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Kia Ora New Zealand: Sir Richard Francis Burton, Explorer, Writer, and Linguist

Bruce Snyder

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Published in Kia Ora New Zealand Sir Richard Francis Burton

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Sir Richard Francis Burton was a 19th-century British explorer, writer, and linguist who traveled extensively throughout the world, including to New Zealand. Born in Torquay, England, in 1821, Burton was a gifted linguist who spoke over 25 languages. He was also a skilled swordsman, fencer, and marksman. In 1842, Burton joined the British Army and served in India for four years. During this time, he disguised himself as a Muslim holy man and traveled to Mecca and Medina, becoming one of the first Europeans to enter these holy cities.

In 1850, Burton was assigned to lead an expedition to find the source of the Nile River. The expedition was unsuccessful, but it brought Burton to the attention of the Royal Geographical Society. In 1858, Burton was invited to join an expedition to New Zealand to survey the country's natural resources and to study the Māori people.

Kia Ora New Zealand

by Sir Richard Francis Burton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	57784 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	514 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Burton arrived in New Zealand in 1859 and spent several months traveling around the country. He was impressed by the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the Māori people. In his book, "The Māori: As Seen by a Pākehā," Burton described the Māori as "a noble people, brave, hospitable, and intelligent." He also praised their culture and their art, and he lamented the impact that European colonization was having on their way of life.

Burton's writings about New Zealand are an important historical record of the country and its people. He was one of the first Europeans to write about the Māori in a sympathetic and respectful way, and he helped to raise awareness of the challenges that they were facing. Burton's work is still read and studied today, and it continues to inspire people to learn more about New Zealand and its unique culture.

Burton's Encounter with the Māori

Burton's encounter with the Māori was a significant event in his life. He was deeply impressed by their culture and their way of life, and he wrote extensively about his experiences with them. In his book, "The Māori: As Seen by a Pākehā," Burton described the Māori as "a noble people, brave, hospitable, and intelligent." He also praised their culture and their art, and he lamented the impact that European colonization was having on their way of life.

Burton's writings about the Māori are an important historical record of the country and its people. He was one of the first Europeans to write about the Māori in a sympathetic and respectful way, and he helped to raise awareness of the challenges that they were facing. Burton's work is still read and studied today, and it continues to inspire people to learn more about New Zealand and its unique culture.

Burton's Writings about New Zealand

Burton wrote extensively about his experiences in New Zealand. His most famous work, "The Māori: As Seen by a Pākehā," was published in 1863 and became a bestseller. In this book, Burton described the Māori people, their culture, and their way of life. He also discussed the impact that European colonization was having on the Māori, and he called for the British government to respect Māori rights and to protect their culture.

Sir Richard Francis Burton was a remarkable man who lived a life of adventure and exploration. His travels took him to all corners of the globe, including New Zealand. Burton's writings about his experiences are a valuable historical record, and they continue to inspire people to learn more about the world and its cultures.

Kia Ora New Zealand

by Sir Richard Francis Burton

5 out of 5