Captain Sir Richard F. Burton

Richard Francis Burton was a British explorer, soldier, linguist, and writer whose career included travel across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

In this book’s prefatory material, he is described as having previously traveled in Al-Hijaz and then proposed renewed exploration of the Somali country and Harar with fellow officers and travelers.

The text portrays him as a highly experienced and unusually bold field traveler, capable of moving in disguise and working under dangerous conditions in politically sensitive regions.

Isabel Burton, identified as the editor, presents the memorial edition and frames her husband’s expedition as a major achievement in African exploration.