by Ilija Trojanow. Sir Richard Francis Burton's (1821–90) facility in learning languages and assimilating into indigenous cultures made him an enigma to other British colonial officers. The accounts from various narrators who describe his exploits in this German prize-winning novel leave him an enigma to readers as well. Burton's Indian servant relates his memories to a scribe who reworks the story further. The Grand Vizier conducts an investigation into Burton's participation in the hajj after his account of the experience is published in Britain. The man who guided Burton and others in their search for the source of the Nile enthralls listeners with tales from the journeys. --Library Journal (Check catalog)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The collector of worlds
by Ilija Trojanow. Sir Richard Francis Burton's (1821–90) facility in learning languages and assimilating into indigenous cultures made him an enigma to other British colonial officers. The accounts from various narrators who describe his exploits in this German prize-winning novel leave him an enigma to readers as well. Burton's Indian servant relates his memories to a scribe who reworks the story further. The Grand Vizier conducts an investigation into Burton's participation in the hajj after his account of the experience is published in Britain. The man who guided Burton and others in their search for the source of the Nile enthralls listeners with tales from the journeys. --Library Journal (Check catalog)
