A Strange Beginning

Lord Byron #1

by Gretta Curran Browne

He was later to become known as "The most beautiful and most famous man in England" — but not yet...

Beginning when he is a boy of ten years old, we join George Gordon when he is living a miserable life with his manic Scottish mother in a few rented rooms above a shop in Aberdeen; unaware that his true surname is not Gordon, and that his true heritage is with the English aristocracy - who soon come to claim him.

A life of wealth and privilege is then bestowed upon him, which eventually sets the stage for him to prove his own individual worth, in his own way, and in his own time.

Meticulously researched, and adapted into novel form, 'A Strange Beginning' is the first of a series of books about the most iconic young man of his time, whose fame still lives on today.

"My name alone shall be my epitaph."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Poetry, Scotland, Amazon

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Eishinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biographical reality more appealing than fiction.
I kept growing up with George Gordon or Lord Byron, at the turn of every page as author Gretta Curran enriched my knowledge and curiosity with her biographical novel.
Author Curran has showcased her talent of writing a well thought and well researched read by capturing the very basic moments, emotional outbursts and events in life of Lord Byron, weaving into an engrossing tale of life struggle through a disturbing and troubled childhood growing into a mature, respected and renowned man. A sad, heart wrenching past of mother Catherine Gordon provides an insight through multidimensional characteristics of her character, which was hard to believe and accept but was justified as the narration takes a stroll down the lane of her history revealing her own sad, cruel and fake relationship with her husband.
It was very inspiring to learn and look upon Lord Byron, whose 'not so perfect life' carved out a wonderful personality making this novel a spellbinding page turner.
'A Strange Beginning' is definitely a novel which can't be appreciated and described for its sheer beauty by mere words. Highly recommended to all history lovers. Those who find fictional read captivating this biographical reality is more appealing than fiction and worth reading!

[Olga Wojtas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very nearly chucked this away while reading the prologue - no 18th century Doric-speaking Aberdonian urchins would have shouted: "Come an' see the laddie wi' the club foot!" But I stuck with this first volume of Gretta Curran Browne's Byron series and found it interesting and entertaining. It's not great literature, but I don't think it claims to be. She has certainly done her research, and her novel presents a plausible account of Byron's early life, backed by judicious use of his poetry. I wasn't impressed by the regular use of it's for its, and Burn's for Burns' or Burns's. And she has an EXTRAORDINARY habit of putting ODD words in italics for NO APPARENT REASON (for capital letters, read italics). If you can cope with a sentence like "Approaching Newstead Abbey and admiring anew the palatial magnificence of it's ancient architecture - he saw that venerable old LIVING ANTIQUITY, Joe Murray, come rushing towards him, his strong mastiff face drawn with concern," you'll love it. I was less tolerant, but I still broadly enjoyed the story, which includes 21-year-old Byron's amazing embassy to Albanian tyrant Ali Pasha. Ms Curran Browne has no need to trouble herself over my opinion since she has a host of loyal fans who I'm sure will buy her entire Byronic series: I'm toying with the idea of doing the same.

[Cherisa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very engaging if somewhat juvenile biography/novel of Byron's early years and schooling. Later books cover later years in chunks but not sure if I wouldn't rather pick up a more scholarly bio.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book is so good it is meant to be devoured in one day. For me, on this day, A Strange Beginning was that book. The author's extensive and loving knowledge of Lord Byron and the steady build-up of an intriguing storyline never wavered.

Browne takes the reader through the tumultuous childhood and college years of this famous poet, illustrating a world both strange and emotionally traumatizing.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think two stars is a generous rating. I started out liking it, but it grew tedious and boring the more I read. I read it on my Kindle and EVERY Kindle page had an italicized WORD. I got SO tired of READING all those STRESSED words. Also, I wanted to get out my red pen and correct all the grammatical errors. Who IS editing books these days? Although the description of the book says, "meticulously researched," I got out my Byron poetry book and read the biographical sketch it included. Although some of the details were certainly similar, some were polar opposites. I can't imagine how the author gets two more books out of the little life left after this book ends. Well, I guess she can do what she did in this book, quote Byron's poetry and other poets' poetry for pages. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, I'd recommend reading this book at bedtime. Otherwise I'm sure there are much better biographies out there.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like so many, I had learned little about Byron, and read just tiny snippets of his work as assignments in high school. I knew next to nothing about his childhood or even that he walked with a limp from a deformed foot. This was an easy read and I found myself fascinated about his early life which so clearly defined him.

