Poets & Pugilists Byron’s love affair with bare-knuckle boxing was shared by many of his fellow Romantics, who celebrated this most brutal of sports in verse. John Strachan examines an unlikely match. John Strachan | Published in History Today Volume 59 Issue 1 January 2009 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. BritainCulturalLiteratureSport Related Articles ‘In Greece, and for Greece’ The Rich Tapestry of Jewish Life Popular articles Why Do Religions Decline? The Iron Amir: Britain’s Afghan Legacy