Richard F. Burton, K.C.M.G.: His Early Private and Public Life with An Account of His Travels and Explorations [Two Volumes] by Hitchman, Francis - 1887

London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1887. Here is the only biography of Burton written during his lifetime (and with his assistance). Penzer [p.306] considers this to be a "really good" life of the famed explorer and the first one worthy of the name. He calls it straightforward, without wandering off into "side channels" as Lady Burton does. Casada [#359, p. 104] is a bit less kind. These are Very Good (Minus) copies of the First Edition. Red cloth binding with red leather spine; Titling and rules in gilt on the spine. Clean text; unfoxed. Volume One is xi, 430 pages; with a frontis portrait of Burton in Arab dress with his signature (English and Arabic) reproduced; eleven others within. Volume Two has viii, 460 pages with Appendices and Index; frontis illustration and thirty others within. Both volumes show rubbing to the margins, with 1/8" chips to the head of their spines. The gutters have been repaired with filmoplast.. First Edition. Quarter-Bound. Very Good (Minus)/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.