The Education of Eric Lane

"The Education of Eric Lane" by Stephen McKenna is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work follows the life and experiences of the main character, Eric Lane, an aspiring playwright in London, as he navigates personal relationships, societal expectations, and the challenges of success. The narrative explores themes of ambition, romance, and the emotional complexities of human interactions in a changing world. At the start of the story, Eric Lane is introduced as a man reaching the peak of his career as a playwright. He reflects on his past struggles while preparing for a dinner with Lady Poynter, showcasing his newfound acceptance in London’s social scene. As he prepares, he encounters various distractions, including a call from his sister, Sybil, and memories of an old acquaintance, Agnes Waring. In a twist of fate, Eric meets Lady Barbara Neave at the gathering, where their flirtation reveals contrasting attitudes towards love and ambition. This opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Eric's character and his evolving relationships within the context of London's social dynamics during the era. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Stephen McKenna was an English novelist who wrote forty-seven novels, mostly focusing on English upper-class society, and six non-fiction titles. He published his first novel, The Reluctant Lover, in 1912. His best-known novel, Sonia: Between Two Worlds, was published in 1917. It was the tenth best-selling novel for 1918 in the United States, and also made into a British film of the same name in 1921.