Walter Burton Harris

Walter Burton Harris (29 August 1866 – 4 April 1933) was a British journalist, writer, traveller and socialite who achieved fame for his writings on Morocco, where he worked for many years as special correspondent for The Times. He settled in the country at the age of 19, eventually building himself a fine villa in Tangier where he lived for much of his life. His linguistic skills and physical appearance enabled him to pose successfully as a native Moroccan, travelling to parts of the country regarded as off-limits to foreigners.

Key Principles

• Harris believed that it was important to understand other cultures and to build bridges between them.
• He was a strong advocate for freedom of speech and for the right to travel.
• He was a lifelong learner and was always eager to experience new things.

Notable Works

• A Journey through the Yemen and some general remarks upon that country (1893)
• Morocco That Was (1921)
• From Batum to Baghdad (1926)
• The Land of an African Sultan: Travels in Morocco, 1887, 1888, and 1889 (1900)
• Danovitch and Other Stories (1923)

Philosophy

Harris's philosophy was influenced by his travels and his experiences in Morocco. He believed that the world was a complex and interconnected place, and that it was important to understand the different cultures that make up the world. He was also a strong advocate for freedom of speech and for the right to travel.

Death and Legacy

Harris died in Tangier in 1933 at the age of 66. He is remembered as one of the most important British writers on Morocco. His work helped to bring Morocco to the attention of a wider audience, and his insights into Moroccan culture are still relevant today.

Interesting Facts

• Harris was fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• He was a member of the Royal Geographical Society.
• He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur by the French government.
• He was a close friend of the American writer Edith Wharton.
• He was a keen photographer and his photographs of Morocco are still used today.