Paul Clifford — Volume 01
1830
Published in 1830, 'Paul Clifford' by Edward Bulwer Lytton follows the life of its titular character, who navigates the complexities of being both a criminal and a gentleman. The novel begins with a poignant scene involving Paul’s mother, Judith, who, fearing for her son's future, entrusts him to a publican. Bulwer Lytton explores themes of crime, punishment, and moral development, reflecting on how one's upbringing influences their choices. This work is notable for its early exploration of dual identities and societal issues, and it features the famous opening line, 'It was a dark and stormy night.'
Editions
X-Ray
“It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.””
— Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton
“It was a dark and stormy night...””
— Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton
“Can any man doubt whether it is better to be a great statesman or a common thief?””
— Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton
“The ancients," quoth Paul, "were very great men, Mr MacGrawler.""They were so, sir," returned the critic; "we make it a rule of our profession to assert the fact.""But, sir," said Paul, "they were wrong now and then.""Never, Ignoramus; never!""They praised poverty, Mr MacGrawler!" said Paul, with a sigh."Hem!" quoth the critic, a little staggered; but presently recovering his characteristic acumen, he observed, "It is true, Paul; but that was of the poverty of other people.””
— Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton
Link to this book
Add a free, dofollow link to Lex on your blog, forum, syllabus, or reading list.
<a href="https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2"><img src="https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg" alt="Read Paul Clifford — Volume 01 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton free on Lex" width="160" height="40"></a>[](https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2)[url=https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2][img]https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg[/img][/url]Read Paul Clifford — Volume 01 by Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton free on Lex: https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2Cite this book
Reading this edition for a paper or guide? Copy a citation.
Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton. Paul Clifford — Volume 01. Lex, lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2.Edward Bulwer Lytton, B. L. (1830). Paul Clifford — Volume 01. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron Lytton. Paul Clifford — Volume 01. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/paul-clifford-volume-01-a900ea22-e92b-4e21-b4a2-7d5a768109a2.
