraordinarily vivid imagery we have come to expect from this award-winning writer.
Ordeal Of The Dragon resumes the tale of Myrddin Emrys (Merlin) as a child in Wales, integrating exceptionally strong characters with a remarkable knowledge of superstition, myth, and religion to create a fantastic realm of murder, vengeance, and personal redemption.
A beautifully crafted and equally majestic effort.
A beautifully crafted and equally majestic effort.
– Teresa McAlister, Knight Ridder
The haunting tale of a young boy and his love for a dog … within which are couched the secrets of the universe. Once again, W. B. Baker reveals the wonders of Carmarthen and the whole of Britain to the World.
– Priory Road, Carmarthen - Carmarthenshire, Wales
Ordeal Of The Dragon, like The Orphans Of Carmarthen and Vault Of The Griffin before it, transcends the delicate boundaries of religious and historical perceptions, compelling readers to consider and take stock of their personal interpretations of reality.
A stunning philosophical success and ideological examination, where inspirational axioms are subtly imbedded within the vibrant images and metaphors of classic gothic themes. The superbly devised religion of the Banfáith Priestesses is a triumph unto itself; revealing the author’s meticulous attention to detail as much as Baker’s facility for conceptual ideology.
Correlations between astronomical observances, religious ceremonies, and classical Welsh mythology demonstrated in the extensive research necessary to conceive the Banfáith religion does each of us Brits quite proud.
Correlations between astronomical observances, religious ceremonies, and classical Welsh mythology demonstrated in the extensive research necessary to conceive the Banfáith religion does each of us Brits quite proud.
– Bloomsbury - London, England
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.
