Name: The Prisoner of Zenda
Author: Anthony Hope
ISBN: 9780191611285

The Prisoner of Zenda

Anthony Hope

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Author Description

Anthony Hope's Swashbuckling Romance Transports His English Gentleman Hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, From A Comfortable Life In London To Fast-moving Adventures In Ruritania, A Mythical Land Steeped In Political Intrigue. Rassendyll Bears A Striking Resemblance To Rudolf Elphberg Who Is About To Be Crowned King Of Ruritania. When The Rival To Throne, Black Michael Of Strelsau, Attempts To Seize Power By Imprisoning Elphberg In The Castle Of Zenda, Rassendyll Is Obliged To Impersonate The King To Uphold The Rightful Sovereignty And Ensure Political Stability. Rassendyll Endures A Trial Of Strength In His Encounters With The Notorious Rupert Of Hentzau, And A Test Of A Different Sort As He Grows To Love The Princess Flavia. Five Times Filmed, The Prisioner Of Zenda Has Been Deservedly Popular As A Classic Of Romance And Adventure Since Its Publication In 1894. About The Series: For Over 100 Years Oxford World's Classics Has Made Available The Widest Range Of Literature From Around The Globe. Each Affordable Volume Reflects Oxford's Commitment To Scholarship, Providing The Most Accurate Text Plus A Wealth Of Other Valuable Features, Including Expert Introductions By Leading Authorities, Helpful Notes To Clarify The Text, Up-to-date Bibliographies For Further Study, And Much More.

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

When an English gentleman discovers he is the physical double of a king-to-be, he is thrust into a dangerous political conspiracy to save a throne. Rudolf Rassendyll, a man of leisure, finds himself in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania just as the rightful heir, Rudolf Elphberg, is kidnapped by his treacherous half-brother, Black Michael. To prevent a coup and ensure the stability of the monarchy, Rassendyll must assume the identity of the king, navigating a treacherous court filled with spies and assassins. The narrative, presented in a brisk first-person perspective, forces the protagonist to balance his duty to the crown against his burgeoning affection for Princess Flavia, all while operating under the constant threat of exposure.

INSIDE THE PAGES

First-person narrative perspective
High-stakes political impersonation plot
Detailed descriptions of Ruritanian court life
Sword-fighting and physical duels
Exploration of duty versus personal desire
Antagonistic rivalry with the villainous Rupert of Hentzau
Setting centered on the fortified Castle of Zenda
Romantic tension between the protagonist and Princess Flavia

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers and critics frequently identify this work as the definitive template for the Ruritanian romance subgenre. Discussion often centers on the brisk pacing and the clever mechanics of the impersonation plot, which maintains tension despite the inherent absurdity of the premise. Many highlight the balance between the swashbuckling action sequences and the internal conflict Rassendyll faces regarding his false identity. The atmosphere is consistently praised for its ability to evoke a sense of mythic European intrigue that feels both grounded and adventurous. Overall, the text remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of the adventure novel and the classic tropes of mistaken identity.

Page Count:
208

Publication Date:
2001-01-01

Publisher:
Oup Oxford

ISBN-10:
019161128X

ISBN-13:
9780191611285

Romance

Adventure

Swashbuckling

classic

Political Thriller