George Borrow

thumb|George Borrow in 1843 George Henry Borrow (July 5 1803 – July 26 1881) was an eccentric English travel-writer, novelist, memoirist and translator, known especially for his sympathetic portrayal of his friends among the Romany people. Quotes The author of Amelia, the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and to read in secret. The Bible in Spain (1843), ch. 1. There is a peculiarity in the countenance, as everybody knows, which, though it cannot be described, is sure to betray the Englishman. The Bible in Spain, ch. 2. Sherry...a silly, sickly compound, the use of which will transform a nation, however bold and warlike by nature, into a race of sketchers, scribblers, and punsters, in fact into what Englishmen are at the present day. Wild Wales (1862), ch. 38. Lavengro (1851) There are no countries in the world less known by the British than these selfsame British Islands, or where more strange things are every day occurring. Preface Smoking has a sedative effect upon the nerves, and enables a man to bear the sorrows of this life (of which every one has his share) not only decently, but dignifiedly. Ch. 23 If you must commit suicide – and there is no knowing to what people may be brought – always contrive to do it as decorously as possible; the decencies, whether of life or of death, should never be lost sight of. Ch. 23 I have always been a friend to hero-worship; it is the only rational one, and has always been in use amongst civilized people. Ch. 23 Translation is at best an echo. Ch. 25 There's night and day, brother, both sweet things; sun, moon, and stars, brother, all sweet things; there's likewise a wind on the heath. Life is very sweet, brother; who would wish to die? Ch. 25 There's the wind on the heath, brother; if I could only feel that, I would gladly live for ever. Ch. 25 He is not deserving of the name of Englishman who speaketh against ale, that is, good ale. Ch. 68 I often think I should like to have another rally—one more rally, and then—but there’s a time for all things—youth will be served, every dog has his day, and mine has been a fine one—let me be content. Ch. 92 The Romany Rye (1857) Fear God, and take your own part. The Romany Rye, chap. 16 Wild Wales (1862) I never saw such a place for merched anllad [wanton women] as Northampton. Wild Wales, chap. 34 'Scotland! a queer country that, your honour!' 'So it is,' said I; 'a queerer country I never saw in all my life.' 'And a queer set of people, your honour,' 'So they are,' said I; 'a queerer set of people than the Scotch you would scarcely seen in a summer's day.' Wild Wales, chap. 83 External links Category:Novelists from England Category:Travel writers Category:Translators from England Category:1803 births Category:1881 deaths Category:Memoirists from England Category:Victorian novelists