Richard Smith — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Awarded the Fourth Order of the Rising Sun in Japan.
Authored "Ancient Tales and Folklore of Japan" (1908).
Collected animals and plants for the British Museum, contributing new species to science.
Kept eight large leather-bound diaries, known as his "Ill-Spelled Diaries," documenting his travels and observations.
Traveled extensively in the late 19th century, visiting countries including Japan, Ceylon, Burma, China, and Singapore.

Biography

Richard Gordon Smith (1858–1918) was a British gentleman, naturalist, sportsman, and author who traveled extensively in the late 19th century. Born to John Bridson Smith and Annie Lawrence, he developed an early interest in sporting pursuits from his mother's family. After 18 years of marriage, he left home to embark on world travels, visiting France, Norway, and Canada in his early years, and later journeying to the Far East.