Edward Bulwer-Lytton was a prominent English writer and politician in the 19th century. Bulwer-Lytton is notable for being one of the first authors to earn a considerable fortune from just his books. Bulwer-Lytton also was responsible for famous sayings such as "pursuit of the almighty dollar" and "the pen is mightier than the sword". Some of his most famous works include The Last Days of Pompeii, Zanoni, and The Coming Race.

Zanoni, published in 1842, is a novel that features love and the occult. The action is set during the French Revolution and centers around the title character, an immortal Rosicruican who can't fall in love or he will lose his power. Will Zanoni ultimately find love with a promising young opera singer?