Edward Bulwer Lytton Baron Lytton's 'Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings Complete' is a riveting historical novel that invites readers into the tumultuous period of English history right before the Norman Conquest. Written with a tapestry of rich language and intricate character depictions, Lytton offers a literary reconstruction of the 11th century, delving into the life and challenges of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. The narrative embodies the Victorian fascination with medievalism and chivalric virtues, enveloped in the picturesque and elaborate style characteristic of Lytton's era, making it a considerable contribution to the historical romance genre of the 19th century.As a prominent figure in Victorian literature, Edward Bulwer Lytton was noted for his scholarly works and his interest in historical themes. Lytton's background, which includes a versatile career as a politician, playwright, and novelist, may have informed his deep engagement with the themes of power, legitimacy, and destiny, which are central to this particular work. His keen understanding of political nuances and narrative skill is evident in his portrayal of Harold's reign and struggles against the impending Norman invasion, showcasing an era-defining blend of personal ambition intertwined with the fate of a nation.Historians, literary enthusiasts, and readers with an appetite for historical detail and dramatic narratives will find 'Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings Complete' a compelling and insightful read. This meticulously reproduced edition by DigiCat Publishing ensures that Lytton's vision is presented with the fidelity and reverence it merits as a classic. It invites contemporary readers to explore a pivotal moment in British history through the lens of a master storyteller, and to reflect on the themes of legacy and the irrevocable flow of time that remain relevant to this day.

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, first Baron Lytton (18031873), was a prominent English novelist, poet, playwright, and politician. Best known for his florid prose and the much-quoted opening line, 'It was a dark and stormy night,' Bulwer-Lytton's literary contributions span a wide range of genres, with a focus on historical, social, and science fiction themes. His novel 'Harold: the Last of the Saxon Kings' is a testament to his historical narrative skill, immersing readers in the tumultuous period of the Norman Conquest of England. Lytton's literary style encapsulated Victorian tastes and sensibilities, emphasizing intricate plots, romanticism, and well-developed characters. His works often reflected contemporary concerns of his time, such as class, industrialization, and technological progress, with novels such as 'The Last Days of Pompeii' and 'The Coming Race' combining historical settings with speculative imagination. As an influential figure in 19th-century English literature, Bulwer-Lytton was lauded for his creative storytelling and his ability to weave historical fact with romanticized fiction, thus breathing life into distant epochs for the Victorian reading public. Recognized for his contributions to literature and public life, he was made a baron in 1866 by Queen Victoria. Bulwer-Lytton's legacy persists in the literary canon as an exemplar of narrative prose and historical recreation within the larger context of Victorian literature.