"Richard Wyn Jones is deservedly recognised as a leading authority on politics, public opinion, and national identity within and across Great Britain and Ireland. Here, he provides a pioneering, compelling, and lucidly written account of the trajectory of political thought in the national party of Wales. He manages with aplomb the hard task of being both objective and empathetic. Highly recommended – to the general reader as well as to scholars and students of nationalism."

Brendan O’Leary, Lauder Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

"Lively, sophisticated and accessible, Richard Wyn Jones's account of Welsh nationalist political thought traces the distinctive ideas and surprising pathways taken by Plaid Cymru and its leaders: a salutary reminder that the non-English nationalisms of these islands do not fit a common mould."

Colin Kidd, University of St Andrews

"Authoritative, rigorous, forthright, passionate – and completely gripping."

Cynog Dafis

"This book combines a clear analysis of nationalist ideas in general with a masterful interpretation of the political thought of the main leaders of Plaid Cymru during the twentieth century. It is comprehensive, authoritative, and excitingly provocative in places."

Meredydd Evans

"An original and insightful study, sensitive to the role of individuals in the shaping of Plaid Cymru while fully cognisant of the wider historical and cultural contexts. This book, by Wales’s leading political commentator and theorist, deepens our understanding of the motivations informing Plaid Cymru’s leadership and the political thought of the party more generally."

Daniel G. Williams

"This book is a masterly analysis of a party’s ideology"

Tom Ellis, Planet: The Welsh Internationalist

"The first volume of his magisterial study of the ideology of Plaid Cymru."

Meic Stephens, Cambria

"Richard Wyn Jones' masterpiece will be a necessary handbook for everyone involved in planning the future of Plaid Cymru and plotting the future of Wales."

Cynog Dafis, Barn

"A magnificent book … truly innovative … breaking new ground in Welsh historiography."

J. Graham Jones, Y Cymro

"This excellent book is brim-full of innovative ideas and incisive observations … fresh, balanced, gripping."

Robin Okey, Gwales