First Footsteps in East Africa

 (2 customer reviews)

Though I was aware of Burton before reading this text, I had no idea how much I would enjoy his writing. His language is eloquent, with an almost stereotypically dry British wit, especially as he describes his companions. At times, Burton seems to lose himself in the aesthetic response to Africa's environment, allowing his writing to swell to almost purple prose in his descriptions.

I also enjoyed reading this text through the lens of Edward Said's notions of Orientalism. Burton certainly falls prey to the Eurocentrism typical of his era, and at times his descriptions of the rationale of his Arab / Somali companions is borderline offensive. However, what I found most interesting in this text is Burton's own critique of Europeans. In First Footsteps, one could argue that Said's Orientalism isn't driven by culture but class. Burton is just as disgusted by the English working class as he is by Somali nomads.

The Kindle version contains no illustrations; I...Read more

Lost in time, many people know of Sir. Richard Burton and quite a number have read one or more of the fine biographies now available. (I was first completely hooked on the life of this man when years ago I read Fawn M. Brodie's, The Devil Drives: A Life of Sir Richard Burton. I have read several biographies since that time, but Ms. Brodie was the one who started it for me). Anyway, while many know of Burton, I am sorry to say that not many of us (myself included) have not read many of the works of one of the most fascinating individuals ever to live.

In this work, First Footsteps in East Africa, we quickly find that among Burton's other many accomplishments that he was a very, very good writer and in particular, a great travel writer. I have to be honest with you and say that I enjoyed every word of this one. I was leery...Read more