The Last Of The Barons- Complete

The Last of the Barons is a historical novel written by Edward Bulwer Lytton. The story is set in 15th century England during the reign of King Edward IV and follows the life of Warwick the Kingmaker the last of the great feudal barons. The novel portrays the political and social unrest of the time with the powerful nobles vying for control of the throne. Warwick the protagonist is a powerful and ambitious man who seeks to shape the course of history. He is a loyal supporter of Edward IV but when the King marries for love instead of political advantage Warwick becomes disillusioned and turns against him. The novel also focuses on the romance between Warwicks daughter Anne and the Lancastrian Prince Edward of Lancaster. Their love story is complicated by the political turmoil and violence of the time as well as the bitter rivalry between their families. In the end Warwick is betrayed and killed in battle and his dream of a powerful unified England dies with him. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the turbulent and violent period of English history and is regarded as one of Bulwer Lyttons most significant works.