Lytton, Rosina Bulwer Lytton, Baroness, 1802-1882

Born Rosina Doyle Wheeler, Rosina Bulwer Lytton garners at least as much attention for her tumultuous biography as for her prolific writing. She married Edward Bulwer-Lytton, but the couple divorced following scandals around the husband's infidelities, which Rosina Lytton satirized in her first novel, Cheveley: or, The Man of Honour (1839). Her children were taken from her in consequence of the divorce, and, determined to disrupt her ex-husband's life and political aspirations, she continued to denounce him during a campaign for a seat in Parliament.

Lyly, John, 1554?-1606

English poet and dramatist known for his contributions to prose dialogue in English comedy. Lyly's most famous work, Euphues, resulted in Euphuism, a style of English prose characterized by its ornate language, excessive use of literary devices, and displays of classical knowledge.

Lydgate, John, 1370?-1451?

An English poet associated for most of his life with the Benedictine Abbey at Bury St Edmunds. He deeply admired Geoffrey Chaucer, and many of his works show that influence. He authored The Complaint of the Black Knight; The Temple of Glas; The Floure of Curtesy; Reson and Sensuallyte; The Life of Our Lady; Troy Book; The Siege of Thebes; The Serpent of Division; The Pilgrimage of the Life of Man; The Dance of Death; Fall of Princes; The Lives of Saints Edmund and Fremund (1433); The Lives of Saint Albon and Saint Amphabel; Secrees of the Old Philosoffres; and The Testament of Lydgate.

Lycurgus

A Spartan political figure, said to have founded the institutions of ancient Sparta, possibly around the ninth- or eighth-century B.C., though scholars are unable to conclusively determine whether he is a historical or purely legendary figure. Included in the laws he is credited with is a provision that newlyweds meet by night in the manner of secret lovers so as to preserve the husband from exhaustion due to excessive lovemaking.

Lucy, Thomas, 1532-1600

English magistrate, member of the House of Commons, and squire. Lucy is most remembered for his conflicts with young William Shakespeare, the latter having been said to have poached deer from the property of the former. Lucy is thought to be the inspiration for the comically vain character of Justice Shallow from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 2.