America Discovered by the Welsh in 1170 A.D.

"America Discovered by the Welsh in 1170 A.D." by Benjamin Franklin Bowen is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book argues for the early maritime exploration of America by the Welsh, particularly through the voyages of Prince Madoc, who reportedly discovered land in the New World over two centuries prior to Columbus. This work seeks to both document and validate these claims by collecting historical evidence and narrative traditions related to Welsh ancestors in America. At the start of the book, the author introduces the subject with a preface that outlines his motivations for exploring the Welsh heritage linked to early American history. Bowen shares an amusing anecdote about a misunderstanding regarding an "Indian Bible" that was actually a Welsh Bible, highlighting the linguistic connections between the two cultures. He signals his intent to correct the silence surrounding the story of Prince Madoc and asserts the legitimacy of the historical claims related to early Welsh migrations to America. The opening chapters illustrate the origins of the Welsh and their migrations, positing that they came to America as a response to conflict and seeking new opportunities. Thus, the book sets the stage for a detailed discussion of the evidence supporting these claims throughout its subsequent chapters.