Letters to his mother, Ann Borrow, and other correspondents

A lively collection of 19th‑century letters brings listeners into the world of a wandering scholar‑traveler, who writes home from bustling ports, remote villages and exotic courts. In his missives to family and curious acquaintances he blends personal anecdotes—like his run‑ins with priests over “testament” sales and his narrow escape from accusations of witchcraft—with sharp, humorous commentary on language, folklore and everyday life.

The correspondent’s voice is witty and conversational, turning every observation into a miniature lesson in etymology or a vivid sketch of a foreign city. From the chilly streets of England to the crowded bazaars of Constantinople, his letters capture the restless curiosity of a man eager to return home while still marveling at the strange customs he encounters. Listeners will feel the excitement of travel, the warmth of familial affection, and the clever humor that makes each page a delightfully intimate glimpse into a bygone era.