Richard Francis Burton

Sir Richard Francis Burton (March 19, 1821 – October 19, 1890), British consul, explorer, translator, writer and Orientalist known for his often-unprecedented exploits of travel and exploration as well as his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures.

Early life and education

Burton was born at Barham House in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. His father was an officer in British army.

Related Topics:
Hertfordshire - United Kingdom - Officer - British army

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During his childhood Burton spent much of his time with Gypsies and many felt his wild, resentful, and vagabond character reflected these early associations.

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He was much loved by the Romany, who considered him one of them. Later, still a boy, he travelled much in France and Italy learning much about languages and peoples and little about discipline.

Related Topics:
France - Italy

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He entered Trinity College, Oxford in October 1842, but was ill-fitted for Oxford life, whence he was expelled for challenging a fellow undergraduate to a duel, for, according to some accounts mocking the military-style moustache Burton wore. However according to his biographer Fawn Brodie his expulsion was the result of a deliberate violation of the college rules - attendance at horse races - hoping to be merely "rusticated", that is, suspended with the possibility of reinstatement; instead he was "sent down", or permanently expelled.

Related Topics:
Trinity College, Oxford - 1842 - Duel - Moustache - Fawn Brodie

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He joined the Army of the British East India Company not to be a soldier, but to study Oriental life and languages. He had begun Arabic on his own at Oxford and formally studied Hindustani in London. Once in India under the command of Charles James Napier, he gained astonishingly rapid proficiency in Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindustani, as well as Persian and Arabic. According to one count, he spoke 29 European, Asian, and African languages and countless dialects, making him an incomparable hyperpolyglot.

Related Topics:
British East India Company - Arabic - Hindustani - London - Charles James Napier - Gujarati - Marathi - Persian - Hyperpolyglot

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