Edward was born on May 25, 1803, to a well-to-do family. He lost his father when he was four years old. Edward was a bright boy, and by the time he graduated from Cambridge in 1826, he was known for his prowess in swordsmanship and boxing.
Edward did not consider pursuing a literary career until after his marriage in 1827. His mother was dissatisfied with his life partner and cut off her financial support. He was forced to seek a means of earning a living, choosing to write, achieving considerable success with his second novel, “Belham.”
In 1831, Edward became a Member of Parliament, where he remained for 24 years. During this time, he founded the new monthly magazine, “Newmontly,” and through it he met prominent figures of his time, such as the famous novelist Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli, who later became Prime Minister of Britain.