Manuscripts of 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage', a poem by Lord Byron; with a fair copy of the same., 1810-1817.
Scope and Contents
Byron’s poem 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' was first published in 1812 by John Murray, and was an instant success. Following the publication, the poet wrote in his diary: 'I awoke one morning and found myself famous'. It was this poem which first raised his profile as a major poet of the Romantic era.
Each of the four cantos of the poem is represented, with especially significant holdings relating to cantos III and IV. The manuscripts are mostly in the hand of Byron, but a fair copy of canto III is in the hand of Claire Clairmont. There is also a printed copy of the 5th edition (1812) of the poem, with corrections and insertions by Byron, which is after the manuscripts.
Dates
- Creation: 1810-1817.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
0.00 Linear metres
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The manuscripts are arranged in the order of the cantos of the poem, I-IV. The annotated printed copy of 5th edition is after the manuscripts.
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk