Bøker av Richard F. Burton

"The Kasîdah of Hâjî Abdû El-Yezdî" is a long poem written by Sir Richard Francis Burton, a British explorer, linguist, and writer. The Kasîdah, also known as "The Lay of the Higher Law," was written in the style of the classical Arabic qasida, a poetic form often used to express moral or philosophical themes.Key features of "The Kasîdah":Philosophical and Theological Themes: Burton's poem delves into philosophical and theological themes, exploring ideas related to existence, destiny, and the nature of the divine.Pseudonymous Authorship: The poem is attributed to a fictitious author, Hâjî Abdû El-Yezdî, allowing Burton to present his own thoughts and reflections in a different cultural and religious context.Cultural Exploration: Burton, known for his extensive travels and studies in the Middle East, drew on his experiences and knowledge of Islamic culture and literature to compose the Kasîdah.Versification: The poem is written in quatrains with a rhyming scheme, adhering to the traditional structure of the qasida.Translation and Commentary: Burton also provided translations and commentaries on the poem, offering readers insights into the cultural and linguistic aspects of the work."The Kasîdah" is considered one of Burton's significant literary contributions, showcasing his linguistic skills and his ability to engage with diverse cultural and philosophical traditions.

Baital Pachisi, also known as Vikram-Betaal, is a collection of Hindu tales featuring King Vikramaditya as the hero. Eleven of these tales were adapted from Sanskrit to English by Richard F. Burton as Vikram and the Vampire.A tantric yogi is after King Vikram¿s life because of the wrongdoings of his father. He fools the brave king into bringing him Baital (a vampire) hanging from a siras tree. Baital, in turn, traps the king in an endless loop of stories. If King Vikram answers any question posed by the vampire during his storytelling, the vampire will escape back to the tree, and the king will have to start again. Will King Vikram be able to escape Baital¿s trap? What doom awaits the king when finally meets his nemesis?