R. Williams Parry was born in Talysarn, in Dyffryn Nantlle, a first cousin to T.H. Parry-Williams and Sir Thomas Parry. He later studied in Aberystwyth for two years and left without any qualifications, but became a primary school teacher for some period of time. In 1907 he returned to his studies in Bangor University and earned his grades in 1908. He continued to work as a teacher and later became involved in Bangor University itself.

He earned widespread recognition as an established poet when he won the chair at the 1910 National Eisteddfod for his poem 'Yr Haf' ('The Summer'). He published two collections of poetry; Haf a cherddi eraill (1924) and Cerddi'r Gaeaf (1952). Some of his most notable works include 'Y Llwynog' ('The Fox'), 'Eifionydd' and 'Englynion coffa Hedd Wyn'.

Books by R. Williams Parry

• Yr Haf a cherddi eraill
• Cerddi'r Gaeaf

Robert Williams Parry