Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Edward Bulwer-Lytton: A Literary Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton, is often referred to simply as Edward Bulwer-Lytton. He is sometimes known by his pen name, "Pisistratus Caxton," which he used in some of his writings.
Birth and Death Dates
Edward Bulwer-Lytton was born on May 25, 1803, and passed away on January 18, 1873.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Bulwer-Lytton was a British novelist, poet, playwright, and politician. His multifaceted career spanned literature and public service, making him a prominent figure in 19th-century England.
Early Life and Background
Edward Bulwer-Lytton was born into an aristocratic family in London, England. His father, General William Earle Bulwer, died when Edward was just four years old, leaving his mother, Elizabeth Barbara Lytton, to raise him. His mother was a strong influence in his life, instilling in him a love for literature and the arts. Bulwer-Lytton was educated at several prestigious institutions, including Trinity College, Cambridge, where he excelled in his studies and developed a passion for writing.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Bulwer-Lytton faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous marriage to Rosina Doyle Wheeler. Their relationship was fraught with conflict, eventually leading to a public and acrimonious separation. These personal experiences often found their way into his literary works, adding depth and authenticity to his characters and narratives.
Major Accomplishments
Bulwer-Lytton's career was marked by significant achievements in both literature and politics. He was elected to the British Parliament in 1831, representing the Whig party, and later served as Secretary of State for the Colonies. His political career was distinguished by his advocacy for social reform and his efforts to improve the conditions of the working class.
In literature, Bulwer-Lytton was a prolific writer, producing a vast array of novels, plays, and poems. He was a master of various genres, including historical fiction, romance, and the supernatural. His ability to weave intricate plots with compelling characters earned him widespread acclaim and a devoted readership.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Bulwer-Lytton's most famous works is the novel "Paul Clifford" (1830), which opens with the iconic line, "It was a dark and stormy night." This phrase has since become synonymous with melodramatic writing, yet the novel itself was a critical success, exploring themes of crime and redemption.
Another significant work is "The Last Days of Pompeii" (1834), a historical novel that vividly depicts the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This book cemented Bulwer-Lytton's reputation as a master of historical fiction and remains a classic in the genre.
Bulwer-Lytton also made notable contributions to the world of drama with plays such as "The Lady of Lyons" (1838) and "Richelieu" (1839), both of which were well-received and showcased his versatility as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Edward Bulwer-Lytton's impact on literature and culture is undeniable. His works were immensely popular during his lifetime, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of writers. He was a pioneer in the development of the historical novel and played a crucial role in popularizing the genre.
Despite his literary success, Bulwer-Lytton's legacy is somewhat mixed. While he was celebrated for his storytelling prowess, he was also criticized for his ornate and sometimes overwrought prose. This duality has led to his enduring presence in literary discussions, as both an exemplar of Victorian literature and a subject of parody.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Edward Bulwer-Lytton is widely quoted and remembered for his memorable phrases and his contributions to the literary canon. The opening line of "Paul Clifford" has achieved a level of fame that transcends the novel itself, often cited as an example of florid writing. This notoriety has even inspired the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, which challenges writers to craft the most deliberately bad opening sentence to a novel.
Beyond this, Bulwer-Lytton's works continue to be studied and appreciated for their rich storytelling and exploration of human nature. His ability to capture the complexities of society and the human condition ensures that his writings remain relevant and thought-provoking, securing his place in the annals of literary history.
Quotes by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Irony is to the high-bred what billingsgate is to the vulgar; and when one gentleman thinks another gentleman an ass, he does not say it point-blank, he implies it in the politest terms he can invent.
Debt is to man what the serpent is to the bird; its eye fascinates, its breath poisons, its coil crushes sinew and bone, its jaw is the pitiless grave.
Evening is the delight of virtuous age; it seems an emblem of the tranquil close of busy life – serene, placid, and mild, with the impress of its great Creator stamped upon it; it spreads its quiet wings over the grave, and seems to promise that all shall be peace beyond it.
Prudence, patience, labor, valor; these are the stars that rule the career of mortals.
If you are in doubt whether to write a letter or not, don’t. And the advice applies to many doubts in life besides that of letter writing.
A woman too often reasons from her heart; hence two-thirds of her mistakes and her troubles.
How many of us have been attracted to reason; first learned to think, to draw conclusions, to extract a moral from the follies of life, by some dazzling aphorism.