[ilds] Encounter with Christopher Middleton

[William Apt]

Dear all:

Christopher Middleton was for many years a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He is now retired but continues to live here. We frequent the same cafe. Last night I ran into him and had a chance to visit.

You will likely recall that MacNiven in the LD bio mentions Middleton as one of the first English critics to recognize and understand what LD was trying to accomplish in Justine (See page 447).

Last night Middleton told me that he came to his realization after reading LD's poems, particularly, A Private Country. Middleton says that the big themes set forth in Justine are all prefigured in the poems.

Middleton seemed to greatly enjoy our conversation. I get the impression that he doesn't have the opportunity to talk of such things often. 

What would everyone think of the ILDS extending a special invitation to Prof. Middleton to attend the 2012 London conference? I can obtain and pass on his mailing or email address.


WILLIAM APT
Attorney at Law

Sent from my iPhone