The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen
by Rudolf Raspe
'The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen ' Summary
Baron Munchausen is a fictional German nobleman created by the German writer Rudolf Erich Raspe in his 1785 book Baron Munchausen's Narrative of his Marvellous Travels and Campaigns in Russia. The character is loosely based on a real baron, Hieronymus Karl Friedrich, Freiherr von Münchhausen.
Born in Bodenwerder, Electorate of Hanover, the real-life Münchhausen fought for the Russian Empire in the Russo-Turkish War of 1735–1739. Upon retiring in 1760, he became a minor celebrity within German aristocratic circles for telling outrageous tall tales based on his military career. After hearing some of Münchhausen's stories, Raspe adapted them anonymously into literary form, first in German as ephemeral magazine pieces and then in English as the 1785 book, which was first published in Oxford by a bookseller named Smith. The book was soon translated into other European languages, including a German version expanded by the poet Gottfried August Bürger. The real-life Münchhausen was deeply upset at the development of a fictional character bearing his name, and threatened legal proceedings against the book's publisher. Perhaps fearing a libel suit, Raspe never acknowledged his authorship of the work, which was only established posthumously.
The fictional Baron's exploits, narrated in the first person, focus on his impossible achievements as a sportsman, soldier, and traveller; for instance: riding on a cannonball, fighting a forty-foot crocodile, and travelling to the Moon. Intentionally comedic, the stories play on the absurdity and inconsistency of Munchausen's claims, and contain an undercurrent of social satire. The earliest illustrations of the character, perhaps created by Raspe himself, depict Munchausen as slim and youthful, although later illustrators have depicted him as an older man, and have added the sharply beaked nose and twirled moustache that have become part of the character's definitive visual representation. Raspe's book was a major international success, becoming the core text for numerous English, continental European, and American editions that were expanded and rewritten by other writers. The book in its various revised forms remained widely read throughout the 19th century, especially in editions for young readers.
Versions of the fictional Baron have appeared on stage, screen, radio, and television, as well as in other literary works. Though the Baron Munchausen stories are no longer well-known in many English-speaking countries, they are still popular in continental Europe. The character has inspired numerous memorials and museums, and several medical conditions and other concepts are named after him.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1785Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
Rudolf Raspe
Europe
Rudolf Erich Raspe was a German librarian, writer, and scientist, called by his biographer John Patrick Carswell a "rogue". He is best known for his collection of tall tales The Surprising Adven...
More on Rudolf RaspeDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Four Great Americans: Washington, Franklin, Webster, Lincoln by James Baldwin
Written for children, James Baldwin's history of Washington, Franklin, Webster, and Lincoln brings these men to life in a way that will be interesting...
Alice's Adventures Underground by Lewis Carroll
One of the best-known works of Victorian literature, its narrative, structure, characters and imagery have had huge influence on popular culture and l...
Sky Island by L. Frank Baum
Sky Island: Being the Further Adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill after Their Visit to the Sea Fairies is a children's fantasy novel written by L. Frank...
Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue by Laura Lee Hope
This book follows the adventures of Bunny Brown, a 6-year old lively little boy, and his Sister Sue, a happy 5-year old little girl. You will enjoy le...
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
A poor young boy from the slums of London watches a royal procession pass, with the youthful Prince of Wales riding at its head. He ventures too close...
The Emerald City of Oz by L. Frank Baum
The Emerald City of Oz is the sixth of L. Frank Baum's fourteen Land of Oz books. It was also adapted into a Canadian animated film in 1987. Originall...
Bannertail: The Story of a Graysquirrel by Ernest Thompson Seton
In the heart of an enchanting forest, a tale of courage, friendship, and the wonders of nature unfolds. "Bannertail: The Story of a Graysquirrel" by E...
Our Mr. Wrenn, the Romantic Adventures of a Gentle Man by Sinclair Lewis
Mr. Wrenn, an employee of a novelty company, quits his job after inheriting a fortune from his father. He decides to go traveling.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows allows every person who has always wished animals could talk to dream a little more. In this amazing book, Toad, Ratty, Mr. To...
Moo Cow Tales by Rosamund Edith Nesbit Bland
Embark on a whimsical journey through the enchanting world of "Moo Cow Tales" by Rosamund Edith Nesbit Bland. This delightful collection of stories br...
Reviews for The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen
No reviews posted or approved, yet...