The Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the Peninsula

"The Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]" by George Borrow is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The book narrates Borrow's adventures as he travels through the Iberian Peninsula on a mission for the Bible Society to distribute the Scriptures. The narrative provides insights into the socio-political landscape of Spain and Portugal during a period fraught with religious and cultural tensions. The opening of the work sets the stage for Borrow's journey, beginning with a dramatic event at sea as he arrives at Lisbon. He recounts his first impressions of the city, marked by a mix of admiration and disappointment. Borrow describes the challenges he faces upon arrival, including bureaucratic hassles at customs and the difficulties in finding accommodation. As he prepares to embark on his mission, he reflects on the overall state of education and the people's ignorance of the Scriptures, setting a backdrop of both personal exploration and broader religious inquiry that will underpin his experiences in the ensuing chapters.