The erotic traveler

Richard Burton was a British world traveler of the Victorian era who wrote many volumes on the cultures of other countries, including many of their sexual practices. Burton also knew Hindi and Arabic, along with many other languages, and is known for writing English translations of the "Kama Sutra" and the "Arabian Nights." This book includes some of his writings on the sexual customs of India and Africa, as well as the polygamous Mormons of Utah, in the 1800's. However, a writer named Edward Leigh also provides an ongoing narrative that comments on and provides a context for the earlier writings of Burton. One important thing to remember before buying this book is that Burton was writing from the perspective of a 19th century British male and his writings will definitely come across to many contemporary readers as being racist and sexist. But to have a well informed historical perspective it is important to listen to voices from different historical eras, including those we may find disturbing. Whatever his prejudices, Burton was clearly a man of great intellectual curiousity who was fascinated with experiencing other cultures. The modern reader has much to learn from his writings. Unfortunately, much of the book is made of the rather dull writings of Burton enthusiast Edward Leigh, who rarely has much to say that is insightful or informative. Still Burton's unique writings make this one worth reading.