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Scouting on Two Continents
Frederick Burnham Russell was one of the greatest military scouts to have ever lived. Born on a Dakota Sioux reservation he was taught the ways of the Native Americans from as soon as he could walk. At the tender age of fourteen, having had little formal education, he was supporting himself and learning from some of the last cowboys and frontiersmen of the Old West. These lessons would pay dividend in his later life, first as a tracker for the United States Army in the Apache Wars and later as a scout for the British Army in the Matebele Wars in Southern Africa. Frederick Burnham Russell was a remarkable figure who revolutionized the art of scouting in both the British and United States armies. Indeed his influence would lead his friend, Robert Baden-Powell, to begin the international Scouting Movement. In Scouting on Two Continents Burnham records the details of his brilliant life in fascinating detail and provides insight into the life of an unique adventurer in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. “Burnham in real life is more interesting than any of my heroes of romance.” Rider Haggard “Burnham is a most delightful companion ... amusing, interesting, and most instructive. Having seen service against the Red Indians he brings quite a new experience to bear on the Scouting work here. And while he talks away there’s not a thing escapes his quick roving eye, whether it is on the horizon or at his feet.” Robert Baden-Powell Frederick Burnham Russell has been described as the “Father of Scouting.” He fought in the Pleasant Valley War, Apache Wars, the First and Second Matabele Wars as well as the Second Boer War. His book Scouting on Two Continents was first published in 1926. He passed away in 1947.
- GenresHistoryAfricaNonfiction
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1926
214 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Russell Burnham
6 books2 followersFrederick Russell Burnham was an American scout and world traveling adventurer known for his service to the British Army in colonial Africa and for teaching woodcraft to Robert Baden-Powell, thus becoming one of the inspirations for the founding of the international Scouting Movement.
Burnham had only a little formal education, attending high school but never graduating. He began his career at 14 in the American Southwest as a scout and tracker for the U.S. Army in the Apache Wars and Cheyenne Wars. Sensing the Old West was getting too tame Burnham traveled to Africa in 1893 where his background proved useful.
Burnham distinguished himself in several battles in Rhodesia and South Africa and became Chief of Scouts. Despite his U.S. citizenship, his military title was British and his rank of major was formally given to him by King Edward VII. In special recognition of Burnham's heroism, the King invested him into the Companions of the Distinguished Service Order, giving Burnham the highest military honors earned by any American in the Second Boer War.
During this time, Burnham became friends with Baden-Powell, and passed on to him both his outdoor skills and his spirit for what would later become known as Scouting.
Burnham eventually moved on to become involved in espionage, oil, conservation, writing and business. His descendants are still active in the Scout Movement.
Burnham had only a little formal education, attending high school but never graduating. He began his career at 14 in the American Southwest as a scout and tracker for the U.S. Army in the Apache Wars and Cheyenne Wars. Sensing the Old West was getting too tame Burnham traveled to Africa in 1893 where his background proved useful.
Burnham distinguished himself in several battles in Rhodesia and South Africa and became Chief of Scouts. Despite his U.S. citizenship, his military title was British and his rank of major was formally given to him by King Edward VII. In special recognition of Burnham's heroism, the King invested him into the Companions of the Distinguished Service Order, giving Burnham the highest military honors earned by any American in the Second Boer War.
During this time, Burnham became friends with Baden-Powell, and passed on to him both his outdoor skills and his spirit for what would later become known as Scouting.
Burnham eventually moved on to become involved in espionage, oil, conservation, writing and business. His descendants are still active in the Scout Movement.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 6, 2024
A great autobigraphy from a man who was eyewitnes to some important historical events as well as friends with men who were internationaly famous. Learned about this book from the Redcoat History Youtube channel.
April 24, 2016
Scouting on Two Continents has sat on my shelf for almost three years. One of those books that I mean to read, but always find something else that I believe will be more interesting. A couple weeks ago I finally made myself take it off the shelf. I'm glad I did.
This is both a rousing adventure tale and a fascinating look into the mind of the Anglo-Saxon/Victorian generation. Though written in a style that probably seemed slightly archaic even by the standards of the mid 1920's Burnham's autobiography grabs you and pulls you in. To me it was similar to reading Kipling or Roosevelt and in many respects it read like an adventure story from the old "Boy's Own Paper", both the good and the bad.
