
About this episode
Victorian Superman
He translated the karma sutra and The Arabian Nights, sneaked into one of the holiest places on earth, was the first European to see Lake Tanganyika – by accident - and possessed an extremely impressive moustache.
His name was Richard Francis Burton and there was very little he couldn’t do.
It’s a tale of pathological boredom, heroic drinking, sexual exploration and malaria.
- Why did Burton live with a family of monkeys?
- What did he use to hit one of his teachers over the head?
- Where did someone stick a spear in his body that made life difficult?
- What was the Cannibal Club?
The answers to all these questions and more can be found in episode 28 of Rogue’s Gallery Uncovered – the podcast of bad behaviour in period costume.
The 19th century explorer, orientalist, literary giant, spy? and global traveller who crisscrossed Africa, India, and the Middle East in search of adventure and erotic knowledge. The queen may not have approved, but he was one of the Victorian era's most famous men and remains a controversial figure in colonial history and the story of the British Empire. Book passage on a steamship and enjoy this episode.
Thanks for listening. Stay Roguish!
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