Author: T. H. Darlow

George Borrow (1803–1881) was a British author known for his linguistic prowess and travel writing. He exhibited a passion for languages from an early age and went on to master several European languages, as well as Romani and Russian. These linguistic skills proved invaluable during his work with the British and Foreign Bible Society, with which he was associated for some years, travelling to Russia and Portugal to distribute Bibles. Borrow”s experiences during these missionary journeys later influenced much of his literary work. His intimate correspondence, collected in the “Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible Society”, provides insight into both his complex character and his unique approach to his evangelical mission. Besides these letters, Borrow authored several notable works, including the semi-autobiographical “Lavengro” (1851) and “The Romany Rye” (1857), vividly portraying the life and language of the Romany people. Distinctive for its blending of fact and fiction, his literary style is an amalgamation of travelogue, memoir, and ethnological study. While his works fell out of popularity after his death, they have since been recognized for their anthropological value and their contribution to the travel literature genre.