First Footsteps In East Africa: (Richard Francis Burton Classics Collection) - Softcover

Francis Burton, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 150861699X ISBN 13: 9781508616993

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015

Synopsis

I doubt not there are many who ignore the fact that in Eastern Africa, scarcely three hundred miles distant from Aden, there is a counterpart of ill-famed Timbuctoo in the Far West. The more adventurous Abyssinian travellers, Salt and Stuart, Krapf and Isenberg, Barker and Rochet,—not to mention divers Roman Catholic Missioners,—attempted Harar, but attempted it in vain. The bigoted ruler and barbarous people threatened death to the Infidel who ventured within their walls; some negro Merlin having, it is said, read Decline and Fall in the first footsteps of the Frank. [1] Of all foreigners the English were, of course, the most hated and dreaded; at Harar slavery still holds its head-quarters, and the old Dragon well knows what to expect from the hand of St. George. Thus the various travellers who appeared in beaver and black coats became persuaded that the city was inaccessible, and Europeans ceased to trouble themselves about Harar.

About this title

Book Description:

In this book, published in 1856, the British explorer Sir Richard Burton (1821-1890) recounts his journey to Harar, notorious for its slave trade. Burton's visit was believed to be the first by a European, and it resulted in this fascinating glimpse into a then unknown city and culture.

About the Author:

Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton (19 March 1821 – 20 October 1890) 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.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 150861699X
• ISBN 13: 9781508616993
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 286