Grav in his Own Words

Fersiwn Saesneg o gyfrol hunangofiannol y cawr ym myd rygbi, Ray Gravell, Grav yn ei Eiriau ei Hun, wedi'i olygu gan Alun Wyn Bevan. Cyn ei farwolaeth annhymig, roedd Grav eisoes yn y broses o ysgrifennu ei hunangofiant. Mae'r gyfrol hon yn tynnu oddi ar nifer o ffynonellau gan gynnwys llawysgrif Grav, a thoreth o gyfweliadau radio a theledu. Cyhoeddwyd gyntaf yn 2008.

About the Author :
Alun Wyn Bevan is an experienced broadcaster, rugby commentator and former first-class referee. He was born in Brynamman, and worked in the field of education for over 20 years. He now lives in Neath and works for Tinopolis television company in Llanelli. He was the author of Stradey Stories and St Helen's Stories.

Review :
Emotion and passion are the key words that sum up Ray Gravell, and this two part presentation is infused with both. The first part is autobiographic, in tandem with Lyn Jones, and was first published when his rugby career ended in 1986. The second part, compiled and edited by Alun Wyn Bevan, draws on his writing and presentations on various BBC and S4C programmes. The enigma of his personality is clearly revealed. His image as a rugby player is of a destructive centre of crash ball fame, but he loves to emphasise his creative skills in contributing to many tries. His up front field image contrasts with his lack of confidence in the dressing room, seeking constant reassurance from everyone before going out on to the pitch. Equally he admits that it was Carwyn James who inspired in him and indeed taught him the legends and traditions of Wales and its proud mediaeval ancestry. This fell on very fertile ground when he finds the role of sword bearer at the National Eisteddfod, which he did for ten years, to be his greatest honour. Ray Gravell played 485 games for Llanelli, 23 for Wales and 4 for the Lions, and that is always the order in which he portrays his record – even in the amusing encounter with Peter O’Toole in the second part of the book. He was President of Llanelli until his death and it was pivotal in his life. All the major games are recalled: Llanelli v All Blacks 1972, Llanelli v Australia 1992, as well as Welsh highlights – his first cap in 1975, the tours of Japan and Australia and the Lions of 1980. Extracts and anecdotes of his broadcasting life, acting forays, a new marriage and tight family circle and his work with the National Eisteddfod feature in the second part. The second part ends with the amputation of his right leg, and it is here where we see his courage and his ability to fight back till the end. Grav became a loved national figure whose warmth and sentiment were reciprocated by the Welsh community. This book is above all a tribute, not an analysis. As he himself said, he hated to decry people and kept silent if he couldn’t praise. This book is a true memorial. Grav kicks Jonny Wilkinson into touch There can be no doubt that everyone who knew the late Ray Gravell loved him – he was a hero for so many people. And as with all heroes, his story lives on, to inspire others. No wonder then that the bestselling rugby biography on Amazon on 28 November 2008 was Grav in his own Words, beating Jonny Wilkinson’s book, along with a host of other hopefuls. Editor Alun Wyn Bevan, who shaped all the autobiographical writings and broadcasts of his great friend to form one captivating and touching narrative, is delighted to see the books flying off the shelves. “This is just the kind of attention and excitement that Grav himself would have loved,” he said. Sports personalities are often in the limelight for a short time, when their sporting prowess is at its peak, but the really great personalities stay in that spotlight. Grav had the knack of being at the centre of things, drawing people from all walks of life into his charmed circle. All the thousands of friends and admirers who spot that No 1 listing will no doubt be cheering him on once again."