Byron in Context

George Gordon, the sixth Lord Byron, was a celebrated poet, peer, politician, and global celebrity of the Romantic period. This volume explores his social and intertextual relationships, geopolitical contexts, cultural and philosophical movements, war, conflict, and upheaval, and diverse cultures of reception, illuminating how we might think of Byron in context and as a context in his own right.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 375 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

George Gordon, the sixth Lord Byron (1788-1824), was a renowned poet of the Romantic era, as well as a peer, politician, and global celebrity. Renowned not only for his verse but also for his controversial lifestyle and involvement in the Greek War of Independence, Byron's legacy encompasses a wide range of accomplishments. In this comprehensive collection, esteemed international scholars present thirty-seven concise and accessible essays that delve into the social and intertextual relationships that informed Byron's writing. The essays explore the geopolitical contexts in which Byron traveled, lived, and worked, shedding light on the influences that shaped his perspective and artistic expression. They also examine the cultural and philosophical movements that influenced changing attitudes towards religion, science, modern society, and sexuality during Byron's time. Furthermore, the volume delves into the dramatic landscape of war, conflict, and upheaval that shaped Napoleonic and post-Napoleonic Europe and Regency Britain, highlighting the impact of these events on Byron's life and work. Additionally, the essays explore the diverse cultures of reception that mark the ongoing Byron phenomenon as a living ecology in the twenty-first century, showcasing how Byron's legacy continues to resonate and evolve across different cultures and generations.

By examining these various aspects, this volume offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on Byron, allowing readers to think of him not only in context but also as a context in his own right. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, providing a deeper understanding of one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era and his enduring influence on literature, politics, and society.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 160 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316632673
Edition number: New ed