Thomas Middleton - Anything For a Quiet Life: "The strongest and the fiercest spirit That fought in heaven, now fiercer by despair."

The life of Thomas Middleton is marked by early tragedy and literary controversy. Orphaned at a young age, he faced family disputes over inheritance but emerged as a prolific writer. His early works, including the satirical Microcynicon, drew ire from authorities. Collaborations with Thomas Dekker and William Rowley produced notable plays like The Roaring Girl and The Changeling. His dramatic allegory A Game at Chess sparked political backlash, leading to its suppression. Middleton's career culminated in his role as chronologer of London before his death in 1627.