Lord of the Dead the Secret History of Byron

By: Tom Holland

Narrated by: Richard E. Grant

Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the Levant to London's society salons to the canals of Venice, famed poet Lord Byron embarks on a life of adventure as the world's most notable vampire, following a dark trail of long-hidden secrets, ancient black arts, and the depths of evil.

©1996 Tom Holland (P)1996 Simon & Schuster

The Truth Be Told

I discovered this book on a dusty shelf years ago. It was my dear brothers mothers. A sleeveless copy, very old looking indeed. I asked to borrow it, as if it had chosen me, specifically! I read it repeatedly, to say the least. Thanks to this wretched age of technology. I have the pleasure of listening to it come to life! It's a most beautiful gift, only a child may know. To have a storyteller weave magically, the characters and scenes from the book. Tom Holland, now there's a being I wouldn't mind conversing with before either of our undoing! Along with Sir Richard E. Grant, for undoubtedly he understands, and cherishes the secret documents that have been burned, infinitely into our search. Great work gentleman, as well as all involved. (M.G.B.)

1 person found this helpful

abridged version

I read this book many years ago and would say it was one of the best vampire stories ever. Most intreging and realistic in the web Tom Hollow created between real and fictional caractors. this was so lost in this version the audible although not horrible left much to be desired it practically starts in the middle of the book just touching on two of the most interesting and scary elements of the story. I would highly suggest that this is bacicly a spoiler so I would say skip this and reading the book .

3 people found this helpful

if you are a real vampire fan...

... you will adore this. it is Richard E. Grant reading a gorgeously-written scholarly vampire novel.

the mythos is intriguing.

the kill scenes are more sensuous than any I've read thus far.

it's Lord Byron.

written by a man born in Oxford, who went to Cambridge University.

Cambridge scholars who write genre fiction are as rare as hens' teeth. read this!

an over all better than ann rice

love the book have since i first read it 14 years ago unabridged would be better i think

First User

I am a first time user and I wanted to use a book that I knew the outcome already. I read this book over 15 years ago and it's just as fascinating now as it was then. Richard E. Grant made the words come alive for me he did a better job with the characters than I did in my mind all that time ago

Decent, but I wouldn't get this as an audiobook

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. It was entertaining, and relatively short. If it were longer my answer would be different. Although the novel was entertaining, it wasn't necessarily a quality piece.

Would you be willing to try another book from Tom Holland? Why or why not?

Maybe, it depends on the content and reviews. I wouldn't buy the sequel to this book though.

What does Richard E. Grant bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He was great at portraying the characters. He did a great job with Polidori.

Could you see Lord of the Dead the Secret History of Byron being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I suppose it could, but it probably wouldn't do very well. Or maybe it would; bad movies become blockbuster hits inexplicably. With that in mind I could see Robert Pattinson as Byron, Kristen Stewart as Caroline Lamb, Michael Cera as Polidori.

Any additional comments?

Try to get this one at the library, or find a used copy. It's worth reading if you're really into Byron and his connection to vampires (fictionally of course). But if you take your Romantics seriously, skip it.

1 person found this helpful

Just the best ever !!!

Where does Lord of the Dead the Secret History of Byron rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love this so much! I have listened to it over and over.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Byron - he is so interesting.

Which character – as performed by Richard E. Grant – was your favorite?

all of them.

Who was the most memorable character of Lord of the Dead the Secret History of Byron and why?

Bryon

Any additional comments?

Grant does a wonderful job. He voices are quiet and soothing but at the same time exciting !