TY - BOOK AU - Lytton,Edward Bulwer Lytton,Baron TI - Lucretia — Complete AV - PR PY - 2004/// CY - Salt Lake City, UT PB - Project Gutenberg KW - London (England) -- Fiction KW - Detective and mystery stories, English KW - English fiction -- 19th century KW - Crime -- Fiction N1 - Release date is 2004-11-24; Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger; Original publication data not identified N2 - "Lucretia — Complete" by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a novel written in the early 19th century that explores complex themes surrounding human nature, ambition, and the moral impact of society and upbringing. The narrative centers on Lucretia Clavering, an heiress raised in a household marked by pride and ambition, and examines her intricate relationships with her uncle, Sir Miles St. John, as well as with potential suitors who embody contrasting societal standings. The beginning of the novel establishes a dark and atmospheric setting, beginning with a scene during the Reign of Terror in Paris, where a father observes his son’s fascination with a spider's web as they head to witness an execution—foreshadowing themes of violence and moral corruption. This somber tension shifts to a family setting in England several years later, where Lucretia is introduced alongside characters like the ambitious Mainwaring, who struggles with his feelings for her and the shadow of her lineage, and her tutor Dalibard, who grapples with the ramifications of their ambitions. The prologue and opening chapters set up a rich psychological exploration of Lucretia's character, her upbringing, and the complex interplay between personal desires and societal expectations, hinting at the turbulent journey that lies ahead for her and those around her. (This is an automatically generated summary.) UR - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7691 ER -