Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821–1890) was a British explorer, geographer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, cartographer, ethnologist, spy, linguist, poet, fencer, and diplomat, renowned for his travels and explorations within Asia, Africa, and the Americas, as well as his extraordinary knowledge of languages and cultures. Burton's best-known exploration is perhaps his pilgrimage in disguise to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. He was one of the first non-Muslims to do so and lived to tell the tale in his monumental work 'Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah' (1855-1856), which offers rich insights into the geography and ethnography of the region. His intricate and detailed account held much anthropological importance during a time when such areas had rarely been described by Western writers. A remarkable linguist, Burton was proficient in more than 40 languages and dialects. His scholarly approach to the study of Eastern cultures and his approach to immersive anthropology significantly influenced Victorian and contemporary scholars' understanding of non-Western cultures. Burton's travel writings were given a depth furthered by his linguistic skill and passionate interest in local customs and beliefs. His unorthodox views and his colorful life —often surrounded by controversy— have made him one of the more fascinating and enigmatic figures of the Victorian era.