The Incantation

by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

The Incantation is a gothic horror novel by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The story is set in the 16th century and follows the journey of a young woman named Lilian, who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in the remote countryside of Spain. Lilian begins to experience strange and terrifying occurrences in her new home, including visions of a mysterious woman and a ghostly presence in her room at night.As Lilian tries to uncover the truth behind these supernatural events, she discovers that her family is hiding a dark secret related to a powerful incantation that has been passed down through generations. With the help of a young nobleman named Don Felix, Lilian sets out to unravel the mystery and put an end to the curse that has plagued her family for centuries.The Incantation is a gripping tale of suspense, horror, and romance that explores the themes of family, tradition, and the supernatural. Bulwer-Lytton's vivid descriptions and intricate plot twists make for a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.While we had thus labored and found, Ayesha had placed the fuel where the moonlight fell fullest on the sward of the tableland--a part of it already piled as for a fire, the rest of it heaped confusedly close at hand; and by the pile she had placed the coffer. And, there she stood, her arms folded under her mantle, her dark image seeming darker still as the moonlight whitened all the ground from which the image rose motionless. Margrave opened his coffer, the Veiled Woman did not aid him.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton PC, was an English novelist, poet, playwright, and politician. Lord Lytton was a florid, popular writer of his day, who coined such phrases as "the great unwashed", "pursuit of the almighty dollar", "the pen is mightier than the sword", and the infamous incipit "It was a dark and stormy night."

He was the youngest son of General William Earle Bulwer of Heydon Hall and Wood Dalling, Norfolk and Elizabeth Barbara Lytton, daughter of Richard Warburton Lytton of Knebworth, Hertfordshire. He had two brothers, William Earle Lytton Bulwer (1799–1877) and Henry Bulwer, 1st Baron Dalling and Bulwer.

Lord Lytton's original surname was Bulwer, the names 'Earle' and 'Lytton' were middle names. On 20 February 1844 he assumed the name and arms of Lytton by royal licence and his surname then became 'Bulwer-Lytton'. His widowed mother had done the same in 1811. His brothers were always simply surnamed 'Bulwer'.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. So much mysticism, magic and adventure. The main character and narrator wants to rescue his terminally ill wife Lilian and teams up with an alchemist named Margrave and a mysterious woman named Ayesha (all friends of Rider Haggard will be highly delighted to hear from 'She' again, this time set in Australia). Together they unearth the ingredients to brew the Elixir of Life. But then our little group is attacked. Will the recover the ghostly attack and rescue the costly life amber? Can Margrave help the narrator in rescuing his wife? What is Ayesha's role? Brilliant language and a very intriguing tale full of horror and magic. I liked best to meet Ayesha again. Highly recommended!

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story taken from Chapters LXXIX-LXXXIX from the novel A Strange Story.