this type Munchausen was the modern original, and remains the
classical example.  The adaptability of such a species of composition
to local and topical uses might well be considered prejudicial to its
chances of obtaining a permanent place in literature.  Yet Munchausen
has undoubtedly achieved such a place.  The Baron's notoriety is
universal, his character proverbial, and his name as familiar as that
of Mr.  Lemuel Gulliver, or Robinson Crusoe, mariner, of York.
Condemned by the learned, like some other masterpieces, as worthless,
Munchausen's travels have obtained such a world-wide fame, that the
story of their origin possesses a general and historic interest apart
from whatever of obscurity or of curiosity it may have to recommend
it. 

The work first appeared in London in the course of the year 1785.  No
copy of the first edition appears to be accessible; it seems, however,
to have been issued some time in the autumn, and in the /Critical
Review/ for December 1785 there is the following notice: "Baron
Munchausen's Narrative of his Marvellous Travels and Campaigns in
Russia.  Small 8vo, IS.  (Smith).  This is a satirical production
calculated to throw ridicule on the bold assertions of some