This is the first full-length biography of Dr. William Borlase, F.R.S. (1696-1772), the Cornish Antiquary and Naturalist. It gives a portrait of Borlase as scholar, clergyman and family man, and includes long extracts from his correspondence with such eminent figures as Dr. William Oliver, Bishop Charles Lyttleton, Dean Jeremiah Milles and Thomas Pennant. An Appendix lists and locates all Borlase's known manuscripts.

William Borlase has long been renowned as a pioneer in Cornish studies, and the author of two famous books; he has sometimes been criticised for his theories about Druids, but his reputation as an accurate observer and recorder remains high.

This biography is primarily written for Cornish readers, but it contains much material of general interest relating to 18th century social and clerical history, and the development of studies in Antiquity and Natural History.

Includes 12 b/w illustrations.