Eventually I realized that I was reading the autobiography of a man who was an adventurer, imperialist and racist, but don't let that stop you (seriously). As I've said in past reviews it's a sorry reader indeed who lacks the ability to understand that older works are not written from the perspective of a twenty-something in 2014 or for the contemporary reader. Older works are valuable even if there are aspects that are distasteful. They provide a direct line to the mindset of those who came before us.
In Burnham's time racism was common and institutionalized. Racial theories were taught as a matter of fact at university and many really did believe that Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden" was correct. The "darker races" were viewed as immature and childish by Burnham's generation. Empire was seen as a way to "uplift" the "little brown brothers". If along the line one was able to get rich through imperial adventures.....well what was wrong with that? Burnham and his peers believed in the old adage that to the victors goes the spoils and since the Empire was the White Man's accomplishment then they got the goodies. They felt as strongly about this as like they believed in the natural superiority of whites and white Anglo-Saxons above all else. We now look on the Imperial colonial system as a very exploitative system and it was, but not to the nineteenth century WASP. Now if you had the misfortune to be born an Indian or member of the various African tribes you would have had a different viewpoint. Just remember that Burnham wasn't an Indian or a Zulu warrior.
Now having said all that Burnham does not come across as a hate-filled slobbering madman. His beliefs are very matter of fact and not dwelled upon.I feel confident that readers in 1925 (mostly) wouldn't have blinked an eye. However as I stated earlier Burnham does defy simplistic sterotypes.By all accounts (official and private) Burnham was a brave, honorable and kind man. Not a vicious violent monster in the vein of Simon Legree. In addition later in his life Burnham would become active in the conservation movement, the North American Boy Scouts and was known to assist various charities dedicated to helping native Americans. Feeling confused yet? Burnham was a Human being. Like others he can not be pinned down by a few simple cliches or stereotypes.
In the end Scouting on Two Continents is an entertaining read and a fascinating look at a time that is both romantic,larger than life and flawed. I'm glad I finally took the time to read it.
This is both a rousing adventure tale and a fascinating look into the mind of the Anglo-Saxon/Victorian generation. Though written in a style that probably seemed slightly archaic even by the standards of the mid 1920's Burnham's autobiography grabs you and pulls you in. To me it was similar to reading Kipling or Roosevelt and in many respects it read like an adventure story from the old "Boy's Own Paper", both the good and the bad.
Eventually I realized that I was reading the autobiography of a man who was an adventurer, imperialist and racist, but don't let that stop you (seriously). As I've said in past reviews it's a sorry reader indeed who lacks the ability to understand that older works are not written from the perspective of a twenty-something in 2014 or for the contemporary reader. Older works are valuable even if there are aspects that are distasteful. They provide a direct line to the mindset of those who came before us.
In Burnham's time racism was common and institutionalized. Racial theories were taught as a matter of fact at university and many really did believe that Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden" was correct. The "darker races" were viewed as immature and childish by Burnham's generation. Empire was seen as a way to "uplift" the "little brown brothers". If along the line one was able to get rich through imperial adventures.....well what was wrong with that? Burnham and his peers believed in the old adage that to the victors goes the spoils and since the Empire was the White Man's accomplishment then they got the goodies. They felt as strongly about this as like they believed in the natural superiority of whites and white Anglo-Saxons above all else. We now look on the Imperial colonial system as a very exploitative system and it was, but not to the nineteenth century WASP. Now if you had the misfortune to be born an Indian or member of the various African tribes you would have had a different viewpoint. Just remember that Burnham wasn't an Indian or a Zulu warrior.
Now having said all that Burnham does not come across as a hate-filled slobbering madman. His beliefs are very matter of fact and not dwelled upon.I feel confident that readers in 1925 (mostly) wouldn't have blinked an eye. However as I stated earlier Burnham does defy simplistic sterotypes.By all accounts (official and private) Burnham was a brave, honorable and kind man. Not a vicious violent monster in the vein of Simon Legree. In addition later in his life Burnham would become active in the conservation movement, the North American Boy Scouts and was known to assist various charities dedicated to helping native Americans. Feeling confused yet? Burnham was a Human being. Like others he can not be pinned down by a few simple cliches or stereotypes.
In the end Scouting on Two Continents is an entertaining read and a fascinating look at a time that is both romantic,larger than life and flawed. I'm glad I finally took the time to read it.
