Rufus W. Griswold
Rufus W. Griswold (1815-1857) was an American author, editor, and critic known for his significant contributions to the literary landscape of his time. Born in Benson, Vermont, he initially pursued a variety of jobs, including a brief stint as a Baptist minister, before transitioning to journalism in New York City. Griswold edited several influential publications, including Graham's Magazine and the International Magazine, where he was exposed to emerging literary talents. He is recognized for compiling important anthologies such as *The Poets and Poetry of America* and *Prose Writers of America*, which helped introduce American readers to a variety of literary voices. His relationship with Edgar Allan Poe was marked by tension; after Poe's death, Griswold controversially took on the role of literary executor, publishing a collection of Poe's works accompanied by a contentious biography. Griswold's literary legacy remains complex, as he played a key role in shaping American literature while also facing criticism for his editorial decisions. He passed away in New York City in 1857.
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Subject Terms
Rufus W. Griswold
Anthologist
- Born: February 15, 1815
- Birthplace: Benson, Vermont
- Died: August 27, 1857
- Place of death: New York, New York
Biography
Rufus W. Griswold was born in Benson, Vermont, in 1815. Early in life he traveled extensively and held jobs in numerous newspaper offices. He did not enjoy the work and tried his hand as a Baptist minister. The religious position did not last very long, and Griswold eventually settled in New York City, where was a journalist. He worked for publications such as The Brother Jonathan, The New World, and The New Yorker.
In 1841 Griswold began to work as an editor for Graham’s Magazine, where he was exposed to the work of many new writers and talent. Griswold became acquainted with Edgar Allan Poe, though the two did not get along. Griswold compiled and edited numerous collections and anthologies, including The Poets and Poetry of America, with an Historical Introduction in 1842, and the popular Prose Writers of America in 1847. According to later critics, Griswold did much to introduce and familiarize Americans with poetry and prose writing.
In 1850 Griswold took a job as editor of International Magazine, where he remained for two years. One year later, in 1853, Griswold’s son William was born. After Poe’s death, Griswold became literary executor of his work; an act that some people suggest was based on a false claim on Griswold’s part. Griswold published a collection of Poe’s work with a less-than-flattering and less-than-truthful biography of the author. In 1857 Griswold passed away in New York City.