The Lake Regions of Central Africa: A Picture of Exploration

by Richard Francis Burton

Overview

Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890) was an explorer who began his career in the Bombay army in 1842. While in India he developed his linguistic talent, mastering more than forty different languages and dialects. He turned to writing books in the 1850s and over the remaining forty years of his life published dozens of works and more than 100 articles. In this two-volume work, published in 1860, Burton discusses geographical and ethnological matters, while also giving space to the 'picturesque points of view which the subject offers' in recounting his journey to Zanzibar and around the lakes in present-day Tanzania. Volume 2 sees Burton arrive at Lake Tanganyika, and much of this volume is dedicated to his exploration of this freshwater lake and investigation of the way of life of the inhabitants of its shores. He also includes an appendix of commerce in the region.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108031295
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/19/2011
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - African Studies
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	500
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was an English explorer, author, translator, linguist, and orientalist. Though he published over forty books and countless articles during his life, only two were original works. He is best known for his translations, in particular his translations of One Thousand and One Nights and The Kama Sutra.

Table of Contents

12. The geography and ethnology of Unyamwezi. The Fourth Region; 13. At length we sight the Lake Tanganyika, the 'Sea of Ujiji'; 14. We explore the Tanganyika Lake; 15. The Tanganyika Lake and its Periplus; 16. We return to Unyanyembe; 17. The down-march to the coast; 18. Village life in East Africa; 19. The character and religion of the East Africans; their government, and slavery; Conclusion; Appendices; Index.