Probably composed in Latin in the 1160s and then translated into Welsh in the 13th century, the Historia Gruffud vab Kenan is the only biography in Welsh composed for a prince', rather than the more usual saint. This concise volume presents the Welsh text followed by an English translation and comprehensive notes. In his introduction D Simon Evans discusses the known facts about the life of Gruffudd (c.1055-1137), including his upbringing in Ireland and his battle for control of Gwynedd. Evans also considers why Gruffud's son Owain would have had the biography composed, arguing that Owain needed to authenticate his claim to Gwynedd when it was threatened by other Welsh princes, in league with Henry II of England, in the 1150s.