Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, born on May 25, 1803, in London, England, was a prolific Victorian novelist, playwright, and politician. He hailed from an aristocratic family, inheriting the title of 1st Baron Lytton. Bulwer-Lytton's literary career began with his first novel, "Falkland" (1827), but he rose to prominence with "Pelham" (1828), which satirized the fashionable society of his time.

His most famous works include "Paul Clifford" (1830), known for the opening line, "It was a dark and stormy night," and the pioneering science fiction novel "The Coming Race" (1871). His historical novel "The Last Days of Pompeii" (1834) remains a classic, vividly portraying the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Bulwer-Lytton had a significant political career. He served as a Member of Parliament and as Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1858 to 1859, during which he oversaw the establishment of the British colony of Queensland in Australia.

Despite facing financial and personal difficulties, including a tumultuous marriage and subsequent separation, Bulwer-Lytton continued to write prolifically until his death on January 18, 1873. His contributions to literature and his impact on popular culture endure, though he is often remembered humorously for his florid prose style.