Zanzibar; city, island, and coast. Vol. 1 (of 2)

Name: Zanzibar; city, island, and coast. Vol. 1 (of 2)
Author: Sir Richard Francis Burton

By Sir Richard Francis Burton

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History - Other Travel Writing

About This Book

The author presents a travel narrative and survey of an East African port, its island, and adjacent coast, blending on-the-ground journal entries with systematic observation. Descriptions cover arrival and city life, coastal navigation, climate and meteorology, and the region's flora, fauna, and economic activities. Separate chapters discuss local governance and prominent figures, assemble a concise chronicle of recent events, and offer ethnographic portraits of Arab, Swahili, and enslaved populations. Practical appendices compile meteorological readings, commodity prices, and a report on a nearby lake, while footnotes and corrections clarify sources and measurements.

About the Author

Sir Richard Francis Burton

Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was a British explorer, geographer, and linguist known for his adventurous spirit and extensive travels. He is particularly recognized for his explorations in Africa and the Middle East, including his notable work, "Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah," which details his journey to the holy cities of Islam. Burton was also an accomplished translator and contributed significantly to the understanding of various cultures through his writings, such as "The Book of the Sword" and "The Jew, The Gypsy and El Islam." His diverse interests and expertise in languages made him a prominent figure in the 19th-century exploration narrative.