Richard Burton 1821-1890 British explorer who entered the forbidden city of Harer, explored Somaliland and the Lake Tanganyika region, described Brigham Young and the Mormons, and wrote extensively of his exploits. Fine content A.L.S. "R. F. Burton", 4pp. small 8vo., Trieste, Jan. 20, 1881 on arabic monogrammed letterhead. Burton describes to his correspondent his impressions of the Italians: "...I will tell the truth (the whole truth about Italy and the Italians. There is not an honest man in this country; and Knife is King. The upper clans are such cowards that they do not dare support an anti-Cruelty Society; and Englishmen (Colonel Larking at Florence who do dare are threatened with and must expect assassination. There! I won't trouble you any more . " Three small mounting remnants in margin of last page, otherwise fine.