Richard Burton

Born in 1861, Richard Eugene Burton was an American man of letters whose career joined teaching, criticism, and creative writing. He is remembered as a professor of literature and as the author of books including Masters of the English Novel, along with poetry and plays such as Dumb in June, Lyrics of Brotherhood, and Rehab: A Poetic Drama.

Burton taught literature and became closely associated with Rollins College, where archival material preserves both photographs and records of his work there. He was also recognized in literary circles beyond the classroom, with reference sources describing him as a literary editor, professor, playwright, and a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters.

He died in 1940. Today, he stands as a good example of the broad-minded literary scholars of his era: equally interested in studying great writers, introducing them to students, and adding his own voice to American literary culture.