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The Cambridge Introduction to Byron

Exploring the Life and Works of a Romantic Icon

Richard Lansdown author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:29th Mar '12

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This engaging introduction explores Lord Byron's life and works, highlighting his profound influence on Romantic literature and culture. The Cambridge Introduction to Byron is an essential read.

The Cambridge Introduction to Byron offers a comprehensive overview of Lord Byron, one of the most prominent figures in Romantic poetry. This accessible study is tailored for both students and general readers, providing insights into Byron's life, his intellectual and historical milieu, and the vast scope of his creative output in prose and verse. The book delves into how Byron emerged as a literary superstar of his time, influencing not just writers but also artists, musicians, and politicians in the nineteenth century.

Byron's works, including his most famous long poem, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, and the humorous Don Juan, captured the imagination of readers and stirred controversy. The Cambridge Introduction to Byron contextualizes his poetry within the political and social turbulence of his era, exploring the themes that resonate throughout his oeuvre. The author highlights how Byron's life, marked by scandal and an early death during the Greek War of Independence, contributed to his enduring legend.

This introduction effectively condenses Byron's extraordinary life and literary contributions into a manageable format, making it easier for readers to grasp his significance in the Romantic movement. With a clear and jargon-free approach, it serves as a valuable guide to understanding the complexities of Byron's work and the lasting impact he has had on literature and culture.

'Richard Lansdown's sharp, lively introduction to Byron 'compresses his extraordinary life to manageable proportions' … offering concise accounts of key contexts as well as works.' The Keats-Shelley Review
'… this book achieves much … Viewing Byron not just as the creator of select canonical works, Lansdown gives us a multi-faceted account of him. He offers a helpful and responsible survey of Byronic terrain, including the nuances and debates surrounding the 'legend-maker' and the extent to which he inspired talented writers, painters, musicians, thinkers, and politicians around the world … this concise primer offers a comprehensive roadmap for students, beginning Byron scholars, and lecturers. The book thoroughly explains the life of this celebrity writer alongside his major works of poetry and prose.' Review 19 (nbol-19.org)
'Lansdown is just the sort of fair- but sharp-minded critic one needs in an introduction like this. He provides a great deal of information, and clearly knows the scholarly field, but does not allow his story to be dragged into a swamp of academic debate.' The Year's Work in English Studies

ISBN: 9780521111331

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 13mm

Weight: 430g

194 pages