Richard Francis Burton Biography and latest books by Richard Francis Burton

If many of you have read stealthily or in open curiousity the English translation of the Kama Sutra, then it is most probable that you would have a translation by Sir Richard Francis Burton. Burton was a British writer, translator, poet, cartographer and linguist, among other things. His claim to fame were his travels to America, Africa and Asia. Apart from his varied talents, Burton was also known to be adept in 29 languages.

Burton\'s two major translation works have sealed his place in literature history, one was the uncensored translation of One Thousand and One Nights. The second was the English publication of the Kama Sutra.

Burton criticised policies followed by the colonial powers in his books, letters and articles. One of the most unique features of his writing were detailed additional notes, appendices to add more edge to the books.

Burton also served for the East india Company and briefly in the Crimean War. later, he was part of an expedition to explore east African coast, and was one of the first Europeans to see lake Tanganyika.He later served at Damascus as a British consul. In 1886 he was awarded the knighthood.