Baron Munchausen
Baron Münchhausen illustrated by Gottfried Franz, 1890s.
Baron Munchausen is a fictional character modeled after real-life 18th century baron, Hieronymus Karl Friedrich, Freiherr von Münchhausen. The Baron was widely known throughout high-society for his imaginative tall-tales and embellishments about his time serving the Russian Empire in the their war with the Turks.
In 1785, Rudolf Erich Raspe anonymously published a book entitled "Baron Munchausen's Narrative of his Marvellous Travels and Campaigns in Russia" after hearing many of the Baron's tales. His authorship was never revealed until after his death, as the real Munchausen was quite angry about the book and would have sued.
In Raspe's satirical work, the Baron relates a number of impossible and absurd situations, such as riding a cannonball into battle, or exploring the ocean floor on a finned horse. Other accounts include a battle with a T-rex sized crocodile and a jaunt to the surface of the moon.
This is so cool. I had never even heard of this character. I like the artwork as well. Super funny. I like the idea of riding a cannon ball into battle. That makes me chuckle a bit. I'd like to read more about him.
Posted using Partiko Android
Looks like it would have been a funny and controversial book of stories. I see why it was published anonymously. I like the artwork. It's cool and quirky. Neat!
Posted using Partiko Android
What a great imagination the author had!
Thats realy good.
Damn fascinating,Baron was creative person. but yes that's absurd that his authorship wasn't provided.
and yes those tales are interesting.
I love seeing such eccentric people such as Baron Munchausen discussed. Are you familiar with the film about him from the late 1980’s? It’s made by Terry Gilliam, who was the only American in Monty Python.
Posted using Partiko iOS