Stamatios Valvis was a relative of the wife of Kostis Palamas. He studied Philology in the University of Athens and was a dedicated proponent of Katharevoussa (Clean Language). His stance brought him into conflict with Palamas, with whom he engaged in a fierce public debate. Stamatios Valvis published several collections of poetry, translated Pindar and wrote several philological treatises. At least for a short period of time, he was a Reader in the University of Athens.