14 MAY 1910, Page 24

Edward Bulwer, First Baron Lytton of Knebworth. By T. H.

S. Escott. (G. Routledg,e and Sons. 7s. ad. net.)—We do not know that another Life of Bulwer Lytton was wanted. Still, he is a conspicuous figure in the history of nineteenth-century literature and appears, though leas prominently, in politics. Mr. Escott is able from personal knowledge to fill in some details. He makes a special study of the relations between the personality of the man and his writings. There is, he says, in these "a generally un- suspected amount of self-portraiture and self-narrative." We are somewhat surprised to be told that Messrs. Routledge's purchase of the copyright (for ten years) of nineteen of the novels for

.a0,000 was a financial success. The general impression at the time was that theie was a considerable loss. But Mr. Escott, in view of the place of origin of his book, ought to know.