Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was an English poet, short story writer and novelist, probably best remembered for his works for children and the poem The Listeners. He was also a significant writer of subtle psychological horror and ghost stories. His novel, Memoirs of a Midget won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction in 1921. He was made a Companion of Honour in 1948 and received the Order of Merit in 1953.