"The Last of the Barons" is a historical novel written by Edward Bulwer Lytton. The story is set in 15th century England during the reign of King Edward IV, and follows the life of Warwick the Kingmaker, the last of the great feudal barons. The novel portrays the political and social unrest of the time, with the powerful nobles vying for control of the throne. Warwick, the protagonist, is a powerful and ambitious man who seeks to shape the course of history. He is a loyal supporter of Edward IV, but when the King marries for love instead of political advantage, Warwick becomes disillusioned and turns against him. The novel also focuses on the romance between Warwick's daughter, Anne, and the Lancastrian Prince, Edward of Lancaster. Their love story is complicated by the political turmoil and violence of the time, as well as the bitter rivalry between their families. In the end, Warwick is betrayed and killed in battle, and his dream of a powerful, unified England dies with him. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the turbulent and violent period of English history, and is regarded as one of Bulwer Lytton's most significant works.
Edward George Bulwer Lytton was a prolific English author, poet, novelist and politician, he served at the prestigious post of Secretary of the State for the Colonies of United Kingdom. He was born in London on 23 May 1803. His father was General William Bulwer of Heydon Hall, mother was Elizabeth Barbara Lytton. He was a delicate child but rapid learner. He started writing verses at ten years of age. He went Trinity College of Cambridge. For English verse Sculpture he won the Chancellor Gold Medal. His first novel, the glory Byronic romance Falkland was not liked by people. But his second novel Pelham or The Adventure of a Gentleman, was a hit and he began his successful fluent career in literary writing. He joined politics as a member of the Whigs, liberal political party. He was died on 18 January 1873. His notable works - Pelham, The Last Days of Pompeii, The Coming Race, The Haunted and Haunters, Zanoni: A Rosicrucian Tale, Harold : The Last of Saxon Kings, Alice or the Mysteries, Athens : It's Rise and Fall etc. Lytton used some considerable phrases - 'It was dark and Stormy night', Almighty dollar, the pen is mightier than the sword' etc.
