Richard Middleton

Richard Barham Middleton (28 October 1882 – 1 December 1911) was an English poet and author. He is remembered most for his short ghost stories, in particular "The Ghost Ship".

Middleton was born in Staines, Middlesex, England. He was educated at Cranbrook School, Kent, and King's College, Cambridge. After graduating from Cambridge, Middleton worked as a clerk in the Inland Revenue.

Middleton's first book of poetry, The Ghost Ship and Other Poems, was published in 1908. The book was well-received by critics, and Middleton was hailed as a promising new talent. He followed up with a second book of poetry, Poems and Pastorals, in 1910.

Middleton also wrote a number of short stories, including "The Ghost Ship" and "The Old Man of the Sea". These stories were published in magazines such as The Yellow Book and The New Age.

Middleton died in London on 1 December 1911, at the age of 29. He was suffering from tuberculosis, and his death was a result of complications from the disease.

Middleton's work is characterized by its use of symbolism and its exploration of the darker side of human nature. His stories are often set in the past, and they often feature themes of death, loss, and the supernatural.

Middleton's work has been praised by critics for its originality and its poetic beauty. He is considered to be one of the most important English ghost story writers of the early 20th century.

Some of Middleton's notable works include:

• The Ghost Ship and Other Poems (1908)
• Poems and Pastorals (1910)
• The Old Man of the Sea (1911)
• The Ghost Ship (1911)
• The End of the World (1912)

Middleton's philosophy was one of pessimism and fatalism. He believed that life was essentially meaningless, and that death was the only escape from the pain and suffering of existence. This philosophy is reflected in his work, which often deals with themes of death, loss, and the supernatural.

Middleton is remembered as a talented poet and author who died young. His work is still read and enjoyed by fans of ghost stories and dark fiction.