Edmund Clarence Stedman

Edmund Clarence Stedman (1833-1908) was an American poet, critic, and essayist renowned for his contributions to 19th-century American literature. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Stedman faced early adversity when his father died, leading his mother to relocate the family to Norwich. Stedman attended Yale University but was expelled in his second year for disciplinary reasons. Despite this setback, he pursued a career in journalism, eventually finding a niche in both literary and financial writing, which earned him the nickname "The Banker-Poet."

Stedman's literary career was marked by his association with the New York literary scene, forging close ties with prominent writers such as Walt Whitman and Oliver Wendell Holmes. His poetry, collected in volumes such as "Poems, Lyrical and Idyllic" (1860) and "A Victorian Anthology" (1895), showcased his mastery of form and lyrical beauty. Besides poetry, Stedman penned critical works like "The Victorian Poets" (1875), which became an essential resource for studying 19th-century English literature.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Stedman was influential in the business world, working as a stockbroker on Wall Street, thereby straddling the worlds of finance and letters. He continued to write and lecture until his death in New York City in 1908, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's distinguished literary figures.