An exciting,

easy-to-read biography of a preacher, scholar and educationalist whose impact on the religious and cultural life of Wales and other nations was immense.

Thomas Charles was a household name in Wales at least until the mid-twentieth century. The moving story of the young teenager Mary Jones walking twenty-six miles alone over the mountains to Bala to buy her copy of the Bible from him remains popular to this day, drawing attention to Charles’s work in obtaining copies of the Bible for people in Wales and other countries.

Enjoying an intimate relationship with Christ, Charles worked tirelessly preaching the gospel, educating the poor to read the Bible, then obtaining Bibles in Welsh and other languages for people to read. His extensive contacts with Evangelical Anglican clergy in England was a key in supporting and extending his influence in and beyond Wales.

There is much to learn from Charles’s commitment to Christ and His church, his love of the Bible and awareness of divine providence as well as his experience of genuine revivals. As we learn about Thomas Charles’ life and faith may we follow his example in communing intimately with our risen, exalted Lord and proclaim Him passionately to the whole world.