To Mr. Murray by Lord Byron (1817)
The poem is a satirical critique of the social conventions and hypocrisy of the upper class during the Regency period. It portrays a fictional character, Mr. Murray, who embodies the vices and excesses of the aristocracy. The speaker mocks the pretensions and affectations of the upper class, highlighting their superficiality and lack of genuine feeling.
By Lord Byron · First published 1817 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Epistolary · 204 words
First lines
To hook the reader, you, John Murray, Have publish'd "Anjou's Margaret," Which won't be sold off in a hurry (At least, it has not been as yet);
And then, still further to bewilder 'em, Without remorse, you set up "Ilderim; " So mind you don't get into debt, Because, as how, if you should fail, These books would be but baddish bail.
And mind you do not let escape These rhymes to Morning Post or Parry, Which would be very treacherous - very, And get me into such a scrape!
For, firstly, I should have to sally, All in my little boat, against a Galley;
What this Textopian page supports
To Mr. Murray is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1817 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1817 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Epistolary, Literary Criticism
- Length: 204 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyming lines, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The tone is humorous and critical, poking fun at the publishing industry and specific works.
- Epistolary — The work is addressed directly to an individual, resembling a letter.
- Literary Criticism — It critiques specific literary works and the publishing practices of the time.
Tags
Poem · Letter · Epistle · Romanticism · Literary · 18th Century · English Literature · Byronic Hero · Love Letter · Personal · Intimate · Confessional