The Romany Rye (1857). By

The Romany Rye is a novel by George Borrow, written in 1857 as a sequel to Lavengro (1851). The novel: Largely thought to be at least partly autobiographical, The Romany Rye follows from Lavengro (1851). The title can be translated from Romany as "Gipsy Gentleman". Mrs George Borrow wrote on 18 October 1853 to John Murray, his publisher, saying her husband had completed his work - "which he proposes to call The Romany Rye - A Sequel to Lavengro." The story itself follows the journey of a learned young man living with Romanies. It is a philosophical adventure story of sorts............ George Henry Borrow (5 July 1803 - 26 July 1881) was an English writer of novels and of travel books based on his own experiences in Europe During his travels, he developed a close affinity with the Romani people of Europe, who figure prominently in his work. His best-known books are The Bible in Spain, the autobiographical Lavengro, and The Romany Rye, about his time with the English Romanichal (Gypsies). Early life: Borrow was born at East Dereham, Norfolk, the son of Army recruiting officer, Thomas Borrow (1758-1824) and farmer's daughter, Ann Perfrement (1772-1858).His father, a lieutenant with the West Norfolk Militia, was quartered at the prisoner-of-war camp at Norman Cross from July 1811 to April 1813 and George spent his ninth and tenth years in the barracks there.He was educated at the Royal High School of Edinburgh and Norwich Grammar School. Borrow studied law, but languages and literature became his main interests. In 1825, Borrow began his first major European journey, walking in France and Germany. Over the next few years he visited Russia, Portugal, Spain and Morocco, acquainting himself with the people and languages of the various countries he visited. After his marriage on 23 April 1840, he settled in Lowestoft, Suffolk, but continued to travel both inside and outside the UK. Borrow in Ireland: Having a military father, Borrow had a childhood of growing up at different posts. In the autumn of 1815, he accompanied the regiment to Clonmel in Ireland. There he attended the Protestant Academy, where he learned to read Latin and Greek "from a nice old clergyman". He was also introduced to the Irish language by a fellow student named Murtagh, who tutored him in return for a pack of playing cards. In keeping with the political friction of the time, he learned to sing "the glorious tune 'Croppies Lie Down' " at the military barracks. He was introduced to horsemanship and learned to ride without a saddle. The regiment moved to Templemore early in 1816, and George took to ranging around the country on foot and later on horseback. After less than a year in Ireland, the regiment returned to Norwich. With the threat of war having receded, the strength of the unit was greatly reduced.