Description
This collection consists mainly of manuscripts, correspondence, drawings, and printed
material related to the work of British explorer and writer Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) and his interests in swords,
fencing, and Middle Eastern poetry and history.
The collection contains research
material and early drafts of Burton's The Book of the Sword and To the
Gold Coast.
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
152 items in 13 boxes
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.