George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)

George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)

Byron was born in 1788. Belonged to an old aristocratic family. Spent his childhood in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In 1808 graduated from Cambridge University, receiving A.M.

Travelled abroad visiting Portugal, Spain, Albania; Greece, Turkey

On returning to England took his seat in the Parliament. For five years lived in London.

In 1815 married Anne Milbanke. Was compelled to leave England after parting with his wife

Byron was a revolutionary Romantic poet. While a student Byron published the first collection of his poems «Hours of Idleness» (1807)

"Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" was created as result of Byron's travel over the world. It reveals the poet's personal, philosophical and political reflections as well as describes countries visited by Byron.

"The Prisoner of Chillon" was written after visting Switzerland. There Byron went to the old Castle of Chillon. He heard the story of Francois Bonnivard, a Swiss hero who in the 15th century had fought for the freedom of his country and had been thrown into the Castle as a prisoner, where he was kept in chains together with his brothers. The story produced a deep impression on Byron and he composed a poem which is one of the best among Byron's works

Lermontov loved Byron's poems and made wonderful translations of some of them.

Pushkin paid tribute to him in his poem "To the Sea"