Rudolf Erich Raspe was a German librarian, writer, and scientist, best known for his collection of fantastical tales. His works often featured satire and political undertones, touching upon diverse subjects from art history to geology. A versatile scholar and adventurer, Raspe authored numerous publications and translations, reflecting his broad knowledge and curiosity. His most famous work, which later inspired many adaptations, was originally conceived as a satire with political aims.
Features Baron Munchausen's absurd adventures. This book tells how he turned a wolf inside out in Russia, rode on a Turkish cannon ball, danced a hornpipe in the stomach of large fish which had swallowed him alive, mended his horse which had been severed in two by a portcullis, and lent his friend General Elliot a hand at the siege of Gibraltar.
The narrative centers on Baron Munchausen, a fictional character inspired by the real-life Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen, who became famous for his exaggerated tales following his military service. After retiring, the baron captivated aristocratic circles with his stories, which Raspe later adapted into a literary format. Initially published in Oxford, the work gained popularity across Europe, leading to translations and expansions. The real baron disapproved of the fictional portrayal, even threatening legal action, while Raspe's authorship remained unrecognized during his lifetime.
The restored, unbowdlerized text of Raspe’s slapstick travel epic featuring the classic illustrations from Strang & Clark (1895) No one has journeyed to as many foreign lands as Baron von Munchausen. Nor, when it comes time to fire a cannon, will you find anyone more accurate. The comfort of courtly life is as natural to him as the harshest polar desert. On the subject of politics and science he has no equal. And all discussion of the moon must start and stop with the only man who has ever been there. His feats of prowess are famed the world over. Who else could leap a hedgerow with a carriage and horse on their back? No one. And then of course there are the bears. . . My god the poor bears! Written at a time when science was replacing religion, and explorers were mapping the globe, and in our own time made into an acclaimed movie by Terry Gilliam, The Travels and Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen unleashed the quintessential madman upon the Age of Enlightenment—and it remains the tallest of tall tales to this day.
Described in a series of letters to Professor Ferber, this book by Ignaz Born explores the mines and mountains of the Bannat of Temeswar, Transylvania, and Hungary.
Discover the geological wonders and mysteries of some less-known German volcanoes, and explore the innovative hypothesis of the prismatic basaltes, which challenged the dominant theories of mineralogy and stimulated new discoveries, in this insightful essay by Rudolf Erich Raspe.
The book presents a faithful reproduction of the original work, capturing its essence and authenticity. It preserves the original text and illustrations, allowing readers to experience the content as it was initially intended. This edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in historical literature or seeking to explore the ideas and themes presented in the original publication.
The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by offering a high-quality, accessible edition that remains true to the original text, reflecting a commitment to literary preservation.