This first book covers his early childhood up to his age of 22 yrs old. His relationship with his mother, his sexual abuse as a child and how he found animals more loving and trustworthy than his mother and her followers. The portrait that is painted in this book is one of a gentle quiet young man who finds true friends and even love at Harrows and Cambridge amongst his fellow students. His wit and dashing appearance endears him to everyone. Away from his mother he is free to write and enjoy life as any young man should.

As he enters his early twenties multiple tragedies from the death of him mother (for whom he has very conflicted feelings) and the loss of several of his friends leaves him grief stricken. I can't wait to start the follow-on books which cover the rest of his life. He lived an extraordinary life and left the world with memorable poetry.

[Gin Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST!

I really thought that reading this book would be good for my literary knowledge but probably not too entertaining. I was so wrong. The author has allowed me to get to know and love Lord Byron. All the characters came to life. There were people in his life I would like to have banished to a desert island and others I wanted to bestow awards and accolades on for their live and loyalty. Even the animals were given life and made me wish they were all mine. This book is so well written you might think it fiction. The author brings history and poetry into your thoughts with color and motion. This is not a 'sit and read a few pages at a time' book. Far from it-I could hardly put it down and although it was a great ending to a stand alone book, there are more books continuing on with Byrons life and I can't wait to get them too! HIGHLY recommend! :)

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :)

[Rosemary Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of Ms Browne's biographical fiction and have found all of them entertaining and informative. Although densely packed with historical detail, the author demonstrates a light touch so that the reader does not become overwhelmed. In this book, she interweaves Byron's poetry skillfully so that it becomes an integral part of the story. Her characters, even animals are empathetic and well drawn. I always feel at the end of her books that she must have known these characters, lived with them to display such a complete understanding.
I am only surprised that she can draw out Byron's story to four books, knowing that he lived a short life.

[Laticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Byron

I gave this book a 4 because the beginning did not hold my attention for more than a little at a time. However, halfway through I couldn't wait to continue. A Strange Beginning gave me insight and a better understanding of Lord Byron. I am excited to continue the series........*** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2019)! 🎁

[Paige Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique story of Lord Byron’s early life. As a work of fiction I expected less telling in places. But that being said, the story did hold my attention. I knew little of Byron’s younger years. I found reading his earlier verses and letters quite interesting. His talent still speaks from the page and resonates all these years later.

[Zuladawn Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. I love reading historical novels, and this one is actually a biographical novel, the first in the series. My mother wrote a biographical novel. It was the first time I actually read one that was a biography, but written like a novel, interweaving the life of her father's growing up years in Denmark and ending with the sighting of the Statue of Liberty. This book was done in the same manner as Mom's. She brought Lord Byron to life. The book was interesting and entertaining. Having enjoyed Lord Byron's poetry in the past, I'm not anxious to read them again, especially the ones quoted. However, the first book ended when he was 21 years of age. I wanted to wait a full month before buying the 2nd book, but didn't wait. I'm now on chapter 18 of this 2nd book. Thanks Gretta Curran Browne for bringing him to life. (I wish I had access to this book when I was studying English lit. )

Gretta, if you are reading this, does the "e" at the end of your name (even though it is a surname) mean an hierarchy placement of you and/or your husband?

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent biographical novel about the early life of Lord Bryon written by Gretta Curran Browne who has my most ardent praise for her amazing literary talent.

This author has blown life into a most enigmatic poet......a very interesting story. The focal point of Lord Byron's poetry of love being his Mary is described in this book most thoroughly from his first meeting on. The many close, personal friendships he develops along the way as he is forced to deal with an outrageous mother are described in detail with smattering of his poetry are introduced.

