During the past decade Dean Powell has published a vast collection of fascinating photographic history books concentrating on the valley communities of South Wales. His series of publications focusing on individual towns, villages or specialised subjects, have enjoyed wide acclaim from thousands of readers.
 Glyn Houston, 2009
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Alongside his work as an author, Dean has also published work for a variety of specialist publications, from local history society magazines to tourism guide books. In more recent years Dean worked with author Catrin Collier to serialise one of her bestselling novels. He also publishes an annual magazine called Excelsior for the Treorchy Male Choir and specialist souvenir brochures that has included articles by The Prince of Wales, Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Caine, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Anthony Hopkins.
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His wealth of knowledge of local history also ensures he remains in demand as a guest speaker at a variety of functions, from Rotary Club and Round Table dinners to Women's Institutes and college lectures. Dean is also the author of a series of historical essays used on the Llantrisant Town Trust website, which can be viewed at www.llantrisant.net and also for the Treorchy Male Choir which can be found on www.treorchymalechoir.com
Each book can be purchased by contacting the author at dean@llantrisant.net
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Musical Rhondda
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2000, £9.99)
This fascinating collection of over 200 photographs, programme covers posters and other memorabilia covers a golden era of music-making in the Rhondda , from the last half of the nineteenth century up to the 1960s. The thousands of newcomers who came to work at the great Rhondda coalfields in the middle of the nineteenth century found many aspects of everyday life harsh. They found a release from social deprivation in music, and soon Rhondda became famous for its choirs, orchestras, brass bands and opera companies as for its coal.
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Treorchy Male Choir
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2001, £10.99)
The history of Rhondda 's world renowned Treorchy Male Choir is rich in the diverse features of Welsh valley life. That history is lavishly documented in this volume of over 200 photographs, cuttings and choir memorabilia from former members and admirers who enjoy their performances and recordings. The origins of the Welsh male choir, as it is known today, can be traced back to events of the nineteenth century and linked to pioneering communities of industry and religious activity in the Rhondda valley.
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Llantrisant
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2002, £10.99)
From its imposing vantage point high on the ridge of a hill, the town of Llantrisant has seen many changes in its long history. Blood-thirsty battles, uprisings, religion and immigration have all played a part in shaping the vibrant town of today, as have the generations of local people who have lived and worked there.
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Llantrisant Revisited
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2004, £12.99)
Commanding an outstanding setting on the crest of a hill, Llantrisant's splendour lies in its enchanting beauty and celebrated past. Bloodthirsty battles, pioneering acts of cremation and captured kings of England have all played a part in shaping the vibrant town, as have the generations of families who have lived and worked there.
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Pontypridd: A Market Town
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2005, £12.99)
This absorbing collection of images provides a nostalgic glimpse into the history of Pontypridd during the last century. Compiled with 200 images, this selection highlights the important history of the Welsh market town of Pontypridd, birthplace of the Welsh national anthem and home to world-famous singers and sportsmen.
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Eccentric: The Life of Dr William Price
(Dean Powell Publications, 2005, £10.99)
Chartist, surgeon, heretic, Archdruid and pioneer in the legalisation of cremation in the British Isles, Dr William Price was undoubtedly one of the most flamboyant, romantic and eccentric characters in Welsh history.
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Cilfynydd
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2006, £12.99 )
This absorbing collection of archive images provides a comprehensive glimpse into the history of Cilfynydd during the last 120 years. Compiled with over 200 images, this selection highlights the history of this industrial Welsh village, one that would witness one of the worst colliery disasters in mining history, only to be further decimated by an incredible tornado some years later.
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Dr William Price
(Gomer Press, 2007, £2.99)
The amazing story of one of Wales 's true pioneers and one of her most colourful characters. Surgeon, archdruid, campaigner for human rights and cremation, and, some say, a mad, eccentric, heretic. What is his legacy to us today? With fascinating illustrations on every page, interesting facts about Dr William Price, this handy volume is ideal for all ages and allows us a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary man.
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Pontypridd Revisited
(Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2007, £12.99)
The unique town of Pontypridd has seen many changes over the years and this second edition provides a nostalgic picture of how the town once appeared to those who lived and worked there in former times.
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A Black And White Actor - The Memoirs Of Glyn Houston
(Editor: Dean Powell)
(Dean Powell Publications, 2009, £9.99)
A fascinating account of the life of one of Wales's finest actors whose career has spanned more than sixty years. This honest, remarkable story reveals how a South Wales valley boy, running his grandmother's milk round, became one of Britain's most popular actors and television and film.
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