"The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night," translated and annotated by Richard F. Burton, is a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales and stories that have captured the imagination of readers around the world for centuries. This first volume of the series contains some of the most well-known tales from the collection, including 'Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, ' 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, ' and 'The Story of Sindbad the Sailor. The book is renowned for its colorful and vivid storytelling and for its insights into the cultural and historical traditions of the regions from which the stories originated. Burton's translation is noted for its accuracy and its faithful rendering of the original text, and his annotations provide valuable context and background information for readers who are unfamiliar with the cultural references and nuances of the stories.

"The history of the sword is the history of humanity." With these words, British author, Victorian scholar, and world traveler Richard Burton begins his eloquent and exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons." Spanning the centuries and a wide range of cultures, Burton's rich and elegant prose illuminates the sword as both armament and potent symbol. For nearly all peoples of the world, the sword embodied the spirit of chivalry, symbolized justice and martyrdom and represented courage and freedom. In battle, it served universally as a deadly offensive weapon. Drawing on a wealth of literary, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, and other sources, the author traces the sword's origins, from its birth as a charred and sharpened stick, through its diverse stages of development, to its full growth in the early Roman Empire. Recounting man's long association with this weapon, the author describes in brilliant detail: • The ages of wood, bone and born • The appearance of stone swords and exotic weapons such as the boomerang • The ages of copper and alloys such as bronze and brass — used in producing the long, narrow blades of rapiers • The Iron Age during which the Viking sword of carbonized iron took shape — a weapon whose form would set the standard for the next thousand years.

The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night (1885), is a celebrated English language translation of One Thousand and One Nights (the "Arabian Nights") – a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age (8th−13th centuries) – by the British explorer and Arabist Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890). (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

This travelogue from the legendary adventurer Richard F. Burton recounts his six-month sojourn in India in the mid-19th century. From the bustling streets of Goa to the majestic peaks of the Blue Mountains, the author vividly describes the sights, sounds, and experiences of life in this exotic land. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of India, as well as fans of Burton's other travelogues. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"This book is a string of fine pearls to be hung round the neck of human intelligence; a fragrant flower to be borne on the turband of mental wisdom; a jewel of pure gold, which becomes the brow of all supreme minds; and a handful of powdered rubies, whose tonic effects will appear palpably upon the mental digestion of every patient. Finally, that by aid of the lessons inculcated in the following pages, man will pass happily through this world into the state of absorption, where fables will be no longer required." Contents Preface Preface to the First (1870) Edition Introduction THE VAMPIRE'S FIRST STORY. In which a Man deceives a Woman THE VAMPIRE'S SECOND STORY. Of the Relative Villany of Men and Woman THE VAMPIRE'S THIRD STORY. Of a High-minded Family THE VAMPIRE'S FOURTH STORY. Of a Woman who told the Truth THE VAMPIRE'S FIFTH STORY. Of the Thief who Laughed and Wept THE VAMPIRE'S SIXTH STORY. In which Three Men dispute about a Woman THE VAMPIRE'S SEVENTH STORY. Showng the exceeding Folly of many wise Fools THE VAMPIRE'S EIGHTH STORY. Of the Use and Misuse of Magic Pills THE VAMPIRE'S NINTH STORY. Showing that a Man's Wife belongs not to his body but to his Head THE VAMPIRE'S TENTH STORY. Of the Marvellous Delicacy of Three Queens THE VAMPIRE'S ELEVENTH STORY. Which puzzles Raja Vikram Conclusion

Eloquent, erudite history of the sword--from prehistory to early Roman Empire. Evolution and development of early swords, variations (sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar, etc.), much more.

The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night (1885), is a celebrated English language translation of One Thousand and One Nights (the "Arabian Nights") – a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age (8th−13th centuries) – by the British explorer and Arabist Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890). (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Burton's travels through war torn Paraguay in 1864, during the war between Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Something of a war correspondent, Burton showed familiarity with the war scene, and the introductory essay is a penetrating analysis.Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) dropped out of Oxford to join the Indian army and travel the world. Later, serving as a consul for the British government, Burton was the first European adventurer to search for the source of the Nile; to enter, disguised, the forbidden cities of Mecca and Medina; and to travel through remote stretches of India, the Near East, and Africa. From his spying exploits to his startling literary accomplishments (the discovery and translation of the Kama Sutra and his seventeen-volume translation of Arabian Nights), and was said to be fluent in over twenty languages.

Vikram and the Vampire: Classic Hindu Tales of Adventure, Magic, and Romance' is a captivating collection of stories compiled and translated by Richard F. Burton. Drawing from ancient Hindu folklore and mythology, the book presents a series of interconnected tales filled with adventure, supernatural beings, and tales of love. The central narrative revolves around King Vikramaditya, a wise and courageous ruler known for his intelligence and valor. He accepts a challenge from a mysterious vampire, who promises to share his profound knowledge with the king if Vikram can carry him on his back without uttering a word. Through these stories, readers are transported to a world of mythical creatures, magical artifacts, and extraordinary quests. The tales explore themes of bravery, loyalty, honor, and the triumph of good over evil. They also offer valuable lessons on morality and the consequences of one's actions. The author's translation captures the essence and richness of the original tales, imbuing them with his own flair and storytelling prowess.

The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night (1885), is a celebrated English language translation of One Thousand and One Nights (the "Arabian Nights") – a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age (8th−13th centuries) – by the British explorer and Arabist Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890). (Excerpt from Wikipedia)