Conversations with Lord Byron on perversion, 163 years after His… (1987)

Three researchers and one Byron expert attempt to find out the identity of Byron's Thyrza by programming a computer to become the poet himself. Granting the computer free will, the researchers expect a logical answer to easily arrive while the Byron expert finds herself slowly becoming enamored with the poet-computer. Their probing questions prompt the computer-as-Byron to revisit it's/his 'memories' and reflect on one of his most tempestuous and infamous relationships, especially with John Eddleston. Prantera's theory about Eddleston might feel absurd and outright silly for some Byron fans, but fits in with this story that borders on fantasy at times. Published in 1988, some of the technological references are dated, but Prantera's ideas about artificial reality being used to reanimate dead authors still feel relevant. The pacing of the story was slow at times, but otherwise, this was an enjoyable weekend read. ( )