George Orwell yn Gymraeg: Nineteen Eighty-Four & Animal Farm Arrive in Welsh for the First Time
There are moments in the world of Welsh publishing that feel genuinely historic — and this is certainly one of them. For the first time ever, two of the most influential books of the 20th century have been translated into Welsh: George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm.
Yes — the iconic, unsettling, fiercely intelligent novels that shaped political language and cultural debate across the world are now available i ddarllen yn Gymraeg!
At Welsh Gift Shop, we are thrilled and proud to stock these landmark Welsh-language editions.
Why Orwell Matters Now More Than Ever
George Orwell’s writing has always been timely, but in recent years it feels almost prophetic. His dystopian masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four reshaped how we talk about power, surveillance, and truth.
The novel introduced phrases we now use without thinking:
- “Big Brother”
- “Doublethink”
- “Thought Police”
- “Newspeak”
These ideas have slipped into everyday conversations about politics, technology, privacy, and control. And, we all know at least one person who happily uses the word “Orwellian” without ever having read a page of Orwell.
It’s fine — we’ve all done it. I did it for years (absolutely unbearable at parties).
Now, there’s no excuse: you can finally read Orwell… yn Gymraeg.
Nineteen Eighty-Four / Mil Naw Wyth Deg Pedwar (Two Editions!)
The Welsh editions of Nineteen Eighty-Four are beautifully produced by Melin Bapur, one of Wales’ most exciting and thoughtful contemporary publishers.
✨ Deluxe Hardback Edition
A stunning keepsake version — elegant, weighty, and perfect for collectors or as a meaningful gift. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to keep on display, a classic of world literature given new life in the Welsh language.
📘 Paperback Edition
A practical, comfortable edition ideal for Welsh learners, students, teachers, and anyone who wants to experience Orwell’s dystopian classic anew in their mother tongue.
This powerful Welsh translation makes the story feel urgent, relevant, and unmistakably Welsh — a true milestone for Welsh literature.
👁️ Nineteen Eighty-Four / Mil Naw Wyth Deg Pedwar
Animal Farm / Foel yr Anifeiliaid
This sharp, satirical fable has finally trotted into Wales as Foel yr Anifeiliaid. On the surface, Animal Farm seems like a simple story about animals on a farm — but underneath lies a powerful commentary on human nature, power, and corruption that has captivated readers for decades.
The Welsh paperback captures the humour, wit, and bite of the original, making it an ideal choice for Welsh learners looking for engaging, classic reading material, readers who enjoy political satire and allegory, and anyone who has always meant to read Orwell (no judgement!)
This is the first time Animal Farm has ever been published in Welsh — a moment truly worth celebrating for Welsh readers and Welsh literature.
🐷 Animal Farm / Foel yr Anifeiliaid
A Gift for Wales
These new Welsh translations are about much more than familiar titles in a different language. They are about strengthening the cultural heartbeat of Wales and placing Welsh firmly in the global literary conversation.
They place the Welsh language alongside the world’s great works of literature and support the visibility, richness, and everyday use of Cymraeg. Further, they ensure the next generation can access essential classics in their own tongue and meanwhile celebrate the creativity and craft of Welsh translators and publishers.
These editions are more than books — they are gifts for Wales, for readers, and for the future of our language.
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Spotlight on the Publisher: Melin Bapur
We want to shine a light on Melin Bapur, the wonderful independent Welsh press behind these translations.
They are committed to producing high-quality Welsh-language books that feel modern, exciting, and culturally important. Their approach to publishing is fresh, bold, and full of heart — exactly the kind of creative energy we love to support.
At Welsh Gift Shop, we’re incredibly proud to stock their titles. Supporting small Welsh publishers like Melin Bapur means supporting the future of Welsh literature itself — and that’s something we care about deeply.
Bonus News: Yr Hobyd (The Hobbit in Welsh) Is Back in Stock!
If your shelves are ready for more adventure, we’re delighted to say that our much-loved edition of Yr Hobyd is back in stock. Tolkien’s classic, beautifully translated into Welsh, remains one of our most popular books.
And of course, we stock many more Welsh-language books, both new and preloved, covering:
- Folklore
- Poetry
- Children’s stories
- Local history
- Classic literature
- Modern fiction
There’s something truly special about finding a story you love — and then discovering it yn Gymraeg.
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Books Make Wonderful Christmas Gifts
Whether you’re shopping for a book lover, a Welsh learner, a student, or someone who just needs a nudge to finally read Orwell properly (we all know at least one), these new translations make meaningful, unique presents.
Books last. Books are cherished. Books can be passed on. And a book in your own language feels like a gift straight to the heart.
This Christmas, why not give:
- 🎁 A novel that helped shape the world
- 🎁 A story newly brought into Welsh
- 🎁 Something thoughtful, local, and culturally important
🎄 Shop Welsh Books & Christmas Gifts
Browse the Collection
Ready to bring these extraordinary stories home — or wrap them as gifts?
- 👉 Nineteen Eighty-Four — Deluxe Edition
- 👉 Nineteen Eighty-Four — Paperback Edition
- 👉 Animal Farm — Welsh Edition (Foel yr Anifeiliaid)
- 👉 Yr Hobyd (The Hobbit in Welsh) — Back in Stock
- 👉 New & Preloved Welsh Books
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