Byron: Life and Legend
by Fiona MacCarthy
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Book Summary Information
Author: Fiona MacCarthyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-05-26
ISBN: 0374529302
Number of pages: 720
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Book Reviews of Byron: Life and Legend
Book Review: First rate research against a dry story.
Summary: 4 Stars
Foremost, this is probably one of the most heavily researched books of Byron. Coming in at over 500 pages (and in small print!) this book exacting chronicles Byron's life. This tome certainly shows thousands of hours of research and work. Digging deep into the detail of Byron and the people in his life, this story reconciles different journalistic accounts of the same episodes, divines the truth when someone's memories are prone to hyperbole, and uncovers the mystery and motivation behind the stanzas in some of Byron's poems. For instance, the book even nabs Byron for fibbing at his cricket score! Undoubtedly, the research is first rate.
I take off one star for a couple of reasons. First, while the book is the complete life of Byron, the story itself feels academic and dry. It's the historic account of his life from one day to the next. So, in some places, the book becomes a run on of just one event to the next. There is no interpretation or anecdotes that bring Byron to life. It took some special effort to pay attention in some chapters.
Second, I wish the book would have developed the tangent of Bryon's dandyism and his dandy colleagues. Byron was familiar with two of histories greatest dandy's, Beau Brummell and Count d'Orsay. While Byron himself didn't label himself a dandy, he nonetheless had influence among this set and often hobnobbed with those who fashioned themselves as dandies. It would have been a rich vein if the book had told this tale a bit more.
Third, the mojo behind Byron's womanizing is left unexplained. While Byron was known as a great lady's man, the book never really uncovers his magic, his special charm that lead him to bed so many women. The tale is told, but not the special charm behind it. Oh, why didn't this book explain the mystery behind Byron's famous "Underlook!"
If you're looking for a lighter read of Byron, this isn't it. If you're looking for the complete life of Byron, then get this book.
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