Abstract

This research examines published editorials and letters to the editor at the time of one of the first and most bizarre newspaper frauds in this country-the infamous moon hoax of 1835, perpetuated by the New York Sun and reporter Richard Adams Locke. The purpose is to focus on what was written about the practice of journalism before, during, and after the moon hoax-thereby providing a more complete understanding of the journalistic environment that gave birth to the fabrication. This article taps directly into discussion of journalism ethics printed in 4 leading New York City dailies: The Evening Post, The Herald, the combined Morning Courier & New York Enquirer, and the New York Sun.