Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society How Hot Was Lord Byron?
Dec 26, 2025
Andrew Stauffer, Professor of English and head of the Byron Society of America, dives into the notorious reputation of Lord Byron, the Romantic poet known for being 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know.' He explores Byron's numerous lovers and whether he truly fits the 'fuckboy' label. Stauffer reveals how Byron's early sexual experiences shaped his identity, the turbulent drama of his marriage to Annabella, and his passionate relationships, including a tumultuous affair with Lady Caroline Lamb. The discussion highlights Byron's duality of public persona and private turmoil.
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Byron's Persona Fueled His Fame
- Lord Byron's public persona fused his poetic characters with his real life, creating the Byronic legend that fueled celebrity fascination.
- That conflation made his moody, dangerous image as much a marketing force as a personal struggle.
Early Scandal Over Teen Poetry
- Byron published his first book in his teens and had to recall it to remove erotic passages after local scandal.
- He began writing love poetry at a very young age and quickly attracted attention for its erotic charge.
Childe Harold Crafted The Byronic Hero
- Childe Harold's Pilgrimage introduced the jaded, haunted wanderer who became the template for the Byronic hero.
- The poem's mix of exotic travel writing and intimate lyrics instantly exploded Byron into Regency celebrity.