In 1816, scandal over his womanizing forced Byron to leave England and seek refuge on the continent. Together with some of his comrades and the woman he was currently attached to, Claire Clairemont, he ended up in Italy, where he also joined up with the poet Shelley and his wife Mary. The writers had a good effect on each other, all producing very fine work during their time together. Perhaps the most famous product was Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," which she says was written when they all agreed to try their hand at horror stories.
Byron, however, found it impossible to remain true to only one woman. For several years he led a life of debauchery. In 1819 he met a young Italian woman,Teresa Guiccioli, who was married to an older man, and they began a relationship that dominated this period.
Byron never did return from exile. He died helping to fight for Greek independence.
This report prepared by Jack Goodstein
