First Footsteps in East Africa: Sir Richard Francis Burton's Journey of Discovery

by Richard Francis Burton

Embark on a journey of discovery through uncharted territories with “First Footsteps in East Africa” by Sir Richard Francis Burton. In this captivating account, Burton shares the experiences of his groundbreaking expedition, providing readers with a firsthand look into the mysteries and wonders of East Africa.

As you delve into the pages, join Burton on his exploration of unexplored landscapes. This book is not just a travelogue; it's a narrative that takes readers on a thrilling adventure, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultures, landscapes, and encounters that marked Burton's pioneering journey.This isn't just a book on exploration; it's a testament to human curiosity and resilience. Burton's account invites readers to witness the challenges and triumphs of his expedition, fostering a deep appreciation for the spirit of discovery that drives explorers to push the boundaries of the known world.

Now, as you immerse yourself in “First Footsteps in East Africa” by Sir Richard Francis Burton, you ready to journey into the heart of East Africa through the eyes of a pioneering explorer? This book is not just a historical document; it's an invitation to experience the thrill of discovery and marvel at the resilience of those who venture into the unknown.

Open the pages, and let “First Footsteps in East Africa” be your passport to an era of exploration, where Sir Richard Francis Burton's vivid descriptions and adventurous spirit transport you to the uncharted landscapes and cultures of East Africa.Whether you are a history enthusiast, an armchair traveler, or someone inspired by tales of exploration, this book offers a riveting account of Burton's journey, reminding us of the enduring human quest for knowledge and discovery.

First Footsteps in East Africa by Sir Richard Francis  "First Footsteps in East Africa" by Sir Richard Francis Burton is a travel narrative that chronicles Burton's exploration of East Africa. The book provides insights into his experiences, encounters with local cultures, and observations of the natural landscapes. Burton's firsthand accounts offer readers a glimpse into the region's diversity, challenges, and the intricacies of his explorations.

Key Aspects of the Book "First Footsteps in East Africa": Travel The narrative captures Burton's journey through East Africa, shedding light on his interactions with local populations and the challenges he faced. Cultural Burton's observations offer insights into the customs, traditions, and way of life of the East African communities he encountered. Geographical "First Footsteps in East Africa" provides geographical descriptions and details about the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the region.

Sir Richard Francis Burton shares his adventures and observations in "First Footsteps in East Africa," offering readers a glimpse into the world of exploration and discovery.

Genres: Travel, Africa, History, Nonfiction, Adventure, Biography, Somalia

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1856

About the author

Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS was a British geographer, explorer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer and diplomat. He was known for his travels and explorations within Asia, Africa and the Americas as well as his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures. According to one count, he spoke 29 European, Asian, and African languages.

Burton's best-known achievements include travelling in disguise to Mecca, an unexpurgated translation of One Thousand and One Nights (also commonly called The Arabian Nights in English after Andrew Lang's adaptation), bringing the Kama Sutra to publication in English, and journeying with John Hanning Speke as the first Europeans led by Africa's greatest explorer guide, Sidi Mubarak Bombay, utilizing route information by Indian and Omani merchants who traded in the region, to visit the Great Lakes of Africa in search of the source of the Nile. Burton extensively criticized colonial policies (to the detriment of his career) in his works and letters. He was a prolific and erudite author and wrote numerous books and scholarly articles about subjects including human behaviour, travel, falconry, fencing, sexual practices, and ethnography. A unique feature of his books is the copious footnotes and appendices containing remarkable observations and unexpurgated information.

He was a captain in the army of the East India Company serving in India (and later, briefly, in the Crimean War). Following this he was engaged by the Royal Geographical Society to explore the east coast of Africa and led an expedition guided by the locals and was the first European to see Lake Tanganyika. In later life he served as British consul in Fernando Po, Santos, Damascus and, finally, Trieste. He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and was awarded a knighthood (KCMG) in 1886.

Reviews

[Monty Milne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to learn that, according to Burton, the Somalis like whistling, in contrast with the Arabs, who hold it to be “the chit chat of the djinns.” That was curious, as his is throwaway remark on the contrast between Somali and Arab treatment of snakes:

“To kill a serpent is considered by the Bedouins to be almost as meritorious as slaying an infidel”

And this is amusing in a very Burtonish way:

“As we aproached...the villagers inquired Hibernically if we were the party that had been put to death by the Amir of Harar.”

However, a lot of this is quite tedious, with many boring and exhaustive sections detailing the preparations future explorers should take. And although Burton often seems quite congenial, and takes a keen interest in everything, he has some fairly disagreeable characteristics. For me his worst one is his pointless massacre of “fishing hawks and sea birds” shot out of the sky at one halt. He admits -

“I had acquired throughout the land the evil reputation of killing everything from a bird to an elephant”. Quite so. He seems almost amused by this, but it seems to me that the “savages” show a moral superiority over our author by deprecating the killing of (often inedible) creatures just for the sake of killing.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.25/10.

An excellent adventure by a proud Englishman during the height of the British Empire. It is very interesting to read of the Somalis’ reaction to the whiteness of Burton, for many of their tribes were extremely isolated and had not seen someone lighter than milk chocolate.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting journey whose telling is burdened with a hefty cargo of the easy confidence of unchallenged racism and imperialism.

[AbrahamQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting journal.

[Amerynth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chock full of ethnographical information about the Muslims of Somalia, Richard Burton's "First Footsteps in Africa" is a great look at a white man's first forays into that area of the continent. As an adventure novel, the book is kind of dry -- Burton essentially travels to an area, is held there by its leaders and observes the people before he is finally allowed to move on. I found the volumes to be okay-- but I'm sort of surprised they are ranked so highly on the "Greatest Adventure Books of All Time..." because there were plenty of other books that were just a lot more interesting.

[Clivemichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed if not at times dry (pardon the pun) description of the author's travels into the interior of what was then unknown country. His understated observations and sober reflections provide an occasionally thrilling (if not foolhardy) insight into the mind of a dedicated explorer in the colonial age. That he succeeded is a testament to his knowledge of Arabic, his patience and a familiarity with the temperaments and moral attitudes of the people along with the ability to conceal his actual identity.

[Peter]

Victorian-era nonfiction by the first European to return from Harar, a city in modern-day Etheopia. A slow read due to the language of the time, but still quite interesting. His reaction to the natives, varying from reverent to derisive, is telling.

[Marsha]

--

[Dan Piette]

Somalia and Harrar

[Darinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

An account of the author's travels in Eastern Africa. A slow read.

[Zechy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Took my about 6 months to finish, Glad I did though.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF – very slow, the footnotes drove me nuts. But some interesting observations, and many would no longer be true today.