Holman, James

Holman, James, 'the Blind Traveller,' was born 15th October 1786, and, entering the navy in 1798, had risen to be a lieutenant when, in 1810, the loss of sight compelled him to quit the service. Yet, being of an active temperament, he in 1819-21 travelled through France, Italy, and the countries touching on the Rhine. Encouraged by this, he conceived the plan of travelling round the world, and had penetrated to Irkutsk in Siberia, when he was arrested as a spy by the Russian government and carried back to the frontiers of Poland. Nevertheless, undaunted by this failure, he again set off in 1827, and this time effectively accomplished his purpose. Finally, he visited the countries of south-east Europe. He died at London, 29th July 1857. He published Journals of his successive journeys, which contain much more useful information than could be expected from the circumstances under which it was gathered.