December 2, 2012
Extremely good book. Enjoyed it quite a lot. Burnham lived quite a life, ranging from the American West/Southwest to British Colonial Africa. Explorer (discovered the Esperanza Stone and was an early archaeologist in the lost cities of Tanzania), prospector (discovered gold & silver but didn't really hit a strike he could retire on until he discovered oil in Southern California), independent scout, lawman, outlaw, military scout in the American Cavalry, military scout in the British Expeditionary Army, Pony Express rider, citrus farmer and inspiration for the Boy Scouts. Knew Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Lord Baden-Powell, Al Sieber and a host of others. Captured in the second Boer Wars and escaped. Nearly starved to death, nearly died of thirst (more than once), escaped Wilson's Last Stand during the first Matabele War (this would be tantamount to someone escaping Little Big Horn), narrowly avoided capture by Apaches, escaped being gunned down by a bounty hunter, and was involved in the Tonto Basin feud. visited Africa, England, Alaska (during the Klondike Rush), Arizona, and Mexico, and that was before he went on several cruises in his later years. Fascinating life, lived by someone determined to live every last minute to the fullest.
November 16, 2007
Fascinating and exciting autobiography of a man who fought criminals in the U.S., fought in Africa's wars, and searched for gold in the Yukon. Russel was a scout, moving through the wilderness undetected trying to obtain information about his enemies. His story includes many near-death experiences, but reminds us of what it used to mean to be a man--not afraid of anything, and willing to sacrifice oneself for principles and for a cause.
August 16, 2014
Fred Burnham is one of the greatest scout/warriors that our great country has produced and yet virtually no one knows who he is. This autobiography gives only a hint at what a great scout he was due to his great humility and tendency for understatement. I wish someone would write a true biography of the man. He reminds me of the great F.C. Selous in both his exploits and his humble manliness.
May 24, 2018
Good story from a racist era
Fine writing and some exciting stories about the Boer War. Overshadowed somewhat by the overt racism and colonial hubris of the writer.
Fine writing and some exciting stories about the Boer War. Overshadowed somewhat by the overt racism and colonial hubris of the writer.
May 25, 2019
Real-life Adventurer, Explorer, Soldier and All-American "Boy Scout" in service to the British Empire!
Major Burnham is an excellent "real-life" role model for your sons & daughters as he displays personal courage, resilience, and self-reliance in pursuit of his goals, ideals and even survival against odds whether humans, animals or hostile environments. Many of the comments and observations, especially regarding ethnic labels for Boers & native Africans, are dated and very far from "politically-correct" and no doubt will offend many readers. However, an intelligent observer will place this in the temporaral context of Burnham's life & times and not miss the meaningful content by getting hung-up by their self-righteousness intolerance for historical beliefs and attitudes on race & culture.
I gave this auto-biography four stars in part due to the amateur writing style though in fairness, it was reasonably written if you give credence to his claim that he had only one year of formal education. Mostly, I marked the book down for reading one too many fawning exhibitions of idolatry toward Cecil Rhodes and Dr. Jameson, founder and Crown administrator of Rhodesia. Personally, I do not care if one views either as men of genius and great contributors to advancing civilization or agents of the British Empire`s colonial expansion for exploiting Africa`s natural resources and riches; or, most likely a combination of both motives. I simply found Major Burnham's apologies and slavish devotion toward them as childish and immature
Major Burnham is an excellent "real-life" role model for your sons & daughters as he displays personal courage, resilience, and self-reliance in pursuit of his goals, ideals and even survival against odds whether humans, animals or hostile environments. Many of the comments and observations, especially regarding ethnic labels for Boers & native Africans, are dated and very far from "politically-correct" and no doubt will offend many readers. However, an intelligent observer will place this in the temporaral context of Burnham's life & times and not miss the meaningful content by getting hung-up by their self-righteousness intolerance for historical beliefs and attitudes on race & culture.
I gave this auto-biography four stars in part due to the amateur writing style though in fairness, it was reasonably written if you give credence to his claim that he had only one year of formal education. Mostly, I marked the book down for reading one too many fawning exhibitions of idolatry toward Cecil Rhodes and Dr. Jameson, founder and Crown administrator of Rhodesia. Personally, I do not care if one views either as men of genius and great contributors to advancing civilization or agents of the British Empire`s colonial expansion for exploiting Africa`s natural resources and riches; or, most likely a combination of both motives. I simply found Major Burnham's apologies and slavish devotion toward them as childish and immature
October 1, 2018
The book was written by a person who was not a writer and it shows in the work. The first 8 chapters are tedious and messy, rather than a story they seem like a list or memory aid that was never developed. The rest of the book is hardly entertaining, but it wastes the opportune time of creating a good story. The last three chapters seem written by another person, because the change of style is more than noticeable. The story reflects the author's racist, imperialist and Eurocentric concepts, and can hardly be tolerated, especially since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the great flaws of such beliefs were already known. I do not recommend it.
