Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton: The Secret Agent Who Made the Pilgrimage to Mecca, Discovered the Kama Sutra, and Brought the Arabian Nights to the West (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Describes the life of Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, who explored India, the Near East, and Africa, went to Mecca, discovered the Kama Sutra, and introduced the Arabian Nights to the West. Reprint.

Product Details

• Paperback: 688 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060973943
• ISBN-13: 978-0060973940
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #436,103 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have ever read!, October 13, 1997

By	[e-mail] (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

It is one of the most comprehensive biographies I have ever read. The book literally changed my life. The adventures and the knowledge that Richard Burton undertook and learned can fill 100 lifetimes. I have worked (albeit unsuccessfully) to approach the intensity of this man's life. It is so rewarding to read about a man who was the scholar and the adventurer and who leaves the reader with a sense of awe that one man can accomplish as much as he did. The book is great not only because it tells of Burton, but because in the process of learning about him, you vicariously learn about unknown cultures and esoteric knowledge that would take volumes to fill. It takes you on a journey to another world.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE definitive biography of this great man., February 15, 2001

By	Barry J McKnight (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This was by far the best biography of the illustrious Richard Burton I have read. The level of scholarship displayed by the author is impressive and does justice to a man whose gifts made him one of the most impressive characters from history. I highly recommend this book as well as those written by Burton himself.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow., June 12, 2000

By	Melinda Gottesman (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The most incredible thing about this book is the fact that it's true! Burton led such an extraordinary life! I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious, but reluctant to travel, experience, and live. This book is also excellent for anyone who is interested in language, religion, or travel. Burton spoke 26 languages, experienced firsthand an assortment of different religions including Hinduism and Islam, and shows just how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime. Only 4 stars due to some dry bits in the book, but never a dull moment in Burton's life...