This collection showcases twenty-five years of scholarly work focused on Romanticism and the studies of Lord Byron. It highlights significant insights and analyses, reflecting the evolution of McGann's research and contributions to the understanding of Romantic literature. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in the intricacies of Byron's influence and the broader context of Romanticism.
Byron's free-spirited lifestyle combined with his rare poetic gift to make him one of the foremost figures of the Romantic Era. This collection of his poems, richly varied in mood and content, captures the essence of his great achievement. Among the thirty-one poems included are convivial song-like poems, love poems, travel poems, humorous and satiric poems. Shorter works such as the famous "She Walks in Beauty," "Stanzas to Augusta" and "So We'll Go No More a Roving" are well represented. Also here are important longer works — "The Prisoner of Chillon," "Beppo," "The Vision of Judgment," all unabridged — and lyrics excerpted from Don Juan, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, and the play Manfred. Taken together, these are poems that draw readers quickly into the passions, humors, and convictions of a poet whose life and work truly embodied the Romantic spirit.
The book explores the interplay between social values and poetic expression, examining how poetry can reflect and influence societal norms and beliefs. It delves into the role of poetry in shaping cultural identity and its potential as a tool for social change. Through various poetic acts, the author illustrates the connection between artistic creativity and the values that underpin communities, inviting readers to consider the impact of poetry on both individual and collective experiences.