Happy is the man who hath never known what it is to taste of fame - to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell

Happy is the man who hath never known what it is to taste of fame - to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a prominent English novelist and politician in the 19th century, was a man who knew all too well the highs and lows of fame. His quote, "Happy is the man who hath never known what it is to taste of fame - to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell," reflects his own personal experiences with the trappings of celebrity.

Bulwer-Lytton rose to fame with the publication of his novel "Pelham" in 1828, which was a commercial success and established him as a popular writer. However, as his fame grew, so did the pressures and expectations placed upon him. He became a public figure, constantly scrutinized and criticized by both the literary world and the general public. The weight of his reputation became a burden, as he struggled to maintain his creative output and live up to the expectations of his readers.