Byron: A Life in Ten Letters Hardcover – 22 Feb. 2024

I just loved this book. Byron is always fascinating and to 'hear' his own voice just brings him to life in all his glorious eccentricity !

This was a great opportunity to become reacquainted with Byron. To anyone who has never "met" the man or would like to know more about him - this is for you.

Loved this book. Informative but accessible. Goes beyond all the obvious Byron 'stuff'. Got one to give as a gift after reading it myself

George, Lord Byron, is a classic example of the paradox in which a generally ghastly person can produce sublime art or literature – somewhat in the mode of Salvador Dali. This month marks the bicentenary of Lord Byron’s death, which was presumably behind the publication of this fascinating biography (which fortunately makes no attempt at hagiography, which would presumably be beyond even the literary skills of the subject himself).I have to confess woeful ignorance of both the life and the works of Lord Byron, so I was rather surprised at just how outré his life was, encompassing rampant affairs with both sexes and a long-term incestuous relationship with his half-sister, with the constant accrual of staggering debts running on in the background. I had, of course, been aware of his Bohemian lifestyle, although not perhaps the extent of his licentiousness. Until reading this biography, I had not read much of his verse, although I have delighted in various cantos from Don Juan and Child Harold’s Pilgrimage by way of background reading while engaged with this book.I was intrigued by Andrew Stauffer’s approach. Framing the biography through the device of ten letters works well, although it also flagged to me how poor a writer of prose Byron was. These letters do not speak in their style of a literary behemoth, but of a selfish, self-obsessed solipsist. Of course, the two things are not mutually exclusive, but no one would remember Byron for the scrawled offerings here, yet he seemed capable of dashing off a dazzling ode or a verse essay at the drop of a hat.He was famously described by Lady Caroline Lamb, one of his more prominent long-term lovers, as ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’, and these letters suggest that he revelled in that reputation, and seemed eager always to push it even further.

I don't usually give 5 stars and think people give them out too easily. But this book deserves top marks because it was a great introduction to Byron, his life, his works, his loves. Through 10 letters chosen as representative of events throughout his life, the author then elaborates the background to each letter which provides the story to Byron's life. Excellent.But this book sent me off in other directions to read more about Byron and his poetry.Also, there is a lot of pleasure in reading a physical book. the colour plates are referenced in the text (not possible in Kindle), the paper is high quality and there is a good reference section at the end which can be used whilst reading. Why would you buy this on Kindle??Highly recommended.

A great book structured around a series of Byron’s letters. It has a wonderfully gossipy feel, but also maintains a good balance of literature and insight. You may not end up liking Byron, but he had an undeniably eventful life.

I would love to know how good this book is, however the (expensive and non refundable) kindle version does not work on my Kindle paperwhite and is too clunky on my phone to read at all. Really? Why???.

THIS PURCHASE WAS A BIRTHDAY PRESENT THE FEEDBACK VERY POSITIVE IS THOROUGHLYENNJOYING IT AND WOULD BUY IT FOR OTHERS