Captain Sir Richard F. Burton (1821–1890) was a renowned 19th-century explorer, soldier, diplomat and writer, best known for his travels in Africa and Asia (especially his undertaking of the pilgrimage to Mecca), as well as his astounding gift for languages. He was a prolific author and, in addition to his own works, he also undertook translations of the Arabian Nights, the Kama Sutra and other classics.