Thomas Edwards (author)

Thomas Edwards (Caerfallwch), (1779–1858), was a Welsh author.

Early life

Edwards was born in Northop in Flintshire, Wales. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to a saddler named Birch, and in this family he cultivated his taste for Welsh literature. He married in 1801 or 1802. He removed to London and became a secretary to Bell, and later on to Nathaniel M. Rothschild.

Writing career

In 1838 he was appointed together with five others, in connection with the Abergavenny Eisteddfod, to improve the Welsh Orthography. In 1845 Edwards published his 'Analysis of Welsh Orthography.' For many years he was a member of the 'Cymmrodorion' and delivered many of their lectures; that on 'Currency' was afterwards published.

His most notable work was his 'English and Welsh Dictionary,' published by Evans (Holywell) in 1850, and a second edition was published in 1864. Another edition was published later in the United States of America. Edward's dictionary is considered by some the best dictionary of the Welsh language. He was a frequent contributor to Welsh magazines.

Death

He died at 10 Cloudesley Square, London, on 4 June 1858, and was interred in Highgate cemetery.

References

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Edwards, Thomas (1779-1858)". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.