Original (English)

PREFACE During the whole of Borrow’s manhood there was probably only one period when he was unquestionably happy in his work and content with his surroundings.  He may almost be said to have concentrated into the seven years (1833–1840) that he was employed by the British and Foreign Bible Society in Russia, Portugal and Spain, a lifetime’s energy and resource.  From an unknown hack-writer, who hawked about unsaleable translations of Welsh and Danish bards, a travelling tinker and a vag