One has to be in awe of such a talent, especially given the early 19th century setting in England and later during Lord Byron's extended travels.

I highly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction as I begin the next book in this enlightening series.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than I thought it would be. This is a novelized biography of Lord Byron. The first book takes him up to age 23. I was looking up facts about him online and the novel adhered to his real life. He was certainly an interesting character, and he did indeed have a strange beginning to life. I will have to look for the next one in the series. Can't be a long series--- he didn't live that long! I will have to say that I'm not a particular fan of his romantic poetry. I was more impressed by the lines quoted in the book from Wordsworth, who Byron had made fun of in his early, ignorant days.

[Sandra Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

I do not know much about Lord Byron, but found the author's descriptions of him interesting. Especially the psychological perspective of his personality. His relationship with his mother, friends and servants describe a complex mind full of contradicting thoughts and emotions, yet very likable. I also liked Byron's poetry interspersed throughout the narrative. Would recommend to anyone who likes poetry and an introduction to Lord Byron.

[Phyllis Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a series and begins when George Gordon is ten years old. He lives with his manic mother who at times loves him and then ridicules him. When an old uncle dies in England they move from Scotland to his ancestral home in England and he becomes Lord Byron. Well researched and well written with a little of his poetry working its way into the story.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The italic use was out of control. Among other things.

[Yaaresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I might go 2.5 except, dear God, the number of typos became nearly as annoying as the prose.
OTOH, this was a free download from Amazon, so I'm only out time.

I'm not a Byron expert, but there was enough in this that differs from legitimate accounts of Byron's life to make me suspect it is more fan-fic than historical fiction. It's listed as "biographical fiction," a term that sets my teeth on edge anyway in a time when it seems people have a very hard time telling the difference between fact and fiction in pretty much every area.

The book gets off to a slow and melodramatic start. The afflicted beautiful boy, the overly emoting mother (possibly bipolar, definitely a drunk), the lecherous maid. All very theatrical. Then there is the constant reminders of how beautiful Byron was. Um...no. His looks probably wouldn't' scare small children, but the paintings that exist show a pretty average-looking guy. It's a fairly repetitive plot, this love-loathe tug-of-war between mother and son and then the same annoyance-devotion back-and-forth between Byron and friends. This is a highly romanticized Byron, put upon and always kind and generous, etc. His first tour of Europe have been cleaned up to make him seem downright chaste compared to what scholars now know about his exploits with both women and men. Seems to be a lot of hero worship going on here, and I suppose the Byron that went looking for young boy toys and very likely slept with his own half-sister has no place in that fantasy.

I did finish it, but mostly because I had other books on hold due in soon and didn't want to start something else that I would be more reluctant to put down for them. Turns out I finished this before any of them came in, or I probably would have DNF'd it. It is not a horrible book; it just isn't particularly good.

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd heard the name Lord Byron and knew the man was a famous British poet, but I knew nothing about him. Reading this book gave me an extensive inside look at his growing up years from age 10-23. The only issue I had with the book was that it was so long. I know, as an author, that when you do extensive research on a topic, you don't want any fact go to waste, but probably half of the tidbits and conversations could have been cut and we'd still have a good picture of this man and his genius. Now that I have this extensive of a background on Byron, I believe I'll skip the rest of the series and get the Cliff Notes from Wikipedia to see how his life turned out. Thanks to Browne though, I am inspired to read some of his poetry. He really was unbelievably talented.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever enjoyed.

I love good historical novels so this biographical look at Byrons early life was bound to please me. However I was unprepared for how much I would love George Byron as a person. I can't wait to read the second in this series. Since I know nothing of Byron or his poetry it will all be a surprise to me. The lifestyle of a Lord of the realm makes interesting reading too.

[Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to read a romanticised, frou-frou, highly inaccurate semi-biographic novel of Lord Byron, this story is for you. For my part, I found it highly disappointing. Byron's life in and of itself is more like a - sometimes Gothic - novel than anything most writers are able to produce. Ms. Browne merely needed to flesh it out a bit but, alas, her efforts fall flat. I started reading at a high note, hoping to give at least a 4-star rating, but by the end of it my impressions dropped to 1 star. So 2 stars it is, just for the effort made by the author to white a whole series of real-person fanfiction that has little to do with the actual life of George Gordon, Lord Byron. I do not mean just the playing fast and loose with facts, the timeline of events and meetings and occurrences being twisted and shifted for no good reason I could see, people and facts omitted. It is that Byron's life - the complicated and eventful, frequently bizarre, though short 36 years of it - has been reduced to the existence of a shy little boy who only wanted to be loved, while the bad things were all other people's fault. The poet's mother in particular was made into a selfish, cruel, erratic, even half-mad moster, the bane of his life, even though this could not be further from the truth - the woman spoiled him rotten and went so far as to beggar herself to allow her baby boy live in the manner befitting a lord, and she received only black ingratitude in return.
The whole portrayal of Byron as a shy, self-effacing, romantic and dashing character is the continuation of the Lord Byron legend that he himself created through semi-autobiographic poetry, telling of tall tales and deliberately exotic and outrageous behavior. The author seems to have taken his boasting and posing for granted, though.
Another thing that greatly annoyed me is that significant portions of Byron's life that, perhaps, do not meet the author's expectations about the good-boy heterosexual Byron are smoothed over or omitted completely. The description of his stay at Harrow seems to be based only on Byron's nostalgic poem. No mention is made of his hell-raising ways, fights (not to protect the innocents, as the author states, but to establish his place in the pecking order, for the most part) and general chaos-making that nearly led to his expulsion in the final year. No references to the homosexual experiences that he undoubtedly had - it is a proven fact that sex and sexual violence among boys at closed, private schools of the period ran rampant. Ms. Browne modestly states that Byron was so pretty that a lot of boys were "confused" about their feelings. By the way, the exaggerated praise of Byron's looks gets annoying, especially considering that he was not all that attractive as a child - apart from his bad foot, the poet was seriously overweight (aged 18, he was about 200 pounds with his height at 5 ft 8 1/2 inches. That's BMI = 29.5, while the BMI for obesity is 30. Feel free to extrapolate how attractive a limping, overweight boy looked to his peers!).
On to Cambridge. Once again, no mention is made of the actual circumstances of his stay there. Only the wasteful spending is mentioned - but of course, bad people led this innocent, pure-hearted, sincere puppy astray! The oldest excuse of them all. Apart from Byron's personal details, the picture painted of Cambridge rings false - just as it did for Harrow, now that you mention it. The university and the school are presented like temples of learning, places of rigorous and intense study. Perhaps, Ms. Browne should have done a little research - the standards of University education had been steadily falling for the previous 50 years at least. The Cambridge Byron enrolled in was not the Cambridge of Isaac Newton. In reality, for Byron the University was the place where he could socialize, drink, gamble and whore without the least restraint, with no regard to studying. And he fully exploited the opportunity, just as most his fellow students did. The author, though, represents Cambridge in the shape it only took by 20th century, after extensive reforms. John Cam Hobhouse in particular sounds like a Socialist revolutioner, almost the Kim Philby of the 19th century.
The final section of the novel is devoted to Byron's travels in the East and a short period after his return, a year or so. Strangely enough, this important part of the poet's life that had a profound influence on him as a person is practically skipped over. A couple of occurrences in the very beginning of the trip are mentioned, namely the journey through Albania and the visit to Ali Pasha, and that's about it. Might it be because this whole Grand Tour was partly motivated by the desire for homosexual liaisons that were acceptable and even commonplace in the Ottoman Empire, unlike England? A form of sex tourism, so to speak. But of course, Ms. Browne avoids mentioning whatever does not fit her view of Byron as a perfectly hetero romantic hero who spent his life pining for Mary Chaworth. Blegh!!!
These are my complaints as to the content. The style of the writing also leaves much to be desired. The dialogues are particularly disappointing by their boringness. Where's the whit, the sparkle, the humor that are said to be typical for the poet's circle? I would even settle for off-color snark and caustic jibes. No such luck. The poet only flutters his eyelashes, pouts, sulks and then rushes off to write his early - really mediocre - verses. The prose is either simplistic and full of thorougly modern expressions or it switches to an attempted lofty language. The end result is hilarious. For example: "I need to sanctify myself in a bath of hot water and a large bar of soap." - that's Byron to you. Or, "Susan was suffering a passionate fervour." There also numerous anachronisms to contend with. Like, for example, Scrope Davies, Byron's friend, mentions that his brother is a psychologist (!) - are you serious? the profession as well as the science of psychology would not be invented for several decades yet, hold your horses. And then Davies goes on to explain the term "homo-social" when applied to Hobhouse. I really wanted to bash my own head in after reading this passage. Alright, moving on...
The period of the events is also badly researched. For example, apparently, in 1811 "the English, under Lord Wellington, had taken Mauritius from the French." Yeah, right, Wellington must have transferred to the Royal Navy and darted to the Indian Ocean for this specific purpose, only to go back to Spain to fight in the Peninsular War. The man also gets an honorable mention when Hobhouse compares his own nose to that of the Duke - funny, the Duke was not even a duke at the time, just the humble Gen. Wellesley. Sadly, when it comes to historic events or personages, Ms. Browne misses her mark for the most part. She really should have read a good book to get a general knowledge of the period.
Perhaps, some would say that I am being too picky, and refer me to the concept of an artistic license. I beg to disagree - when one writes a biographic novel, set during a distinctive historic period, one should: 1) be prepared to the readers knowing the actual facts and to being called on their misrepresentation; 2) avoid skipping the facts of the protagonist's life, action and personality, even if they don't fit the author's worldview; and 3) actually do the f-ing research (!) of the period, to make the narration sound more authentic.
So, read this book and its sequels at your peril, if you have time to waste. I, for one, will not be buying the second installment.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

