Corsair (Penguin Classics: Poetry First) [Paperback]

Byron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0140437193 | ISBN-13: 978-0140437195

First published in 1814 this poem tells the story of Conrad, a pirate chief but with the virtue of chivalry, who receives warning that the Turkish Pacha is preparing to descend upon his island. Presented in its original form.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The most widely read English language poet of his day, Byron holds an incomparable place in world literature. He introduced the world to the Byronic hero, an ideal yet flawed character. Byron's most famous works are “Childe Harold's Pilgrimage” and “Don Juan”. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Uk (July 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140437193
• ISBN-13: 978-0140437195
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,977,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Byronic Hero, May 27, 2007

By 

G. Messersmith "calliopemuse" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Corsair (Penguin Classics: Poetry First) (Paperback)

Lady Lamb called Lord Byron "Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know" which can also apply to Conrad, the pirate and the protagonist, in THE CORSAIR. Conrad, like Byron himself, is an example of the Byronic Hero, i.e., handsome, moody, self-reflecting, a loner and self-destructive.

Basically it's the story of a pirate captain who will risk everything, including his own life, to save a slave from a Turkish harem. This edition of the poem including afterword, etc., is only 76 pages long but you will want to read it again and again. Although Byron's life now is more well known than his poetry, don't miss reading his beautiful poems. This one is simple and easy to follow and you will want to follow Conrad to the end to see what happens.

The work itself is written in three cantos and we begin on a pirate island with Conrad and his wife. We know the plan is to attack a Sultan to get his riches... I don't want to give too much away but what happens once the pirates attack moves quickly and will keep you on the edge of your seat. A beautiful and well written poem everyone can enjoy. Byron was a great creative artist and you won't want to miss his poetry.