What has the small nation of Wales given to the wide world?

Well, to name but a few examples: the NHS, magical drama, mail order, sleeping bags, the basis of the internet, the 'Town of Books', the first powered flight, presidents, prime ministers and Nobel prize-winners.

People of Welsh heritage have helped shape the culture and constitution of the United States; they have enriched British culture in innumerable ways through writing, acting, painting, poetry, singing and architecture; they have amassed a fantastic range of sporting achievements; and they made their own unique mark on history.

Welsh history deserves to be rewritten in a manner that highlights and celebrates its achievements both past and present. The 100 reasons in this book do just that. They are pathfinders to a confident tomorrow – as the Royal Badge of Wales reads in translation: 'The Red Dragon points the way'.