Edge of Violence/The Disaster

Hardback edition published as Edge of Violence by Leslie Frewin, London, 1969
Paperback edition published as The Disaster by New English Library, London, 1970

The cover blurb from the hardback edition:
A young Welsh journalist becomes involved with the activities of the Free Wales Army. His initial attitude of amused indifference is changed by their enthusiasm and belief that their aims and methods are understandable. He goes with them on a dynamiting expedition but his involvement with them is interrupted by disaster. A coal tip slides, a school is buried, over a hundred are killed.
The journalist becomes involved in the attempts of the bereaved parents to gain a reasonable access to the Benevolent Fund which has flowed in from all over the world. Only by coming to the very edge of violence can they achieve success.
In this provocative and dramatic first novel John Summers, himself an experienced journalist, demonstrates the strength of the Nationalist movement in Wales, a movement that is prepared to use violence to property as a means to an end. He also throws a much-needed light on the appallingly archaic charity laws of Britain.
Based on a long period of intense personal research this may well be the controversial book of the year.

Further reading:
Extract: Chapter One – Prologue
Extract: Chapter Twelve – Mountain Road Again
Review by Alwyn W Turner