Physicians of Myddfai, The - Cures and Remedies of the Medieval World

About the Book

This is the first new and unexpurgated translation of Meddygon Myddfai, The Physicians of Myddfai, for over 150 years. The original mediaeval manuscripts are unique, being written in Middle Welsh, whereas across England and the rest of Europe, Latin was the universal language for documents. Nicholas Culpeper's famous 17th century medical handbooks are at least five hundred years later than the genesis of the works of the Myddfai mediciners. Around 1000 Welsh remedies and suggestions for a healthy life make fascinating reading, with many being useful today.

The evocative Legend of the Lady of the Lake (Llyn y Fan Fach) is included. This tale is the starting point for the line of practising Myddfai physicians from being court mediciners to Prince Rhys Gryg (d.1234) until the present day. Not only has the herbal and healing tradition carried on for around 800 years, but the places named in the legend can still be seen, and many of the plant cures have uses in modern medicine.

About the Author

Terry Breverton has written over forty books, with his main focus being upon Welsh history, heritage and culture. A former businessman, consultant and academic, he has worked all over the world, has given talks about Wales in Boston, Washington, Vancouver and elsewhere, and has appeared in several documentaries.
He believes that books, whether in print or electronic form, have to be entertaining and informative, and hopes that this is the case with The Physicians of Myddfai.