Byron’s letters get nearly USD 460,000 at UK auction

A woman walks past a painting by Paul Gauguin made in 1889 titled 'Bonjour Monsieur Gauguine' during a press review of the upcoming exhibition 'Rebels and Martyrs: The artist in the 19th century' in central London's National Gallery on June 27, 2006. From Lord Byron to Sid Vicious, a string of artistic icons has lived fast, sparked outrage and died young and the new exhibition traces the image of the artist as rebellious loner from its Romantic roots through works by Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Edgar Degas and others. Photo: AP.

A British auction house says a set of 15 letters and other writings by the rakish Romantic poet Lord Byron have sold for 277,250 pounds (nearly USD 460,00).

Sotheby’s in London says that the letters, addressed to his close friend Francis Hodgson, detail the troubled poet’s private life and many have never been published.

The pair went to the University of Cambridge together and Byron writes to his friend telling him of his life, his opinions, his dog and his many infamous loves.

In one letter from Portugal, Byron boasts of sharpening his knowledge of the country’s obscenities. In another he details his affair with serving girl Susan Vaughan.

Sotheby’s said yesterday that the letters were bought by an anonymous bidder.