Edward Bulwer-Lytton, English author, poet, playwright, and politician, Secretary of State for the Colonies (b. 1803)
Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton, PC (25 May 1803 – 18 January 1873) stands as a prominent figure in 19th-century England, distinguished by his dual career as an influential writer and a committed politician. Born into an aristocratic family, his life spanned an era of significant social and political transformation in Britain, allowing him to contribute profoundly to both literature and public service.
Political Career and Public Service
Bulwer-Lytton's political journey was marked by a notable shift in allegiance and a significant impact on colonial affairs. He first entered Parliament as a Whig Member for St Ives in 1831, serving until 1841. After a period away from direct political office, he returned to the House of Commons in 1851, this time as a Conservative representative for Hertfordshire, a seat he held until 1866. This transition from Whig to Conservative underscores his evolving political philosophy and adaptability within the Westminster system.
Perhaps his most significant government role was as the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a position he held from June 1858 to June 1859 under the premiership of the Earl of Derby. During his tenure, Bulwer-Lytton made a pivotal decision that shaped the future of North America: he appointed Richard Clement Moody, a distinguished Royal Engineer, as the first Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works for the new colony of British Columbia. Moody’s mandate was to establish colonial administration and infrastructure, including surveying townsites and roads, thereby laying the foundational framework for the province in response to the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush and to solidify British sovereignty in the region against American expansionist pressures.
A curious and highly unusual offer came in 1862 when, following the abdication of King Otto I of Greece, Edward Bulwer-Lytton was offered the Crown of Greece. Given the volatile political climate in Greece at the time and the complex geopolitical interests of the Great Powers, he ultimately declined this extraordinary proposition, opting instead to remain engaged in British politics and literature.
His distinguished public service and literary achievements were formally recognized in 1866 when he was elevated to the peerage, becoming Baron Lytton of Knebworth in the County of Hertford. This hereditary title linked his name directly to Knebworth House, his historic family estate, further cementing his place within the British aristocracy.
Literary Legacy and Enduring Phrases
Beyond his political life, Bulwer-Lytton was a prolific and commercially successful author, whose works captivated Victorian audiences and continue to resonate today. His literary output spanned various genres, including historical novels, Gothic romances, plays, and poetry. His ability to craft compelling narratives ensured his books were widely read, securing him significant financial success during his lifetime.
Bulwer-Lytton’s most enduring legacy in popular culture arguably lies in the numerous famous phrases he coined, many of which have become ingrained in the English lexicon:
- "The great unwashed": A term he popularized in his 1830 novel Paul Clifford, used to refer to the common populace, often implying a lack of refinement or education.
- "The pursuit of the almighty dollar": Originating from his 1841 play Money, this phrase encapsulates the relentless pursuit of wealth and material gain.
- "The pen is mightier than the sword": Perhaps his most famous aphorism, found in his 1839 historical play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy. It powerfully conveys the idea that intellectual and persuasive power, particularly through writing, holds more influence and is ultimately more effective than physical force or military might.
- "Dweller on the threshold": Coined in his 1842 novel Zanoni, this mystical phrase refers to a spiritual or supernatural entity guarding the entrance to forbidden knowledge or a higher plane of existence, often used in occult and esoteric contexts.
He is also famously, or infamously, associated with the opening line: "It was a dark and stormy night." This highly descriptive and somewhat melodramatic sentence from his 1830 novel Paul Clifford has achieved a unique cultural status, often cited as an example of overly florid or clichéd writing.
The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest
It is this very sentence, "It was a dark and stormy night," that inspired the creation of the sardonic Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. Established in 1982 by Professor Scott Rice at San Jose State University, the annual contest invites participants from around the world to craft the opening sentence to "the worst of all possible novels." The competition playfully critiques verbose, convoluted, and cliché-ridden prose, indirectly paying homage to Bulwer-Lytton's most memorable, albeit sometimes parodied, literary flourish. Far from being a condemnation, the contest has elevated his name to a household reference point for literary style, ensuring his enduring presence in contemporary culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edward Bulwer-Lytton
- Who was Edward Bulwer-Lytton?
- Edward Bulwer-Lytton was a prominent 19th-century English writer and politician, known for serving as a Member of Parliament, Secretary of State for the Colonies, and for coining numerous enduring phrases in the English language.
- What famous phrases did Bulwer-Lytton coin?
- He is credited with originating widely used phrases such as "the pen is mightier than the sword," "the great unwashed," "the pursuit of the almighty dollar," and the iconic opening line "It was a dark and stormy night."
- What was his role in the founding of British Columbia?
- As Secretary of State for the Colonies, Bulwer-Lytton played a crucial role by appointing Richard Clement Moody to establish the colonial administration and infrastructure for the newly formed British Columbia in 1858, securing British interests in the Pacific Northwest.
- Was Edward Bulwer-Lytton offered a crown?
- Yes, in 1862, following the abdication of King Otto I, Bulwer-Lytton was offered the Crown of Greece, but he declined the offer due to the complex political circumstances of the time.
- What is the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest?
- It is an annual literary competition, started in 1982, that challenges participants to write the opening sentence of the "worst of all possible novels," a satirical nod to Bulwer-Lytton's famous opening line, "It was a dark and stormy night."