The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 01

"The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 01" by Baron Edward Bulwer Lytton (Lord Lytton) is a novel written in the mid-19th century during the Victorian era. This book explores the dynamics of family life, detailing the lives and relationships of the Caxton family with an emphasis on domestic themes and the influences of home on personal development. It is structured as an experimental narrative focusing less on dramatic incidents and more on the everyday experiences that shape the characters' lives. The story centers around Augustine Caxton and his family, particularly highlighting the birth and upbringing of his son, Pisistratus. The novel opens with the birth of Pisistratus, showcasing the contrasting personalities of his scholarly father and nurturing mother, Kitty. As Pisistratus grows, the narrative delves into the themes of education and the contrasting influences of home and society, where his father believes in the natural growth of a child's intelligence through love and experience rather than strict schooling. The book is rich in humor and portrays a heartfelt depiction of family affections, exploring the tension between scholarly pursuits and the practicalities of family life, ultimately depicting the journey of an only child navigating through his formative years with the love and complexity of his parents. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton,, was an English writer and politician. He served as a Whig member of Parliament from 1831 to 1841 and a Conservative from 1851 to 1866. He was Secretary of State for the Colonies from June 1858 to June 1859, choosing Richard Clement Moody as founder of British Columbia. He was created Baron Lytton of Knebworth in 1866.