Clearly, a role model for the Flashman series; Frederick Russell Burnham spends his life flitting around the world doing amazing things. His very interesting life is well presented in this rather prosaic non-interesting biography. Still, a worthwhile read for the content if not the style. ( )

A Splendid Savage is a biography of Frederick Russell Burnham. He did so much in so many places between the mid 1870s and 1910 it's almost unbelievable. It was a period of rapid change and Burnham was on the front lines of history, the spear point of colonization. If the history of the United States is a parade of rugged individuals and hardy pioneers then Burnham might be its last man because during this period the frontiers shut down, the pioneering way of life came to an end and colonial empires turned on themselves. But not before Burnham had an opportunity take take part in some of its last and greatest hurrahs. He fought against Apache Indians led by Geronimo, fought in the famous Pleasant Valley War, was a well known shooter and smuggler in Tombstone. Then he went to Africa and became famous for his daring exploits taking part in the First and Second Matabele Wars to colonize Rhodesia, and the Boer War. He took part in the Klondike Gold Rush. Along the way he came close friends with the likes of Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt and Baden-Powell (and many other famous people of his day). One might suspect he was a self-promoter but Burnham was the real deal, he was a master marksman and "scout", a word that has lost meaning today but like an Eagle Scout it's someone with endless skills in the outdoors. Indeed Burnham was the inspiration for the Boy Scouts, he is called the "Father" of the scouting movement.

This biography is straightforward and I wish it provided more historical context. For example when he goes to the Klondike there is little background. One might need to visit Wikipedia to fill out some details if you're not already familiar. There's also little in the way of analysis or commentary on Burnhams life, other than a few paragraphs at the end. A really great book about Burnham could still be written (probably multi-volume) but this is a reliable and straightforward account. ( )

An exceptionally enjoyable book. Burnham was in danger quite literally from diapers to old age. The man ran the wilds of Arizona during the Apache wars, fought in multiple conflicts in S Africa and in between scouted across some of the most dangerous and extreme parts of the world. The author does a fine job of letting the story flow, with well placed asides that clarify as well. The setbacks and unfulfilled opportunities are something out of fiction. That Burnham kept persevering is astonishing. ( )