Date of Award

1972

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

David E. Gardinier

Abstract

Within the historical discipline revisionism is a recurring phenomenon, usually of significant proportion. At times, however, the lengths to which it is applied leads one to question the validity of the dogmatized revision which partisan historians so avidly propound. This is the pitfall which lies in wait for all revisionist historical interpreters. A popular revival of interest in an historical topic can, but does not always, accompany a revisionist school. When it does, however, the effect upon the historical evaluation of a topic can be of immense importance. Such is the case with the character, role and historical significance of Richard Francis Burton. From the time of his death in 1890 Burton was either villified by his opponents or eulogized by his apologists. Reasoned historical interpretation found itself subordinated to a partisan dialectic of sometimes vicious import. Burton was never the man to cater to the proper sensibilities of his Victorian era. Rather did he glory in scandalizing the Mrs Grundy set by his displays both public and private. Like Byron, Burton was considered to be an individual was was "mad, bad and dangerous to know".

Comments

This Essay Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Marquette University in Partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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