MARCHAND, Leslie A. (author). Bryon. A Biography. New York & London. Alfred A. Knopf [and] John Murray. 1957

Large 8vo. 3 volumes; publisher’s scarlet cloth with gilt vignettes to upper covers, spines lettered gilt, in letterpress dustwrappers; pp. xxvii + [v], [3]-476 + 45, Notes; xi + [iii], 477-942 + 47-102, Notes; xi + [iii], [943]-1264, 103-163, Notes, lxxxvi, Index + [ii]; with double-page map and photographic plates in black and white; both externally and internally fine, without ownership marks or inscriptions, in very good and presentable unclipped dustwrappers (£15 net) with abrasion and small nicking to spine tips and a scuffed tear (25mm) to bottom edge of lower panel of Volume Three.

First editions, as stated, with English publisher John Murray’s imprint overlaid on the title-pages. The seminal biography of the poet, meticulously researched from primary sources by Professor Marchand (1900-1999), including gleanings from previously undiscovered notebooks.

Required reading for all students of Byron and those interested in this romantic figure, tracking his whole short life through his aristocratic childhood, early fame with “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”, his turbulent and controversial time in England (including his marriage, separation and exile amid scandal), his expatriate life in Italy, and his involvement in the Greek War of Independence, until his death in 1844 at just 36 years of age.