The Land of Midian (Revisited) — Volume 2 by Sir Richard Francis Burton

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The Land of Midian (Revisited) — Volume 2 by Sir Richard Francis Burton

(11 User reviews) 2102

By Camila Lombardi Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Internet Culture

Authors: Burton, Richard Francis, Sir, 1821-1890 Published By : Burton, Richard Francis, Sir, 1821-1890

Book Language: English

Hey, have you ever wondered what it would be like to follow a real-life Victorian adventurer into the unknown? That's exactly what you get with this book. It's the second half of Sir Richard Burton's wild expedition into Midian, a legendary region in Arabia that most Europeans thought was just a myth. Forget Indiana Jones—this is the real deal. Burton wasn't just looking for treasure; he was trying to prove this ancient land of King Solomon's mines actually existed, armed with little more than his wits, a compass, and sheer stubbornness. The conflict here isn't just against the desert heat or suspicious local tribes. It's Burton wrestling with a landscape that doesn't want to give up its secrets, battling his own doubts, and trying to piece together a historical puzzle from scattered ruins and local stories. If you love a true story about chasing a legend into the heart of a forbidden desert, this is your next read.

File: The Land of Midian (Revisited) — Volume 2 by Sir Richard Francis Burton

Alright, let's set the scene. It's the 1870s. Sir Richard Francis Burton, already famous for sneaking into Mecca disguised as a pilgrim, is back in the Arabian Peninsula. This time, he's leading a second expedition for the Khedive of Egypt into a place called Midian. The goal? To find hard evidence that this biblical land, supposedly rich with gold and ancient history, was real and could be profitable.

The Story

This volume picks up the journey, detailing Burton's systematic exploration of Midian's eastern regions. It's less a linear narrative and more a fascinating travel log. He maps valleys, describes strange rock formations, and meticulously documents ancient mining sites—trying to connect them to the legendary mines of King Solomon. He encounters Bedouin tribes, negotiates for safe passage, and constantly battles the elements. The "plot" is the slow, gritty work of discovery: measuring ruins, collecting mineral samples, and comparing what he sees with old texts and local lore. It's a physical and intellectual treasure hunt where the prize is proof itself.

Why You Should Read It

You read this for Burton's voice. He's not a dry academic. He's a fiercely intelligent, opinionated, and brilliantly observant guide who gets genuinely excited about a piece of pottery or a peculiar rock stratum. His descriptions make you feel the crunch of gravel underfoot and the weight of the desert sun. The real theme is the obsession of discovery. You see his mind working, cross-referencing archaeology, geology, and history on the fly. It’s about the thrill of standing where few outsiders have stood and trying to solve a millennia-old mystery with your own eyes and hands.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for history buffs who like their adventure served straight, no fiction. It's for travelers-at-heart and anyone fascinated by the 19th-century age of exploration. If you enjoy primary sources where you can hear the author's personality loud and clear, you'll love Burton's passionate, detailed account. Fair warning: it's dense with geographical and archaeological detail, so it's not a breezy beach read. But if you've ever wanted to time-travel on an expedition, this is your ticket. Think of it as the ultimate, unfiltered blog from a true explorer.