Peter Stead – författare

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.’

The changing nature and fortunes of Welsh Rugby since the 1950s are here traced through the careers, on and off the field, of some of its most interesting and controversial characters. Each player's style and personality are evoked, his rapport with fans and the media examined and his career and interest off the rugby field traced.

Heart and Soul `the character of Welsh rugby' published October 1998, was defined in terms of the relationship between players and supporters. Individual authors evoked the memory of favourite players and went on to trace the differing ways in which the careers of their heroes had shaped their own perception of the game and their sense of Wales. In this new volume, similar themes will be investigated. Again the chosen players are favourites, men who played the game delightfully and effectively whilst at the same time exuding a degree of authority and confidence that inspired a grateful nation. Moreover, many of the subjects were to have second careers when their playing days were over, as administrators, coaches or pundits they still played a part in moulding the rugby culture of Wales. Once again all this will be put in context: historians Gareth Williams and Dai Smith trace the story of Welsh rugby since the publication in 1981 of their excellent centenial volume Fields of Praise whilst Peter Stead and Huw Richards evaluate the state of the game in Wales at the end of the millennium.

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.

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.

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.

For centuries there had been fistfighters, and from the early days of industry it was apparent that the Welsh had a particular passion for boxing. This book traces that passion through the lives of champions, by recalling their great bouts and by showing how moments of triumph were celebrated by whole communities.