441. Lord Byron: Scandal, Sex and Celebrity (Part 2)

This podcast episode explores Lord Byron's travels abroad during the Napoleonic Wars and how they influenced his most famous works. It discusses Byron's fascination with Greece and the Ottoman Empire, his complex views on sexuality, his anti-imperialism and distaste for militarism, his encounter with Ali Pasha, his criticism of Lord Elgin's removal of the Parthenon marbles, and his exploration of gender fluidity. The episode also delves into Byron's experiences during his Grand Tour and his return to England, highlighting the societal norms and personal struggles he faced upon his return.