A Tale from the Cornish
In this classic tale from the Cornish, George Borrow tells the story of a young man named John Tregeagle, who is sent to the wilds of Cornwall to find a lost treasure. Along the way, he meets a mysterious old man who tells him of a magical creature called the piskie, who can help him find the treasure. With the help of the piskie, John embarks on a journey of discovery, encountering strange creatures and magical places. Along the way, he learns the secrets of the Cornish people and their ancient customs. In the end, John finds the lost treasure and returns home a richer man.
By George Borrow · First published 1913 · Genre: Regional Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure Fiction · 2,389 words
First lines
In Lavan's parish once of yore, Dwelt on the spot called Tshei an Hor, A loving couple, man and wife, But poverty distressed their life. And thus the man his wife address'd: "I'll wander forth of work in quest; And you, my dearest, you can earn Your living here till I return."
His home he leaves, and, far from gay, Towards the East he took his way. At length a farmer's dwelling reaching, He enter'd it, for work beseeching. "What work canst do?" the farmer cried; "All kinds of work, Sir," John replied. Then straight they for a year agree, Three pounds the wages were to be.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tale from the Cornish is listed on Textopian as a short story by George Borrow, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: George Borrow
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Regional Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure Fiction, Romance Fiction
- Length: 2,389 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Tale from the Cornish by George Borrow
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Tale from the Cornish?
- How does this short story by George Borrow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Regional Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Deans Watch by Erckmann Chatrian
- The Fountain Of Maribo Or The Queen And The Algreve by George Borrow
- Sir Verner And Dame Ingeborg by George Borrow
- Ingefred And Gudrune by Thomas James Wise
- Ramund by George Borrow
- Allegast by George Borrow
Genres
- Regional Fiction — The title of the book, 'A Tale from the Cornish', suggests that the book is set in the region of Cornwall, England, and thus is a regional fiction novel.
- Historical Fiction — The author, George Borrow, is known for writing historical fiction novels, and this book is likely to be no exception.
- Adventure Fiction — Borrow's novels often feature adventure and exploration, and this book is likely to be no exception.
- Romance Fiction — Borrow's novels often feature romantic elements, and this book is likely to be no exception.
Tags
Ballads · Poetry · agree · bed · cake · come · cried · door · end · farmer · forth · friar