New appreciation for Byron and poetry

I’m going to be honest: poetry is not my jam. That said, this excellent, absorbing book piqued my interest in revisiting the poetry of Lord Byron. Why? I think it is because the author’s excellent research, wonderful writing and inclusion of excerpts of his poetry and his many personal letters to his mother, half-sister and friends helped to put his writings into the interesting, relatable, complex and at times, heart-breaking context of Lord Byron’s life up to age 23. Knowing why Byron wrote the lovely words for which he is known helps to make the poetry much more meaningful, at least for me.

Bottom line: As an English literature major, I did my fair share of reading poetry including Byron’s and while I could appreciate the beauty of the language, it never “grabbed”me the way well written fiction does. Having read Ms. Browne’ first offering in her Byron series, I can say that I have gained a much greater appreciation of his work as well as hers. It’s not hard to understand how Byron is viewed as the creator of the Romantic Hero. He was one himself.

[Shannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This was such a great book. It was one of those stories you wish would never end, because it is just so interesting and fun to read. I like historical fiction, but sometimes it can be deadly dull, especially if it deals with someone very well known and the history is fairly well documented. Browne, however, has thoroughly bucked this trend with her fictionalization of Lord Byron's early years. I not only enjoyed reading it for the period detail, I also learned a thing or two about the people and places Lord Byron knew as he became a young adult. I didn't realize just how much of an animal lover Byron was, for instance. This book takes that part of his life as a major theme, showing just how much it influenced his early work and life. Browne writes with power and directs your attention to the details that matter so deftly, all you see is the story, not the lessons she wants to teach. It is beautifully done, and well worth the money to purchase.

I am eager to get my hands on the second book in the series. I am sure I will learn much more, and have a good time doing it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a biography of Lord Byron who lived at the turn of the 18th into the 19th century. Two women were at the core of his early life: his mother and his first love, Mary. His mother was obese due to a love of whiskey and sweets. Her eccentricities caused him to love her not at all. He loved Mary in that joyful way that only first love can be. His heart was broken when she married another man, and Byron' s heartbreak could not heal. Byron loved three boy with whom he went to school. His heart was broken further when one of those friends died. He became a published poet early in his life. Byron was born with a foot deformity, but was extremely popular because of his stunning good looks lively sense of humor. He suffered periods of deep depression.

