Edward Bulwer Lytton (1803-1873) was a prolific English novelist, playwright, and politician of the Victorian era. Known for his versatility, he wrote in various genres, including historical fiction, romance, and science fiction. Bulwer Lytton gained fame with works like “Pelham” and “Eugene Aram,” but perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in coining the opening line “It was a dark and stormy night,” which became a famously parodied literary cliché.
His novel “The Last Days of Pompeii” and the fantasy work “The Coming Race” contributed to the emerging genres of historical fiction and science fiction, respectively. In addition to his literary pursuits, Bulwer Lytton had a successful political career, serving as a Member of Parliament and holding governmental positions. Despite his popularity during his lifetime, Bulwer Lytton’s literary reputation waned in the 20th century. However, his impact on the Victorian literary scene and his exploration of diverse genres makes him an intriguing figure in English literature.
