Join Keats House for an evening exploring Byron’s 'Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte' (1814), in partnership with the Byron Society.

With Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, the man Byron had idolized since his youth meets an inglorious end, and with him, Byron’s hopes for a new age. After such disappointment, how does Byron view his fallen hero?

In 'Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte' (1814), Byron summons a cast of characters from history, mythology, fact and fable, searching for some counterpart for Napoleon who can represent both the best and worst of humanity.

In a final twist, however, less than a year since the Ode, Napoleon escapes from exile in a sensational return to power. As he looms over Europe again, how will Byron’s characterizations hold up?

Toby Lucas, from Durham University, will go through the Ode, introducing Byron’s dramatis personae and discussing what they reveal about Byron’s imagination.

This event and associated ticketing and personal data capture is managed directly by the City of London Corporation. Book your tickets via their webiste here.