Publisher's Synopsis
The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al Madinah and Meccah is a travelogue written by Richard F. Burton, a British explorer and linguist, who undertook a journey to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina in 1853. The book is a detailed account of his experiences and observations during the pilgrimage, which was a challenging and dangerous undertaking for a non-Muslim at that time.Burton's narrative provides a unique and insightful perspective on the customs, beliefs, and practices of the Muslim world, as well as the political and social conditions of Arabia in the mid-19th century. He describes in vivid detail the sights, sounds, and smells of the cities, the rituals and ceremonies of the pilgrimage, and the interactions he had with the local people.The book is also notable for its frank and sometimes controversial discussions of sensitive topics such as sex, slavery, and the treatment of women in Islamic society. Burton's unflinching and often critical observations of the culture and religion of Arabia were considered groundbreaking and controversial at the time of publication.Overall, The Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al Madinah and Meccah is a fascinating and informative account of one man's journey to the heart of Islamic culture and tradition. It remains an important work of travel literature and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Middle East.Finally, the menial establishment of the Mosque consists of a Shaykh al-Sakka (chief of the water-carriers), under whom are from forty-five to fifty men who sprinkle the floors, water the garden, and, for a consideration, supply a cupful of brackish liquid to visitors.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
