Sir Richard Burton: World renowned explorer, fencer,traveler and writer, linguist, and soldier. He brought the erotic arts of the Far East home to England. He was an accomplished falconer and was expelled from Trinity College for attending Steeplechase Races in violation of College rules. He was a true 19th Century Sportsman...who certainly led a uniquely exciting life.
One can see some of his exploits in the Movie "Mountains of the Moon" and read one of several biographies to enjoy accounts of his myriad adventures.
Burton was truly a Renaissance man--the epitome of the adventuring scholar of his era.
ReplyDeleteExcellent. A model of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI admit it. I knew nothing of him before this post. Now I am going to get a book on him.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I really like Burton a lot. He's someone I've always been fascinated by.
ReplyDeleteRegarding biographies of Burton do you have a personal preference?
ReplyDelete~H.
Surviving the spear through the mouth bit always impressed the hell out of me.
ReplyDeleteAnon...I would suggest "Burton" by Byron Farwell.
ReplyDeleteJames...it is remarkable that he survived that injury in an age when medical treatment was still fairly backward...and he suffered the injury in a remote place where access to even backward treatment was difficult at best....evidence of a hard constitution...
M.Lane...see suggestion to Anon for a book...you will enjoy it.
Yes...I have the Vanity Fair caricature of Burton.
ReplyDeleteADG...I'd make you and offer on that print...but tend to doubt you would part with it.
ReplyDelete