Rufus Wilmot Griswold

Rufus Wilmot Griswold, born on February 13, 1815, in Vermont, was a prominent American anthologist, editor, poet, and literary critic. Leaving home at the tender age of fifteen, he embarked on a journey that would see him establish a formidable literary reputation across major cities such as Philadelphia and New York City. His most notable work, the 1842 anthology The Poets and Poetry of America, was groundbreaking for its time, showcasing what he considered the finest examples of American poetry.

Throughout his career, Griswold produced numerous revised editions and similar anthologies, although many of the poets he championed have since faded into obscurity. His editorial choices were often met with criticism, as many writers aspired to be included in his collections while simultaneously lamenting his abrasive demeanor. Griswold's personal life was equally tumultuous; he was married three times, with his first wife passing away young, his second marriage ending in a scandalous divorce, and his third wife leaving him shortly after a near-reconciliation.

Griswold's rivalry with Edgar Allan Poe is particularly noteworthy. After including Poe's poetry in his anthology, Griswold faced a critical response from the poet, which ignited a fierce competition between them. This rivalry intensified when Griswold succeeded Poe as the editor of Graham's Magazine, earning a salary that exceeded Poe's. Their conflict extended to their mutual affection for poet Frances Sargent Osgood, and despite their differences, they never found common ground. Following Poe's mysterious death in 1849, Griswold infamously penned an unsympathetic obituary and claimed the role of Poe's literary executor, launching a campaign that sought to tarnish Poe's legacy.

As a self-proclaimed expert in American poetry, Griswold was an early advocate for its inclusion in school curricula and actively supported copyright legislation, addressing Congress on behalf of the publishing industry. However, his own practices often contradicted his advocacy, as he was known to infringe upon the copyrights of others. A fellow editor once remarked that even while he vocally criticized others, he was simultaneously appropriating their work.