Gareth Miles

Gareth Miles (19 April 1938 – 6 September 2023) was a Welsh-language author, playwright, teacher and political activist. He was a founder and former chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the Welsh Language Society) and played a pivotal role in the Welsh language rights movement. A Marxist, he was also chairman of the Communist Party in Wales. Journalist Martin Shipton described him as "one of the most influential figures in the 20th century Welsh language movement."

Early life and education Miles was born in Caernarfon on 19 April 1938 and was brought up in the nearby village of Waunfawr. He had two sisters, Lisabeth and Gill. He eventually settled in Pontypridd with his family. Ioan Rhys Jones, UCAC's current General Secretary, described him as "an exceptionally effective national organiser" who had "a thorough knowledge and understanding of Wales" during the early days of discussions on devolving education.

Literary career Miles began working as a professional author in 1982. and also worked as a scriptwriter for television programmes including the drama series Pobol y Cwm, Coleg, and Dinas.

As a translator, Miles was notable for translating Shakespeare's Hamlet into Welsh from a Marxist perspective. He was a strong advocate for the primacy of the dramatist in theatre over devised work.

Political involvement Miles was a lifelong Marxist and was chairman of the Communist Party in Wales.

Rob Griffiths, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain and one of Miles's closest friends, said: "Gareth Miles made an enormous contribution to cultural and political life in Wales and internationally as a founder member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, and as a novelist, playwright and political activist."

Ffred Ffransis, a lifelong language campaigner, said: "Gareth chaired Cymdeithas yr Iaith in an invaluable way by speaking and encouraging new young members. Above all, he gave us all the assurance that the fight for the Welsh language is part of a wider global fight for social justice."

Selected works

Novels and short stories (1974) (1979) (1989) (1999) (2002) (2003) (2005) (2007) – Wales Book of the Year winner (2010) (2015)

Plays and adaptations (1982) (1983) (1984) (1986) (1987) (1987) (1989) (1990) (1991) (1991) (1992) (1993) (1993) (1994) (2001)