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The Uncollected Writings of Harry Middleton: A Hidden Treasure Trove of 19th-Century American Literature

Wesley Reed

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Published in In That Sweet Country: Uncollected Writings Of Harry Middleton

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In 1881, a young writer named Harry Middleton died at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy of unfinished works and unpublished writings. For over a century, his writings remained hidden, scattered among private collections and forgotten archives. But in recent years, scholars have begun to rediscover Middleton's work, and his writings are now being recognized as a valuable contribution to American literature.

In That Sweet Country: Uncollected Writings of Harry Middleton

by Harry Middleton

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Language	:	English
File size	:	569 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	241 pages
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Middleton's Life and Career

Harry Middleton was born in New York City in 1854. He was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he received a privileged education. Middleton attended Columbia University, where he studied literature and philosophy. After graduating from Columbia, Middleton traveled to Europe, where he spent several years studying in London and Paris. When he returned to the United States, Middleton began working as a journalist and literary critic. He published essays and reviews in several leading magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly and Harper's Weekly.

In 1880, Middleton published his first novel, The Shadow of a Dream. The novel was well-received by critics, and it established Middleton as a rising star in American literature. However, Middleton's career was cut short by his untimely death in 1881. He died of tuberculosis, and his literary legacy was left unfinished.

Middleton's Uncollected Writings

After Middleton's death, his unpublished writings were scattered among private collections and forgotten archives. In recent years, scholars have begun to rediscover Middleton's work, and his writings are now being recognized as a valuable contribution to American literature. Middleton's uncollected writings include short stories, essays, poems, and literary criticism. His work is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and keen observation of human nature.

One of Middleton's most famous uncollected short stories is "The Man Who Was Afraid of the Dark." The story is about a man who is haunted by his fear of the dark. The man's fear is so intense that he is afraid to leave his house at night. He eventually becomes a recluse, and he spends his days in a state of perpetual terror. "The Man Who Was Afraid of the Dark" is a powerful and moving story that explores the depths of human fear.

Another of Middleton's uncollected essays is "The Art of Criticism." In this essay, Middleton argues that criticism is an essential part of the literary process. He believes that criticism helps to improve the quality of literature by identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Middleton's essay is a valuable contribution to the theory of criticism, and it is still relevant today.

Middleton's Legacy

Harry Middleton was a talented writer whose career was cut short by his untimely death. His uncollected writings are a valuable contribution to American literature, and they deserve to be read by a wider audience. Middleton's work is a reminder that there are still many hidden treasures to be discovered in the world of literature.