George Borrow 
The King’s Wake, and Other Ballads 

George Borrow’s ‘The King’s Wake, and Other Ballads’ is a collection of ballads and folk songs that showcase the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the British Isles. Borrow’s writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, lyrical language, and deep connection to the oral tradition of storytelling. The ballads included in this collection offer a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and values of the people of Britain, making it a valuable source for folklorists and literary scholars alike. The book is a tribute to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of oral literature in British culture. George Borrow, a renowned linguist and travel writer, was deeply interested in preserving and documenting traditional folk songs and ballads. His passion for language and folklore shines through in this collection, as he presents these timeless tales with respect and admiration. Borrow’s meticulous research and dedication to preserving these ballads make ‘The King’s Wake, and Other Ballads’ a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural history of the British Isles.

About the author

George Borrow (1803–1881) was a British author and linguist, remembered for his travel writings and the vivid portrayal of Romani life in his works. Born in Norfolk, Borrow developed a fascination with language at a young age, laying the foundation for his later achievements in linguistics. His literary career was marked by an adventurous spirit and an unyielding fascination with the marginal lifestyles of the day, particularly the lives of the Romani people, who often appeared in his narratives. His experiences traveling through Russia and the Iberian Peninsula gave him rich material for his literary works, which are noted for their lush descriptions and keen observations. Among his notable works is ‘The Bible in Spain’ (1843), which recounts his endeavors to distribute Bibles in Spain. However, ‘Lavengro’ (1851) and ‘The Romany Rye’ (1857) arguably stand as his most celebrated works, blending autobiography with fiction and reflecting on language and identity. ‘The Zincali’ (1841) is also significant, focusing on the customs and language of the Spanish Gypsies. Although less known, ‘The King’s Wake, and Other Ballads’ is another testament to his literary craftsmanship and his enduring interest in the traditions and tales of diverse cultures. Borrow’s writing exhibits a Romantic fascination with the exotic and a reverence for the natural world, presenting a vivid tapestry of the societies and landscapes he explored.