Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Biography
Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–1873), was an English novelist, playwright, and politician who was one of the most popular and influential writers of the Victorian era. He coined many famous phrases including "the pen is mightier than the sword" and "It was a dark and stormy night." His prolific output included historical novels, science fiction, occult fiction, and social comedies. The Coming Race (1871) is a pioneering work of science fiction about a subterranean master race powered by a mysterious energy called Vril. Despite later mockery of his purple prose style, Bulwer-Lytton was hugely important in his time and influenced writers from Dickens to Bram Stoker.
Common themes in Edward Bulwer-Lytton's work
Victorian Fiction
A recurring theme throughout Edward Bulwer-Lytton's writing.
Early Science Fiction
A recurring theme throughout Edward Bulwer-Lytton's writing.
Occult Fiction
A recurring theme throughout Edward Bulwer-Lytton's writing.
Subterranean World
A recurring theme throughout Edward Bulwer-Lytton's writing.
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Why Edward Bulwer-Lytton is still read today
Bulwer-Lytton was one of the most influential Victorian writers, coining phrases still used today and writing pioneering works of science fiction that influenced H.G. Wells and the genre's development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Edward Bulwer-Lytton?
A hugely popular Victorian novelist who coined the pen is mightier than the sword and wrote pioneering science fiction.
What is The Coming Race about?
A man discovers a subterranean civilization of superior beings powered by a mysterious energy called Vril. Read it free on TextStack.
Why is Bulwer-Lytton famous today?
For coining famous phrases, the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest (for worst opening sentences), and pioneering science fiction with The Coming Race.
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