Book excerpt: The late Archibald Hamilton Rutledge was highly respected for his accomplishments as a poet, philosopher, educator, writer, outdoorsman and conservationist. He is among the most revered South Carolinians of the twentieth century and served as the state's first Poet Laureate. This biography traces the life of this talented man from his childhood to his position as a nationally acclaimed outdoors writer, inspirational writer and poet, and on to his retirement to his beloved boyhood home, Hampton Plantation. The works of Archibald Rutledge have been read by millions and universally praised for their narration, inspiration, lucidity and classic simplicity.