The Rest Is History 443. Lord Byron: Death of a Vampire (Part 4)
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Apr 24, 2024 Explore the scandalous life of Lord Byron, from his exile in Italy to his iconic friendship with Percy Shelley. Discover the dramatic summer of 1816 that birthed literary masterpieces amidst ghost stories and rivalry. Delve into Byron's evolving legacy, his tumultuous relationships, and the impact of his life on Gothic literature. His passionate involvement in the Greek War of Independence adds a political twist to his personal drama. As he grapples with fame and mortality, Byron's journey captivates and enthralls.
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The Vampire Novel
- The novel "The Vampire", published in 1819, was falsely attributed to Lord Byron.
- It featured the first aristocratic vampire, Lord Ruthven, based on Byron, and fueled rumors about him.
Byron's Arrival and Waterloo
- Upon arriving in Ghent, Byron immediately seduced the chambermaid, according to his physician, Polidori.
- Traveling south, Byron revisited the Waterloo battlefield, drawing parallels between the battle and his personal turmoil.
Meeting the Shelleys
- Byron's fame made him a subject of immense curiosity, with people even renting binoculars to spy on him in Switzerland.
- He met Percy Shelley, Mary Godwin, and Claire Claremont in Geneva, a meeting complicated by Claire's pregnancy with Byron's child.
