Lord Byron

Early life

• Was born in London on the 22 January 1788 in a fading aristocratic family.
• A clubfoot from birth left him self-conscious.
• He bear a father who abandoned him, a schizophrenic mother and a nurse who abused him.
• He lacked discipline and a sense of moderation.

Student life

• In 1801 Byron went to Harrow, where his friendships with younger boys fostered a romantic attachment to the school.
• From 1805 to 1808, he attended Trinity College where he gambled and drunk, but also became skilled in physical sports.

Untitled Slide

• "Hours of Idleness"
• Satirical poem "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers."

Grand Tour

• A year later he embarked on a grand tour through the Mediterranean and Aegean seas (Portugal, Spain, Malta, Albania, Greece and Turkey).
• He began to write the first two cantos of "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage"

Love life

• Wrote dark and repentant poems, "The Giaour," "The Bride of Abydos" and "The Corsair." (resulted from his relationship with his half sister).
• In January 1815 he married Annabella Milbathes and they had a daughter, Augusta Ada.
• In January she left him because of his drinking, increased debt, and rumors of his relations with his half sister and of his bisexuality.

Switzerland and Italy

• He moved to Geneva and became close friend with Shelley: they lived in Villa Diodato where he wrote the third canto of "Childe Harold".
• In October 1816 he sailed for Italy: he was initiated into the secret Carbonari society, dedicated to freeing Italy from Austrian rule.
• Portrayed his luxurious experiences in a poem, "Don Juan.".

Greece

• In 1823 he accepted an invitation to support Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire.
• He died on April 19, 1824, at age 36.
• He was deeply mourned in England and became a hero in Greece; is body was brought back to England