George Eli Hall

Born in Nice, France, in 1863 to American parents, George Eli Patrick Hall was known as both an artist and an author. Reliable catalog and biographical sources connect him with California as well as France, and identify him as the author of A Balloon Ascension at Midnight, published in 1902.

Hall's best-known book grew out of a dramatic balloon trip over Paris and has the light, curious spirit of a true adventure story. Contemporary and historical sources also describe him as a painter and note that he served as consul-general for Turkey in San Francisco for many years, giving his life an unusual mix of art, travel, and public service.

He died in Lima, Peru, in 1911. Although he is not widely read today, Hall remains an interesting figure for listeners who enjoy forgotten travel writing and elegant small-press books from the turn of the twentieth century.