El libro fue escrito por una persona que no era escritora y eso se nota en la obra. Los primeros 8 capítulos son tediosos y desordenados, más que un relato parecen una lista o ayuda de memoria que nunca fue desarrollada. El resto del libro es apenas entretenido, pero desperdicia la oportuna de crear un buen relato. Los tres últimos capítulos parecen escritos por otra persona, pues el cambio de estilo es más que notorio. El relato refleja los conceptos racistas, imperialistas y eurocentristas del autor, y apenas se pueden tolerar, máxime que para finales del S. XIX y principios del XX, ya se conocían las grandes falencias de tales creencias. No lo recomiendo.
El libro fue escrito por una persona que no era escritora y eso se nota en la obra. Los primeros 8 capítulos son tediosos y desordenados, más que un relato parecen una lista o ayuda de memoria que nunca fue desarrollada. El resto del libro es apenas entretenido, pero desperdicia la oportuna de crear un buen relato. Los tres últimos capítulos parecen escritos por otra persona, pues el cambio de estilo es más que notorio. El relato refleja los conceptos racistas, imperialistas y eurocentristas del autor, y apenas se pueden tolerar, máxime que para finales del S. XIX y principios del XX, ya se conocían las grandes falencias de tales creencias. No lo recomiendo.
May 17, 2019
Very interesting reading of a bygone era
Very few people live such large lives! Here is history of the USA, Africa, and bits of other countries that took over Africa. I read a review that commented negatively on how there was little written on the death of his son. I am sure it impacted him greatly, yet if you look at the era in which he lived and how men often do not share emotion much even now it is of no surprise to me. With all that he experienced in his life's travels and adventures, as he himself said, if he detailed all it would be a two volume (or more) book. I was rarely bored reading it, and enjoyed imagining what his many adventures fully entailed. How often in a single book are you given a glimpse of 1 man living a life that stretched from Alaska across the US and on to Africa. How many have spent time with prospectors to presidents in addition to builders of countries like Africa? All this in an era of primarily travel by horse, donkey, and oxen?
Very few people live such large lives! Here is history of the USA, Africa, and bits of other countries that took over Africa. I read a review that commented negatively on how there was little written on the death of his son. I am sure it impacted him greatly, yet if you look at the era in which he lived and how men often do not share emotion much even now it is of no surprise to me. With all that he experienced in his life's travels and adventures, as he himself said, if he detailed all it would be a two volume (or more) book. I was rarely bored reading it, and enjoyed imagining what his many adventures fully entailed. How often in a single book are you given a glimpse of 1 man living a life that stretched from Alaska across the US and on to Africa. How many have spent time with prospectors to presidents in addition to builders of countries like Africa? All this in an era of primarily travel by horse, donkey, and oxen?
January 12, 2019
Best yet, looking for more.
I was born and raised in southeast arizona and recognized much of he local territory he described, along with some of north Africa where I lived for months. Several other writing s a re on my bookshelf about the history of Africa, ww1, and history of he area. Burnham as a very colorful a exciting part of the history, and echoes f his activities still echo along the gila river. It runs from New Mexico the Pacific. His spelling of man local
I was born and raised in southeast arizona and recognized much of he local territory he described, along with some of north Africa where I lived for months. Several other writing s a re on my bookshelf about the history of Africa, ww1, and history of he area. Burnham as a very colorful a exciting part of the history, and echoes f his activities still echo along the gila river. It runs from New Mexico the Pacific. His spelling of man local
April 8, 2018
A fascinating journey across many countries
A fascinating journey of a very bygone era . Political views of another time q.despite the blindness and arrogance of his colonialist vision he shows a kinship with those he refers to as savages, often acknowledging his preference for their company. A lot of wisdom in this book and a very good read
A fascinating journey of a very bygone era . Political views of another time q.despite the blindness and arrogance of his colonialist vision he shows a kinship with those he refers to as savages, often acknowledging his preference for their company. A lot of wisdom in this book and a very good read
July 1, 2020
A True Adventurer's Life
An amazing tale of exploration, adventure, and history! If this story would be made into a movie; an edification of life in the late 1800's in both America and Africa could serve to teach all about courage and the American spirit. A really enjoyable read that I highly recommend to all who enjoy tales of travel!
