The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 01

"The Caxtons: A Family Picture — Volume 01" by Edward Bulwer Lytton is a heartwarming story set in Victorian times that shows the everyday lives and close relationships of the Caxton family, particularly how their home shapes who they become. The story begins with the birth of Pisistratus Caxton and details how he is raised. We see his book-loving father, Augustine, and his caring mother, Kitty, and how they differ in personality. As Pisistratus grows up, the story looks at the importance of education and the push-and-pull between what he learns at home versus what he learns out in the world. Augustine is an intelligent man who believes that children learn best through love and through experience rather than strict schooling. The book is funny and full of love, portraying the Caxtons' journey as they balance scholarly interests with the realities of family life, telling the story of an only child growing up with the love and challenges of his parents.