The Balloon-Hoax

Originally presented as a true story, it detailed European Monck Mason's trip across the Atlantic Ocean in only three days in a gas balloon.

The article provided a detailed and highly plausible account[1] of a lighter-than-air balloon trip by European balloonist Monck Mason across the Atlantic Ocean taking 75 hours, along with a diagram and specifications of the craft.

The description of the Balloon and the voyage was written with a minuteness and scientific ability calculated to obtain credit everywhere, and was read with great pleasure and satisfaction.

[4]Poe himself describes the enthusiasm his story had aroused: he writes that the Sun building was "besieged" by people wanting copies of the newspaper.

[6] Poe added realistic elements, discussing at length the balloon's design and propulsion system in believable detail.

[9] The story is also an early form of science fiction, specifically responding to the emerging technology of hot air balloons.