Rufus Wilmot Griswold: The Controversial Literary Icon

A Champion of American Poetry

Rufus Wilmot Griswold is renowned for his groundbreaking anthology, The Poets and Poetry of America, published in 1842. This comprehensive collection showcased the best of American poetry, earning Griswold a reputation as a leading authority on American literature.

Life and Career

Born on February 13, 1815, in Vermont, Griswold's early life was marked by hardship. He left home at 15 and began working as a journalist, editor, and critic in Philadelphia, New York City, and elsewhere. His literary prowess soon gained recognition, and he became a sought-after editor, poet, and critic.

Anthologies and Literary Contributions

Griswold's anthologies, including The Poets and Poetry of America, The American Poets, and The Female Poets of America, remains a testament to his dedication to promoting American literature. He championed the work of lesser-known poets, although many have since faded into obscurity. Griswold's anthologies were highly influential, and many writers coveted inclusion in his collections.

Influence on American Literary Canon

Griswold's anthologies played a significant role in shaping the American literary canon. He advocated for the inclusion of American poetry in school curricula, recognizing its importance in American cultural heritage. His efforts contributed to the development of American literary studies as a distinct field.

Personal Life and Controversies

Griswold's personal life was marked by turmoil. He married three times, with his first wife dying young, his second marriage ending in a public and scandalous divorce, and his third wife leaving him after the previous divorce was almost repealed. Griswold's abrasive character was well-known, and many writers, including Edgar Allan Poe, clashed with him.

Rivalry with Edgar Allan Poe

Griswold's rivalry with Poe began when Poe questioned the poets included in The Poets and Poetry of America. The feud escalated when Griswold succeeded Poe as editor of Graham's Magazine at a higher salary. The two men vied for the attention of poet Frances Sargent Osgood, but their differences were never reconciled. After Poe's mysterious death in 1849, Griswold penned an unsympathetic obituary, sparking a campaign to tarnish Poe's reputation that lasted until Griswold's own death eight years later.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his controversies, Griswold's contributions to American literature are undeniable. He championed American poetry, promoted the work of lesser-known poets, and advocated for copyright legislation. Griswold's legacy is complex, reflecting both his achievements and his flaws.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

• "The poets of America are not yet a class, but a collection of individuals."

Historical Context and Legacy

Griswold's life and work must be considered within the context of 19th-century American literary society. His influence on the development of American literature is significant, and his legacy continues to be felt today.

Comparative Analysis with Contemporaries

Griswold's work can be compared to that of contemporaries like Poe and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. While his literary reputation was significant, his controversies and personal struggles often overshadowed his achievements.

Remembering Rufus Wilmot Griswold

Rufus Wilmot Griswold's complex and controversial life was marked by both literary triumphs and personal struggles. As a champion of American poetry, he played a significant role in shaping the country's literary canon. Despite his flaws, Griswold's contributions to American literature remain an integral part of his enduring legacy.