Les Merton was reared in the Cornish hamlet of Medlyn Moors. After a ten year stint at Halwin School, he earned his living in a variety of ways: grocery shop manager, coalman, bus conductor, factory worker, canvasser, film extra, fortune teller, entertainment agent, and after failing as a comedian, the other jobs are best forgotten.
He’s dabbled at writing on and off from the age of 16, however it was in 1996 he decided to give it a go properly. In 2002 he founded Poetry Cornwall/ Bardhonyeth Kernow and as been its editor ever since. In 2004, his endeavours were recognised when he was made a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow for services to Cornish Literature. His Bard name is Map Hallow (Son of the Moors).
Les enjoys writing in different genres these include: humour, Cornish noir, beat style poetry and Cornish dialect. So it’s not really that much of a surprise that this his latest book takes on another style, that of speculative or futuristic writing which at times digs into the bedrock of Cornwall and its legends.
He also helps writers publish via Palores Publications.
Below is an example of some of Les Merton's books for the rest of his works please look at our Emporium Books Page:
Cornish Dialect
Oall Rite Me Ansum
Dark Corners
Cornish Humour
The Official Encyclopaedia of the Cornish Pasty
Cornish Collection
There’s an ‘F’ in Phoenix in Redruth
Dreckly - a collection of possibilities
Another prolific Cornish Writer and Musician is Esme Francis and here we will present her profile and let her in her own words recount the achievements of this remarkable lady.
Esme Francis of Nanquidno, St Just, the Gorsedd Harpist and Bard, YLYADES, comes from a long line of Routleff and Thorn families, well - known 17th and 18th century boat builders of Falmouth, Truro, Bideford and Plymouth.
In Saltash, her Grandmother Thorn had a celtic harp which the children used to play on from an early age.
She gives harp recitals in classical and old english music,Cornish celtic music and song in Kernewek, the Cornish Language, all over Cornwall in many of Cornwall's churches, halls and chapels. For Charity and professional occasions, weddings, receptions and dinners for the Gorsedd ceremonies.
