Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

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Referenced as a novel written during this period that captures the gossiping culture at court - people gossiping about each other, overhearing conversations, and reading letters not meant for them.

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Referenced when discussing the tradition of libertinage in 18th century French aristocracy, mentioning the character Vicomte de Valmont

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Referenced as contributing to the cultural image of scheming aristocrats who viewed torture and sexual sadism as pleasure, part of the propaganda swirl during the revolution

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Referenced as 'Laclau's great novel' when discussing the libertine character of the French aristocracy and court, describing themes of aristocrats being cruel and sexually predatory.

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Though the novel itself isn't explicitly named, Lady Melbourne is repeatedly compared to Madame de Merteuil from 'Dangerous Liaisons,' and Byron to the Vicomte de Valmont. The hosts describe the entire web of relationships — Lady Melbourne manipulating Byron, pimping out her niece Annabella, and scheming against her daughter-in-law Caroline — as being 'very, very dangerous liaisons.' The comparison structures much of the episode's narrative.