About
George Gordon Byron, 6th Baron Byron, was born in London in 1788. He inherited the barony at age ten and was educated at Harrow and Cambridge. His first major literary success was Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (1812), which made him famous overnight. His major works include Don Juan, Manfred, and numerous lyric poems. His scandalous personal life forced him to leave England in 1816. He settled in Italy, where he became involved with the Carbonari movement, then left for Greece in 1823 to support the War of Independence. He died of fever at Missolonghi in 1824. He is regarded as the embodiment of the Byronic hero, melancholic and rebellious.
* 1788-01-22 — † 1824-04-19
Major works
- Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (1812–1818)narrative poem
- The Corsair (1814)narrative poem
- Hebrew Melodies (1815)poetry collection
- Manfred (1817)verse drama
- Don Juan (1819–1824)satirical epic poem
Key milestones
- 1798Inherits the title of 6th Baron Byron and Newstead Abbey.
- 1812Publication of the first two cantos of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, which make him famous.
- 1823Joins the Greek War of Independence, contributing financially to the cause.
Themes
Byronic heroMelancholyRebellionLove and passionFreedom and independence
Sources: poetryfoundation.org · westminster-abbey.org · bbc.co.uk
