Moelwyn Merchant

Who was Moelwyn Merchant?

William Moelwyn Merchant was an academic, novelist, sculptor, poet and Anglican priest. He was born in Port Talbot, Glamorgan, Wales, and his first language was Welsh. He was educated at University College, Cardiff. He died in retirement at Leamington Spa.

After teaching at the University of Wales, in 1961 Merchant was appointed Professor and Head of Department of English at the University of Exeter. He was responsible for the beginnings of the study of Drama at the university. He left Exeter in 1974 to teach at the University of Chicago. As an academic, he is best known for his widely-used editions of Shakespeare.

In addition to his academic work, Merchant was active in the Church of England. After leaving Chicago he became Canon and Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral, before returning to Wales to become vicar of Llandewibrefi near Tregaron. Late in life he wrote a series of fictionalised accounts of biblical stories, including biographies of Jesus, Elijah and Paul, and a treatment of the early history of the Israelites, Inherit the land.

Merchant published a number of books of poetry, including Breaking the Code, No Dark Glass and Confrontation of Angels, and also wrote libretti for Alun Hoddinott.