byronic :: mad bad and dangerous to know

John Irving in London, about 3m away from me, at last night’s Shaw Theatre talk in London. I know I go on about this, but he’s been my favourite living novelist for years, and it was amazing to be in his presence. 

This is a typical expression - thoughtful, deep, somewhat intimidating. But when you least expect it, this stern mask breaks into an uproarious bear of a laugh, the laugh of a man who can see comedy in tragedy (and vice-versa).