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Reading this without getting a better grasp of the several historical contexts Byron writes his praises about was a massive blunder on my part, but despite my ignorance in the field, it didn't preclude me from delving into the main themes of the poem. Byron appears repetitive, long drawn and a tad boring at a first glance, but his distinct style and mastery of periphrases pays off in the long run. The length was neither too long nor too short for my tastes, and even without the aid of notes, the work isn't as inaccessible as it seems if one is willing to put his mind to it. All things considered, I would give it a second read once I catch up on classical culture and attain a level of knowledge sufficient enough to enjoy the work to the fullest. ( )

This long poetic story is written in four cantos and took Byron eight years to complete. It is a travelogue detailing a young man's quest for new experiences and is said to parallel Byron's own travels through Europe and the Near East. I read it piecemeal, over a period of time after I happened upon a copy at a library sale and I was curious about its interesting name. It was hard for my modern mind to gets its full meaning and scope because I lack so much of the classic grounding that would explain so many of the allusions in the work. Still, I was familiar with some of them and I am glad that I did persevere and complete it. I looked Lord Byron up in my Benet's Readers Encyclopedia. I read that in his many works the protagonist is almost always Byron himself thinly veiled and especially in the lengthy Don Juan, that I will probably never read. I guess I would have to confess that I didn't really enjoy reading Childe Harold. I would like to read and fully understand the works of the ancients, but in reality I usually read rather light literature, not often caring for the more thoughtful writings that are part of my own generation and experience and yet, I will get some of them read because sometimes I do buy books that are a bit above my real interests and intellect just to challenge myself.

Byron’s typical hero probably had been invented in the German Romanticism. His features are intelligence, toughness, a high capability to adapt in any conditions, and a certain boyishness both in body and mind.

Long romantic poem, partly autobiographical. The serious counterpart of the satirical Don Juan.