3 Review(s)

Volume 2 begins where the first volume left off, covering Burton’s mid- to late-career, including his diplomatic postings and his significant literary and translation work. Lady Isabel details his time serving as a British consul in various locations, including Fernando Po, Damascus, and Trieste. During this period, Burton continued his scholarly pursuits, translating key works such as The Arabian Nights and The Kama Sutra, which were both daring and controversial undertakings at the time due to their content. Lady Isabel discusses the challenges her husband faced, both in his professional life as a diplomat and in his personal mission to broaden Western understanding of Eastern cultures.This volume also delves into Burton’s passionate curiosity and relentless drive to explore, from his earlier expeditions to Africa in search of the source of the Nile, to his travels through the Middle East, and his journey to Mecca in disguise, which had made him famous. Lady Isabel emphasizes Burton’s unorthodox methods, boldness, and fascination with languages and customs, and how these made him both respected and ostracized within certain circles of Victorian society.