Writers, politicians, visitors, insiders and outsiders of all lands have tried to grasp the elusive nature of the Welsh character, that subtle creation of history, geography, language and social custom that makes the self-images of the Welsh so different from the impression of outside observers. In this book Meic Stephens has gathered together more than 1,000 quotations about Wales and the Welsh, drawn from sources both native and foreign, literary and comic, favourable and hostile. Topics range from landscape, language and religion to politics, popular culture and the arts. This is a book which is entertaining and informative, and which is a stimulating guide for all interested in Wales. But a word of warning from Trevor Fishlock: 'Wales, though small, cannot be tidily parcelled. Just as you think you have the picture right, somebody gives the kaleidoscope a nudge and moves the bits.'