An amazing tale of exploration, adventure, and history! If this story would be made into a movie; an edification of life in the late 1800's in both America and Africa could serve to teach all about courage and the American spirit. A really enjoyable read that I highly recommend to all who enjoy tales of travel!
March 8, 2018
Adventure at it's best
Following this great adventure and life of Major Frederick Burnham of his early years in the west and on to Africa and even into Alaska and back to Africa shows the real spirit of the a true American at it's best.
Following this great adventure and life of Major Frederick Burnham of his early years in the west and on to Africa and even into Alaska and back to Africa shows the real spirit of the a true American at it's best.
April 14, 2018
Autobiography of an adventurer and explorer whose life was like a mashup of Richard Francis Burton and Jesse James. He despised mainstream American life and social values and the book describes a series of (successful) attempts to find alternatives. You couldn't make this stuff up, it's remarkable.
June 8, 2018
A surprising gem.
A character not included in the concise history of our country taught in our schools. A tale that reads like a dream, a life not forgotten thanks to the printed word. Chosen on a whim, a book I will long remember.
A character not included in the concise history of our country taught in our schools. A tale that reads like a dream, a life not forgotten thanks to the printed word. Chosen on a whim, a book I will long remember.
June 25, 2018
A Scout that should be noted by Military studies
This account of life as a scout is remarkable in his attitude to danger and ability to do and carry out calculated risks . These were no nonsense times where only the brave and cunning could survive . A great read.
This account of life as a scout is remarkable in his attitude to danger and ability to do and carry out calculated risks . These were no nonsense times where only the brave and cunning could survive . A great read.
August 14, 2018
When I first started reading this book I felt it was going to be very boring. As I got further into the book I found myself cheer the main character on or holding my breathe while he was sure to be captured by the enemy. Over all this was a good book.
February 10, 2019
One of the best reads I've found. Reminds me of some of the old men I knew when I was young.
More than recommended; I heartily endorse this tome to even the "progressive" historical revisionists. You will not be disappointed. And,it's only 99 cents.
More than recommended; I heartily endorse this tome to even the "progressive" historical revisionists. You will not be disappointed. And,it's only 99 cents.
September 7, 2020
Heck of a Story!
Interesting adventure story of a magnificent and dynamic time in world history. Not till the single engine, single pilot fighting airplane did warfare get this personal again.
Interesting adventure story of a magnificent and dynamic time in world history. Not till the single engine, single pilot fighting airplane did warfare get this personal again.
November 26, 2020
One of the most fascinating books I have read for many a long year.
A must for any follower of the history of the early days of Rhodesia and contains much which is pertinent to the later history of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
As regards the Boer war I rate it alongside "Commando" by Denys Reitz.
A must for any follower of the history of the early days of Rhodesia and contains much which is pertinent to the later history of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
As regards the Boer war I rate it alongside "Commando" by Denys Reitz.
June 12, 2024
Part history, part anthropological study, part literature, these fascinating memoirs of Frederick Russell Burnham showcase perfectly the kind of human capital that used to be so common in those days and which allowed the West to gain dominion over the entire planet.
A must read.
A must read.
April 17, 2018
A man among men. You simply could not make this type of stuff up. It is legendary, I wish I could go back and hear some of these stories from Burnham himself.
June 13, 2018
Good
I enjoyed the book the man lived a most interesting life almost boarding on fiction for all his adventures interesting
I enjoyed the book the man lived a most interesting life almost boarding on fiction for all his adventures interesting
September 13, 2018
Never knew who this exciting man was.
October 11, 2018
Sojourner
A good look at one mans life and adventures as well as a great history lesson. Nothing boring about his life and times.
A good look at one mans life and adventures as well as a great history lesson. Nothing boring about his life and times.
September 15, 2025
This is my new favorite autobiography. There is more courage, masculinity, and perseverance in this book than any great author wishes their fictional character possessed. My son's will know his name.
December 20, 2013
Burnham's was an incredible life of high adventure, albeit not without significant tragedy. This is a fascinating, eloquent memoir written by a man who would have doubtless been remarkable in any age of the world, yet was doomed to ride through the exciting and turbulent times of the late-19th and early 20th centuries. A great companion to this work (for those enamoured of this historical period) is "Forty-one years in India: From Subaltern To Commander-In-Chief" by Lord Roberts, Burnham's commander during the Boer War...a book which was also a favorite read of Burnham himself!
February 21, 2009
this was a very interesting auto biography, interesting beginning in the wild west, then adventures in Africa, I knew so many of the places, which made it even more interesting
September 28, 2011
Very readable and enlighting book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews