 Rufus Wilmot Griswold ( February 13 , 1815 – August 27 , 1857 ) was an American anthologist , editor , poet , and critic . Born in Vermont , Griswold left home when he was 15 years old . He worked as a journalist , editor , and critic in Philadelphia , New York City , and elsewhere . He built up a strong literary reputation , in part due to his 1842 collection The Poets and Poetry of America . This anthology , the most comprehensive of its time , included what he deemed the best examples of American poetry . He produced revised versions and similar anthologies for the remainder of his life , although many of the poets he promoted have since faded into obscurity . Many writers hoped to have their work included in one of these editions , although they commented harshly on Griswold 's abrasive character . Griswold was married three times : his first wife died young , his second marriage ended in a public and controversial divorce , and his third wife left him after the previous divorce was almost repealed . 
