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Overview
Lucile is a celebrated narrative verse novel by the English statesman and poet Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton, who wrote under the pseudonym Owen Meredith. First published in 1860, this work became an immensely popular fixture of 19th-century literature, appearing in thousands of editions over the following decades.
About the Work
The poem is written in anapestic meter and follows the romantic and often melancholic story of the title character, Lucile, a woman caught between the affections of two rivals, Lord Alfred Vargrave and the French Duke of Luvois. Spanning several years and moving across various European locales, the narrative explores themes of love, duty, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. Despite historical controversies regarding its literary origins, Lucile cemented its place in Victorian culture as a quintessential \"gift book,\" frequently produced with elaborate bindings and beautiful illustrations.
The 1886 \"Family Edition\"
The 1886 edition published by White, Stokes, & Allen is a notable example of the high-quality, decorative style that defined the era\'s publishing. Key characteristics of this specific production include:
Illustrations: This edition features new and original illustrations by the artist H. N. Cady.
Decorative Design: The pages are elegantly enclosed within graceful, tinted decorative borders designed by W. St. John Harper.
Aesthetic Appeal: Reflecting the \"Family Edition\" standards of the time, this version was crafted with a focus on visual artistry, often featuring gilded edges and bevelled boards to serve as both a literary work and a handsome decorative object for the Victorian home.
Author’s Note: It includes the author’s original dedication to his father, a deeply personal and touching tribute that remained a hallmark of the poem\'s early editions.
Key Features
Author: Owen Meredith (Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton).
Publisher: White, Stokes, & Allen (New York).
Year of Publication: 1886.
Format: Large octavo \"Family Edition.\"
Illustrator: H. N. Cady; border designs by W. St. John Harper.
Historical Context: An iconic example of late-19th-century sentimental poetry and ornate book production.
