Zanzibar

First published in 1872, this two-volume memoir by explorer, ethnographer and diplomat Sir Richard Burton (1821-90) was written while Burton and John Hanning Speke were making preparations for their expedition to solve one of the major geographical mysteries of the nineteenth century - the location of the source of the Nile. Burton and Speke arrived in Zanzibar in December 1856, and spent several months in preparations for their journey. During this time, Burton made detailed notes on his surroundings which were later developed into this book. Volume 1 focuses on 'The City and the Island'. Burton discusses the significance of the 'Nile question' as well as recording geographical, botanical, meteorological, and ethnographic observations. Volume 2 concerns the two expeditions of 1857-9, including the discovery of Lake Tanganyika and Speke's later independent discovery of Lake Victoria, which gave rise to a notorious dispute between the two men.