Lewis Jones (writer)

Lewis Jones (1897-1939) was a Welsh novelist, political activist, and Communist. He is best known for his novels Cwmardy (1937) and We Live (1939), which realistically depicted the harsh lives of coal miners in the Rhondda Valley of South Wales during the interwar period.

Born in Clydach Vale, Rhondda, Jones began working in the mines at a young age. He became involved in socialist and communist politics, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the South Wales Miners' Federation. He also travelled to the Soviet Union and was deeply influenced by Soviet literature and culture.

Cwmardy, his first novel, chronicles the lives of miners and their families, focusing on the social and political struggles within the community. We Live, the sequel, continues the story, exploring the impact of the economic depression and the rise of fascism. Both novels are considered important works of Welsh working-class literature, offering a powerful and unflinching portrayal of poverty, exploitation, and resistance.

Jones was a passionate advocate for social justice and working-class rights. His writings reflected his commitment to socialist ideals and his belief in the power of collective action. He died prematurely in 1939, but his novels continue to be read and studied for their historical and literary significance.