George Borrow

Date of Birth: July 5, 1803

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 26, 1881

Biography

George Henry Borrow was an English author, known primarily for his travel literature and the depiction of the Romani people. Born on July 5, 1803, in East Dereham, Norfolk, England, Borrow had a varied and colorful life that significantly influenced his writing. His father was a recruiting officer, which meant that the family moved frequently, providing Borrow with a diverse and multicultural upbringing. Borrow’s early education was sporadic, but he showed a keen interest in languages, eventually mastering more than twenty. His career included a stint as an assistant to a lawyer, but his passion for languages and travel led him to work for the British and Foreign Bible Society, which allowed him to travel extensively through Europe. His most notable works include “The Bible in Spain” (1843), an account of his travels and Bible distribution efforts in Spain, “Lavengro” (1851), a semi-autobiographical novel, and “The Romany Rye” (1857), a sequel to “Lavengro”. Borrow’s writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions, engaging storytelling, and deep empathy for the people he encountered. George Borrow passed away on July 26, 1881, in Oulton Broad, Suffolk, England.

5 Interesting Facts about George Borrow

1. George Borrow was proficient in over twenty languages, including Welsh, Romani, and Arabic.

2. He worked for the British and Foreign Bible Society, which facilitated his extensive travels across Europe.

3. Borrow had a deep fascination with the Romani people and their culture, which is evident in his works.

4. His book “The Bible in Spain” became an instant success and was reprinted numerous times during his lifetime.

5. Borrow had a turbulent relationship with the literary establishment of his time, often feeling misunderstood and underappreciated.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Borrow

1. “There is no greater pleasure than a road book for as you read you are transported to other times and places.”

2. “Next to the love of God, the love of country is the best preventive of crime.”

3. “Good ale, the true and proper drink of Englishmen.”

4. “The object of life is to make the best of it.”

5. “Life is sweet, brother; there’s day and night, brother, both sweet things; sun, moon, and stars, brother, all sweet things: there’s likewise a wind on the heath.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Borrow did not achieve substantial financial success during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but it is known that his most successful book, “The Bible in Spain,” provided him with some financial stability.