Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (c. 1223-82) was the last prince of an independent Wales before its conquest by Edward I of England. Here J. Beverly Smith offers an in-depth assessment not only of Llywelyn but of the age in which he lived. With thirteenth century Wales as his backdrop, Smith sheds much-needed light on the triumphs and setbacks of this ruler of exceptional vision and vigor, while simultaneously contributing to our understanding of the nature of Welsh politics and the complexities of Anglo-Welsh relations.