AN AUTHOR will release his new book at a festival dedicated to a renowned wartime poet. 


Dave Andrews will launch his tenth book at this year’s Wilfred Owen Festival, which marks 100 years since the death of the town’s famous poet and soldier, who died during the First World War.


The new book looks back on one of the town’s most famous sons and provides an introduction to his short but eventful life.


Mr Andrews said: “I wanted to write a book that would give people the main facts about Wilfred Owen without going into great depth.


“He deserves to be better known and better understood. We can all be proud of the fact that he was a native of our town, just as he himself was proud of his connection with the area and with his Welsh forefathers."


As well as a biographical section on Wilfred, Mr Andrews has written separate sections on Owen's poetic development and his Welsh identity.


He said: “I realised that not everyone might be interested in his development as a poet, so I decided to discuss this in a separate section. 


“It will provide a solid basis for students of his work and for people who want to learn about the influences on his poetry.”


The author holds degrees in literature from the universities of Bangor and Oxford and has published a number of books in Welsh and English including novels and guidebooks to the mountains of Wales.


‘Wilfred Owen: Poet of Oswestry’ is available for £5 in various outlets in Oswestry and also online from www.oswestryround.co.uk.


Readers can can also contact Mr Andrews direct for a signed copy at dand103750@aol.com.


The Wilfred Owen Festival will be held at various venues from September 15 to November 17, and more information can be found at www.wilfredowenoswestry2018.org.uk