Cyfrinach beirdd ynys Prydain,

A volume written by Edward Williams, 'Iolo Morganwg', and containing a copy of 'Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain' which is very similar to, but not identical with, the text published in 1829, pp. 1-171 (cf. I. A. Williams MS 33A). On the outside of the cover are the words 'Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain, (?) 1470, Rhol I . . .', and sewn in at the beginning are draft proposals for printing the work ('Cynnygiad i argraphu drwy gynhorthwy, Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain . . .'). The pages now numbered [v-viii] were written after the main body of the manuscript and contain a note concerning Sir Richard Bassett and his descendants, a list of 'Cyhydeddau Sion Dafydd Rhys', 'Cyhydeddau Simwnt Fychan', and 'Colofnau Cerdd Dafod', and a title-page for the edition of 'Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain' which was to have appeared in 1822; there are some later additions and interlineations elsewhere also in the volume. Both black ink and red ink have been used in the manuscript and pasted on to p. [x] is a line-engraving described as 'Y Coronog Faban' with the following note by Iolo Morganwg: 'Mr. Basire - "Too Good to have been by any known artist but Albert Durer", it is says he a "wood cut". Inside the back cover is a list, with page references, headed 'Rhai o'r Cynhwysiadau.'

Title based on contents.

Formerly known as Llanover E. 15.

Preferred citation: NLW MS 13177B.

The description is also available in the Handlist of Manuscripts in the National Library of Wales, Volume IV (Aberystwyth, 1971).

On p. [v] in another hand it is stated 'This is Edward Williams's Book (alias Iolo Morganwg) & was lent to Mr. Eliezer Williams, Lampeter'.

Published