Richard Burton

Born in Devon, England to a military family, Richard Francis Burton became one of the most renowned European linguists and explorers of his time. As a child, his family moved so often across Europe that he never felt an affinity for British culture. Burton possessed an affinity for learning languages, and spoke some 25 different dialects fluently. His fascination with language sparked his lifelong interest in exploring foreign cultures, and made him the natural choice to lead the British expedition to discover the source of the Nile River. These interests also positioned him as an authority on world religions, though he maintained a healthy skepticism about any traditions that claimed sole ownership of truth.

Burton reluctantly hired John Speke as his second in command for his expedition, a move that he only considered after losing two close friends who he would have preferred for the position. In...