Description
This collection consists mainly of letters from Isabel Burton (1831-1896) and her husband, British explorer and writer Richard
Burton (1821-1890), to their friend London publisher
Leonard Charles Smithers (1861-1907) from 1885 to 1892;
the collection also contains a printed prospectus for The Arabian Nights, a poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne, a photograph
of Isabel Burton, and a lithograph of Richard Burton.
Background
Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890), was a British explorer, linguist, writer, diplomat and translator.
He explored Africa, the Middle East, South America and Iceland, and translated, among many other titles, The Arabian Nights.
Burton married Isabel Arundell (1831-1896), in 1861, and she, thereafter, accompanied Burton on many of his travels, and became
his amanuensis and editor, as well as
publishing her own travel volumes and an autobiography. Burton died of a heart attack on October 19, 1890, and Isabel Burton
died from complications of ovarian cancer on March 22, 1896.
Extent
129 pieces in 2 boxes and 1 volume.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.