Jerry Hunter

Professor Jerry Hunter is a distinguished academic at Bangor University's School of Welsh, where he has served since 2003 after previous positions at Harvard University and Cardiff University. His career spans both scholarly research and creative writing, establishing him as a leading authority in Welsh-language literature across historical periods.

His educational background includes a BA in English from the University of Cincinnati, an MPhil in Welsh from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and a PhD in Celtic Languages and Literatures from Harvard University.

Hunter's research encompasses the full spectrum of Welsh literary tradition, from medieval texts to contemporary works, with particular expertise in 17th-century conflict literature, American Civil War-era writings by Welsh immigrants, and the intersection of prophecy with historiography. His scholarly approach bridges historical analysis with literary criticism, revealing how Welsh cultural identity has been constructed and expressed through writing across centuries.

His recent publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with a clear trajectory toward increasingly nuanced examinations of Welsh literary responses to historical trauma and social change, particularly focusing on how literature processes collective experiences of conflict and displacement. The 2025 works continue his exploration of foundational Welsh literary figures while expanding into Arthurian traditions.

• Literature Wales Book of the Year Award (2004) for Llwch Cenhedloedd: Y Cymry a Rhyfel Cartref America
• National Eisteddfod Prose Medal (2010) for Gwenddydd
• Gwyn Alf Williams BAFTA Cymru Award for documentary series Cymry Rhyfel Cartref America
• Multiple shortlistings for Literature Wales Book of the Year Award

Hunter has supervised numerous research projects including the recently completed 'Merch Glyndwr (The Lady Speaks in Welsh)' (2022-2024), which examined Owain Glyndŵr's wife through literary and historical lenses. His creative works have extended the reach of Welsh-language writing to broader audiences, including the English translation of Y Fro Dywyll as Dark Territory (2017). His documentary work for S4C has successfully translated academic research into accessible public history programming.

As an active researcher and creative writer, Hunter maintains engagement with multiple academic communities through his publications, public lectures including the 2016 J.V. Kelleher Lecture at Harvard, and ongoing contributions to Welsh cultural discourse through platforms like Nation.Cymru.