Robert Byron, who died young in the 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 is the first biography of him; it draws on his unique archive and throws fascinating new light on the gilded circle of which he was part.