Poetry is an art, and chief of the fine art; the easiest to dabble in, the hardest in which to reach true excellence.

In 1904 Edmund Clarence Stedman was one of the first seven chosen for membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters. After the death of James Russell Lowell Stedman had perhaps the leading place among American poets and critics. As opportunity offered he studied law and was for a time private secretary to Attorney-General Bates at Washington and was a member of the New York Stock Exchange in Wall Street from 1865 to 1900.

Edmund Clarence Stedman (October 8 1833 - January 18 1908) American poet critic essayist banker and scientist was born at Hartford Connecticut in the United States.