After Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas is the most commonly quoted writer in the world. Born in Swansea, Dylan Thomas is probably one of the most unsung celebrities of all time.

With works like “Under Milkwood” and “A Child's Christmas in Wales”, Dylan Thomas became one of the world’s most recognized literary figures.

The statement above contradicts the fame which Dylan Thomas had in Wales, his home country, little known with younger generations in South Wales and in contradiction, a virtual super star in America, the legacy of Dylan Thomas struggles to live on where it should thrive. This was the story only a short time ago but now, at last, with the arrival of the internet and buildings like Ty Llen helping to promote him he very much lives on.

Dylan Thomas’ popularity is something which today is celebrated in Swansea with the opening some 10 years ago of the Dylan Thomas Centre in Somerset Place on the Marina, Dylan Thomas lives on in the eyes of all who visit, the centre frequently holds related events which are attended by people from all over the world either trying to find an insight into his life in Swansea and Wales in general or what drove this man’s genius.

Every year Swansea hosts the Dylan Thomas Festival, a celebration of his life and works, encompassing everything from poets reading his best works to tours being given around his local Swansea haunts.

Born in 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, just above the Uplands, Dylan Thomas had a bittersweet relationship with Swansea, the "ugly, lovely town" as he referred to it, the view from his house is simply spectacular and on visiting the street where he grew up you can begin to appreciate where he got his inspiration for his writing and some of the reasoning why he rarely left or lost sight of Wales.

Looking to the left from Cwmdonkin Drive you have the some would say less attractive views of Port Talbot Steel Works to the East and simply spectacular views of Mumbles stretching down to the Gower Peninsula in the West. With such an abundance of geographical beauty and history packed into one place it obvious that his up bringing spawned the talent which so many people now look back on.

A famous quote banded around locally is “Swansea is the graveyard of ambition” that line couldn’t be closer to the truth and only a man of Dylan Thomas’ genius could realize such a statement.

By growing up in Swansea, Dylan Thomas realized the need to leave the place he knew and loved if he was to realize his true potential as a poet. When he eventually moved to Laugharne after promoting his works around the world he found himself a place where he truly felt at home, in Wales and close to his origins. Sitting at his desk in the boat house must have been a very spiritual and motivating place for Dylan Thomas to create his works, visiting there you realize what a simply spectacular setting it is.