Michael Alexander (3) (1920–2004)

Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby was one of those larger than life Victorian character who's story is filled with adventures, battles and controversy. He traveled across Asia in hostile Russian territory in the dead of winter, fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, crossed the English Channel alone in a gas balloon and visited General Charles "Chinese" Gordon in Equatorial Africa, and that's just part of the story. He was an outspoken Tory and ran for office in Parliament. He show more participated in the Suakin campaign of 1884 where he was wounded and later that year joined Wolseley's expedition up the Nile where he died at the Battle of Abu Klea.

The book is a wonderful narrative, full of atmosphere and written in that peculiarly British style of story telling. It was published in 1957 and like so many very British books, it rather assumes a great deal of familiarity with persons, places, phrases and references that are rather foreign to many modern readers. Thankfully Google is your friend here and part of the enjoyment of a book like this is having to do the research and so learning that much more. Very highly recommended if you can find a copy. show less

Illustrated with drawings and paintings, Delhi & Agra is an indispensable and fascinating companion for the discerning traveller who wants to understand the history of both cities, and who seeks the true spirit of the place.

A well-documented account of the story of shipwrecked Eliza Fraser being kidnapped and raped by Queensland aborigines, but later to be rescued by convict John Graham