George Borrow (July 5, 1803, East Dereham, Norfolk - July 26, 1881, Oulton, England) was an English author who wrote novels and travelogues based on his own experiences around Europe. Over the course of his wanderings, he developed a close affinity with the Gypsy nomads of Europe, and they figure prominently in his work. His best known book, Lavengro, is largely autobiographical. Borrow was born at East Dereham, Norfolk, the son of a recruiting officer, and had a somewhat wandering childhood. He was educated at Norwich grammar school as well as the Edinburgh High School. He studied law, but languages and literature became his main interests. In 1825, he 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 in 1840, he settled near Lowestoft, but continued to travel both inside and outside the UK.
