The fantastic story of the semimythical folk hero who has delighted generations of readers all over the world Published anonymously in 1785, The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen defies logic, the laws of physics, and even rational thought.   Karl Friedrich von Munchausen, also known as the Baron of Lies, was a retired army captain famed for his outlandish accounts of his war and hunting exploits. In this "memoir," Munchausen regales readers with stories of dancing in the belly of a whale and riding on a horse cut in two. Other escapades include a balloon expedition to the moon, an encounter with the goddess Venus, a fiery battle with the Turkish army, and the experience of being swallowed up by a monstrous creature in the South Seas.   It was not until 1824 that Rudolf Erich Raspe was revealed as the book's author. Although most of Munchausen's tales sprang from Raspe's imagination, the author is reputed to have known the notorious baron personally.   This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.