Lucile (eBook)

Edward Robert Bulwer Lytton, the Earl of Lytton, also known as Owen Meredith, was a notable English statesman and poet of the Victorian era. Born on November 8, 1831, he was the eldest son of the renowned novelist and playwright Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer-Lytton, author of iconic works such as 'The Last Days of Pompeii' (1834). Following a privileged education at Harrow School and the University of Bonn, Lytton embarked on a distinguished diplomatic career that took him to key posts across Europe. His literary pursuits were equally impressive and were typified by his lyricism and exploration of emotional experiences. 'Lucile' (1860), his most famous work, exemplified his literary style, utilizing a dramatic narrative to delve into the themes of love and society—a form of storytelling common to his contemporary poets. The success of 'Lucile' is attributed to Lytton's ability to weave a tale that resonated with the existential concerns of the age, with clear influences from his father's dramatic works. Despite his success, his career in the foreign service eclipsed his literary fame, with his tenure as Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1876 to 1880 as one of his most notable appointments. Lytton's contributions to literature and public service reflect a legacy intertwined with the Victorian intellectual and political spheres, serving as a testament to the era's confluence of art and statesmanship.