Do you know Edward Bulwer-Lytton?

Do you know Edward Bulwer-Lytton? Even if you don’t recognise the name, I’m sure you’ll recognise his words.

Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803–1873) was an English novelist, playwright, and politician, best remembered for his contributions to literature and popular culture. He was a prolific and versatile writer, producing works across various genres. His most famous novels include Paul Clifford (1830), The Last Days of Pompeii (1834), and Zanoni (1842).

Apart from his literary output, Bulwer-Lytton also had a significant career in politics. He served in Parliament and held the title of 1st Baron Lytton after being elevated to the peerage. During his political career, he became the Secretary of State for the Colonies and was responsible for overseeing Britain’s colonies in a period of expansion.

While his books are not widely read today, Bulwer-Lytton did leave a lasting literary mark. You’ll recognise these phrases:

• “It was a dark and stormy night”
• “the pen is mightier than the sword”
• “the great unwashed”
• “pursuit of the almighty dollar”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton is one of those fascinating figures in literary history, known for his lush, melodramatic writing and his significant role in shaping Victorian culture. While his reputation today may have its share of critics—after all, some see his style as overwrought and florid—there’s no denying the lasting impact he had on the language we use. From his famous phrase, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” to the wittily condescending “the great unwashed,” his words have seeped into our everyday vocabulary.

And then, of course, there’s the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. It’s hard not to smile at the idea: a competition to craft the worst possible opening sentence for a novel, all inspired by his notorious first line, “It was a dark and stormy night.” Despite the good-natured mockery, this contest is also a reminder of how deeply his influence continues.