The well known author was a disappointment because of blatant errors in the ecopy. Otherwise, her writing mechanics were excellent.

Thank you, Ms. Browne, for a good read.

[Ladory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's all about Lord Byron's early life up to the age of 23. It is the first in a series. Gretta Curran Browne has become one of my all-time favorite authors. I love historical fiction and this author apparently does meticulous research so there is a lot of fact in her books. I have read the entire MacQuarie series and will continue reading the Lord Byron series. I also read one about an uprising in Ireland.

Lord Byron was a most delightful character and is said to be Britain's first superstar.

[Debi Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished "A Strange Beginning" last night. I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like it or not because I'm not a huge fiction fan. This book hooked me from the very beginning, though, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it! I don't remember reading Lord Byron's poems in school, but I did know vaguely who he was and what he did. This novel expanded that knowledge and led me to have a respect for him, especially his love for animals. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

[Triin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was buzzing to read the novel and to learn about Byron - a true superstar of the era. Unfortunately this was not what I found. There were no sizzling details about his notorious lovelife. Even the historic details were generic - it had a long list of names Byron partied and had fiery intellectual conversations with, but the reader doesn't get a clue of the topics they might have discussed to get a better picture of the time period. The best part of the book were his poems.

[Diane Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the investment

When you're in the mood for a sweeping historical novel that has been well researched for historical accuracy then please pick up a Gretta Curran Browne book.
I enjoyed this first installment in the Byron series so much so that I did further research on my own to learn more. Her vivid portrayal of his life and times drew me in. I now look forward to the remainder of the story.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately Lost In It's Pages!!!!!

Lord Byron. I love what came before us. I !ove history! I didn't know how enthralled I would be when I began to read this book! Yet, i became enamored of the story and had it read in two days. Lord Byron! A poet capable of emotion, good and damaging.....yet, a caring soul capable of compassion, witt, and dedication. Great authorization by gifted author. Patricia

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in learning about Byron’s life, so I took a chance and bought this for Kindle through a BookBub special.

The book is a biographical novel and covers Byron’s life from the age of 10 to his early 20s. For accounts of his later life, there are other books in this series.

The author has done considerable research on Byron’s life and I find that commendable.

The book begins with 10-year-old George Gordon (Byron) living in Aberdeen, Scotland. He took his mother’s surname, Gordon, since his father, Lord Byron, had lost all his money. George’s English father left when he was a small child, promised to return, but died with debts, leaving his wife and son without much means of support. Byron lived with Catherine, his unstable mother, and her servant, May Gray, who sexually abused Byron. His mother was abusive physically and emotionally. To add to his woes, Byron was born with one deformed foot (apparently, from his vain mother using tight corsets during pregnancy) and was made fun of by other children, as well as by his own mother. Life was miserable for him until William, the 5th Baron Byron of Rochdale, England, declared him his heir and sent for him. The stipulation was that the boy took the surname Byron in order to obtain his inheritance.

With the death of the 5th Baron Byron, young George traveled to England as the rightful heir and lord. Byron now lived with his mother and servants at Newstead Abbey, an estate in Nottinghamshire that was the Byron ancestral home. He was sent to the best schools and adjusted to a life of leisure for a time. Due to his grief over his sweetheart Mary marrying another man, he left England to travel abroad for more than a year. He returned to find his mother had died the previous day. Byron was in shock. To add to his distress, he received the sad news that his good friend, Edward Long, had recently died. Charles Matthews, another dear friend, died within a few days of his return to England.

It was enjoyable to learn something of this great poet’s life. It was wonderful to have some of his poetry and even a little of Wordsworth’s in the book, but, unfortunately, the text was too often tedious and boring. There was relief in Byron's letters and poetry, as well as the accounts of Byron’s pet bear and dogs. He did have a love for animals, as well as a great fondness for his friends. Bryon was essentially a kind-hearted human being. What I found hard to take was the general self-absorption of the English upper classes in Byron’s circle. Their hedonism, boredom, need to gamble, drink heavily, and be entertained was tiresome. All of this could have been more palatable if the author’s writing had had more vibrancy.