This short introduction weaves Byron's life in alternating chapters with studies of his major work to try to suggest the intimate connection between the two, and yet to keep the studies of the work uncluttered by too much contextual information.

It has proved impossible to cover anything like all of Byron's output in such a short space. Even more sadly I have not been able to tackle the letters, journals, and other prose works, which are not only the prime source for our understanding of the poet's life, but are in themselves fascinating works. The letters in particular have great dash and verve, suggesting that the poet of Don Juan was there in prose from the early years of the century. They are immensely enjoyable. A selection is available in the Oxford Authors: Byron (see ‘Note on the Text’), but it is well worth dipping into the thirteen-volume Byron's Letters and Journals, edited by Leslie Marchand (John Murray, London, 1973–94).