Robert Byron, who tragically died young in the Second World War, was the foremost travel writer of his age, acclaimed especially for 'The Road to Oxiana'. He was also a pioneer of Byzantine history, fought to save Georgian London, and was one of the first voices raised against fascism. Patrick Leigh Fermor readily admitted to being under his spell, and to Nancy Mitford he was the funniest man alive. This biography of him rediscovers his genius, drawing on his unique archive and throwing fascinating new light on the gilded circle of which he was part.