Ironically, for this second volume describes the achievement of Burton's quest--that is, his entry into Medina and Mecca--I found it not as stirring as Volume 1. This from the perspective of someone seeking sprightly travel writing and insight into past cultures. A lot of this volume is dogma and history of Islam. Though the descriptions of the Ka'abba and other holy sites are interesting, there are far too many of them. Far too much visiting of graveyards and mosques and discussion of the punctilio of religious ceremonies and the layout of holy places. The problem for this reader was that there was no way to avoid Volume 2 once I'd read Volume 1. This volume is for specialists. The first volume is far more accessible to general readers. Recommended. ( )

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