The Caxtons A Family Picture by Lord Lytton

“Caxtons: A Family Picture” by Edward Bulwer-Lytton is a captivating and detailed story that paints a vivid portrait of a family striving to find their place in the world. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own struggles and desires that drive the narrative forward.

The novel is rich in historical detail, giving readers a glimpse into the social customs and traditions of the time. From the bustling streets of London to the idyllic countryside, Bulwer-Lytton brings the setting to life with his descriptive prose.

At the heart of the story is a theme of family and the bonds that hold them together through thick and thin. The Caxton family must navigate through their own internal conflicts and external challenges, ultimately coming to appreciate the strength of their connections to one another.

Overall, “Caxtons: A Family Picture” is a timeless tale that explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Bulwer-Lytton’s writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making this a book that will stay with the reader long after the final page.

Book Description:
The quiet country life of the Caxton family is interrupted by a visit to London. There the son, Pisistratus, is offered the position of secretary to a leader in Parliament. That parliamentarian’s wife was loved as a girl by both Pisistratus’ father and uncle; but she had passed them both by to make a marriage better suited to an ambitious woman. By a freak of fate, Pisistratus now falls in love with her daughter Fannie.

Meanwhile, Pisistratus’ uncle is estranged from his own son. Between each person’s pride, the rift doesn’t seem possible to settle. Pisistratus does what he can to heal the wounds and reunite the family.

A further outline of this story would give no idea of its charm. The mutual affection of the Caxtons is finely indicated, and the gradations of light and shade make a beautiful picture. Never before had Bulwer written with so light a touch and so gentle a humour, and this novel has been called the most brilliant and attractive of productions. His gentle satire of certain phrases of political life was founded, doubtless, on actual experience.