Lord Byron

ALS signed “Byron,” one page, 7.75 x 11, June 24, 1820. Handwritten letter from Ravenna to Richard Belgrave Hoppner, the English Consul at Venice and Byron's friend. In part: "You will think it a strange request, but I will feel obliged by your compliance with the whim—although it will be a further trouble—It is to procure for me two chances (it will cost 60 francs the two) in the enclosed lottery at Vienna for the second lottery (the theatre) to be drawn August 1st. I will send the money by Vincenzo who is now here & will go to Venice in a few days. I apply to you as being one near that spot & as an outstanding man & as being a crony of mine…Put my name or any name you like to the tickets." Mounted and framed to an overall size of 10 x 13.5. In fine condition, with seal-related paper loss to the left edge.

Byron lived in Ravenna from 1819 to 1821, one of the most productive and politically turbulent periods of his life, during which he became involved with the Carbonari revolutionary movement. While residing there he continued work on Don Juan and completed several major dramatic works, including Marino Faliero, Sardanapalus, and The Two Foscari. A casually humorous and highly personal letter from this important Italian period.