Leonard Merrick (1864 - 1939) was an English novelist. Although largely forgotten today, he was widely admired by his peers, J. M. Barrie called Merrick the "novelist's novelist." * * * *
An excerpt from the Introduction by G. K. Chesterton. ...The House of Lynch deals with tyranny and deliverance from tyranny; and though that tyranny sprang up in a more sordid environment, it has spread itself with something of the same cosmopolitan power. "The House of Lynch" is the story of a spirited and self-respecting artist, who refused to profit by the polluted wealth of a base and blatant American millionaire. He insists on marrying the daughter of the millionaire as if she were the daughter of a pauper; and the rest of the story records his own struggle to avoid pauperism and maintain principle. It is here that the graver and more realistic method of Mr. Merrick is appropriately developed. He does not fail to state the real problems that often change and chill the fiery simplicity of such a challenge; especially that double altruism and division of duties which appears in the presence of the child; and which may have something to do with the tradition which encouraged enthusiasts to be celibates.