Few entertainers epitomise the term 'national treasure' like Max Boyce. From his humble early years touring the clubs of his native south Wales, to his sell-out performances before thousands at some of the world's most iconic venues, to British prime-time stardom, Max has firmly cemented himself as one of these shores' most endearing comedians and singers. A multitalented, charismatic artist, his words, infused with Welsh lifeblood - mining, Valleys community life, rugby union - have lost none of their potency, and continue to echo around pubs and stadium terraces to this day. Compiling - in some instances for the first time in print - the very best songs, poems and stories from across his celebrated career, Max: Hymns & Arias - The Selected Stories, Songs and Poems of Max Boyce is the definitive selected work of a major cultural figure, who through his inimitable humour, uniquely Welsh pathos and masterful wordcraft has defined a nation and its people for more than half a century.