‘Orientalizing’ the American West: Sir Richard Burton’s City of the Saints

Abstract

Argues that in his travel narrative chronicling his trip across North America and residence in Salt Lake City, Burton views the Mormon settlement through the “oriental” perspective he developed in his previous travels through the Middle East. Claims Burton employs a scholarly approach that characterizes the European discursive practice defined by Edward Said as “Orientalism,” presenting Mormonism as a coherent system of codes and behaviors and defending the “inner logic” of Mormon practices, especially polygamy. Believes English middle-class prejudices against the Mormons, especially their practice of polygamy, led to castigation of Burton’s work on moral grounds, but argues Burton’s “oriental” knowledge gives him license to speak favorably of them; hence, he maintains his unique position on the Mormon Question through a formidable presentation not only of Mormon culture, but of the mechanisms of “other” cultures as well.