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Phyllis Grosskurth, the author of psychobiographies on Melanie Klein, Havelock Ellis, and members of Freud's inner circle, has written another marvelous book on the most famous poet of his time, Lord Byron. Again, her profound knowledge of psychoanalysis and her sheer ability as a storyteller make this book so gripping and enjoyable that it was difficult for me to put it down.
Based on primary source materials, Grosskurth takes the reader on an authoritative and intimate journey through the political, erotic, literary, and revolutionary adventures of this nineteenth-century genius. Her affection for Byron and the people in his life creates a vibrant story that provides a fascinating portrait of this handsome, charismatic, brilliant, and creative human being, who was also emotionally disturbed and irresponsible.
The book contains a five-generation genogram, as well as pictures of the Byron family and important people in the poet's life. These provide historical context and give the reader a glimpse of how these people actually appeared in life. There was a familial history of manic despression in the Byron family, with some of his ancestors bearing nicknames such as Foulweather Jack and The Wicked Lord.
Byron suffered the loss of his father before he was three years old, which probably interfered with the development of self and object constancy. Admittedly, he “could not exist without some object of attachment.” Yet, when people were out of sight, it was as if they did not exist. His mother was