he Scarlet Pimpernel is the first novel in a series of historical fiction by Baroness Orczy, published in 1905. It was written after her stage play of the same title enjoyed a long run in London, having opened in Nottingham in 1903. The novel is set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution. The title is the nom de guerre of its hero and protagonist, a chivalrous Englishman who rescues aristocrats before they are sent to the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney leads a double life: apparently nothing more than a wealthy fop, but in reality a formidable swordsman and a quick-thinking escape artist. The band of gentlemen who assist him are the only ones who know of his secret identity. He is known by his symbol, a simple flower, the scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis). Marguerite Blakeney, his French wife, does not share his secret. She is approached by the new French envoy to England, Chauvelin, with a threat to her brother's life if she does not aid in the search for the Pimpernel. She aids him, and then discovers that the Pimpernel is also very dear to her. She sails to France to stop the envoy.

Since its publication in 1905, The Scarlet Pimpernel has experienced global success, not only as a novel but in theatrical and film adaptations. Sally Dugan charts the history of Baroness Orczy's elusive hero, from the novel's origins through its continuing afterlife, including postmodern appropriations of the myth. Drawing on archival research in Britain, the United States and Australia, her study shows for the first time how Orczy's nationalistic superhero was originally conceived as an anarchist Pole plotting against Tsarist Russia, rather than a counter-revolutionary Englishman. Dugan explores the unique blend of anarchy, myth and magic that emerged from the story's astonishing and complex beginnings and analyses the enduring elements of the legend. To his creator, the Pimpernel was not simply a swashbuckling hero but an English gentleman spreading English values among benighted savages. Dugan investigates the mystery of why this imperialist crusader has not only survived the decline of the meta-narratives surrounding his birth, but also continues to enthrall a multinational audience. Offering readers insights into the Pimpernel's appearances in print, in film and on the stage, Dugan provides a nuanced picture of the trope of the Scarlet Pimpernel and an explanation of the phenomenon's durability.

Illustrated Edition: This special edition of The Scarlet Pimpernel includes beautiful illustrations, a detailed summary, an author biography, and a comprehensive list of key characters. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy is a thrilling historical adventure set during the French Revolution. First published in 1905, the novel introduces Sir Percy Blakeney, a seemingly frivolous English aristocrat who secretly leads a daring double life. As the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, Sir Percy orchestrates cunning rescues of French aristocrats sentenced to death by the guillotine. With his wit, disguise, and resourcefulness, he constantly outsmarts the revolutionary authorities, while his identity remains hidden even from his closest friends and his wife, Marguerite. This illustrated edition of the classic tale brings new vibrancy to the exciting plot, full of intrigue, danger, and romance. With detailed illustrations to complement the story, along with a summary, biography of Baroness Orczy, and a list of key characters, this edition offers an enriched reading experience for fans of historical fiction and adventure alike.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is the first novel in a series of historical fiction by Baroness Orczy, published in 1905. It was written after her stage play of the same title enjoyed a long run in London, having opened in Nottingham in 1903.The novel is set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution. The title is the nom de guerre of its hero and protagonist, a chivalrous Englishman who rescues aristocrats before they are sent to the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney leads a double life: apparently nothing more than a wealthy fop, but in reality a formidable swordsman and a quick-thinking escape artist. The band of gentlemen who assist him are the only ones who know of his secret identity. He is known by his symbol, a simple flower, the scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis). Marguerite Blakeney, his French wife, does not share his secret. She is approached by the new French envoy to England, Chauvelin, with a threat to her brother's life if she does not aid in the search for the Pimpernel. She aids him, and then discovers that the Pimpernel is also very dear to her. She sails to France to stop the envoy.

Story of Monsignor Hugh J. O'Flaherty and his underground rescue operation that led thousands of Allied POW's to safety before the eyes of the Nazis.

A novel of swashbuckling action in the series featuring the classic hero who saves innocents from the guillotine in Revolutionary France . . . “We seek him here! we seek him there! Those Frenchies seek him everywhere! Is he in heaven? Is he in hell? That demmed elusive Pimpernel?” Sir Percy thought he left his enemy vanquished, humiliated, and debased in Calais. Oh, how foolish he was. Now Chauvelin is bent on revenge . . . As punishment for letting the Scarlet Pimpernel escape the clutches of the French Republic, Chauvelin was demoted from the ranks of Robespierre’s trusted few. But he will have his day. Laying a trap for the wife of Sir Percy, Lady Marguerite, is only the first step. Can Sir Percy elude the blade of Madame Guillotine a second time, defend his honor as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and save his wife from a fate worse than death? Baroness Emma Orczy brings us the third thrilling installment in her iconic adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, pitting Sir Percy against the wily Chauvelin once again in a battle of wit and cunning that stands between thousands of innocent lives and the ignominious bite of Madame Guillotine. Credited with the introduction of the “hero with a secret identity” trope, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his exploits have captured the imaginations of readers for over a century. The series housing the most historical accuracies of French Revolution-centric fiction of its time, it also inspired a stage play garnering over 2,000 performances in four years. Join the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel and dive into the rollicking adventures of the masked hero of the French Revolution!

It has all the hallmarks of a best-selling fictional thriller: