Scarlet Pimpernel

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Sir Percy Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel, leads a double life in 1792 England, saving aristocrats from the guillotine. His wife, Marguerite, unknowingly sets their agent on his track, leading to thrilling escapades and a daring journey to France. Baroness Emma Orczy's novel, written in 1903, has been the basis of multiple adaptations and explores themes of upheaval, nationalism, and political thrillers of the turn of the century.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 272 pages
\n Publication date: 11 January 2018
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
\n

Sir Percy Blakeney leads a double life in 1792 England, juggling his roles as an idle fop and a daring hero known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. While at home, he indulges in fashionable pursuits and captivates the hearts of those around him. However, when he ventures abroad, he assumes the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a master of disguise who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine.

Despite his heroic actions, the revolutionary French state relentlessly pursues him to unmask the elusive Pimpernel. In a twist of fate, Sir Percy's estranged wife, Marguerite, unknowingly becomes the catalyst that leads their agent to his trail. As Percy's daring escapades unfold, Marguerite embarks on a perilous journey to France, determined to save her husband from the guillotine.

Baroness Emma Orczy's captivating novel, written in just five weeks in 1903, has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Rooted in the upheaval of Orczy's Hungarian childhood and the anxious nationalism of turn-of-the-century Britain, the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel offers a rich tapestry of historical intrigue and romantic adventure.

The novel's enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations, including films, plays, and television series. Its influence extends beyond the realm of historical fiction, as it has inspired a lineage of superheroes, from the legendary Zorro to the iconic Superman.

The edition of The Scarlet Pimpernel provides a valuable context for understanding the book within the broader landscape of elite and popular literature of the turn of the century. Orczy's novel shares similarities with contemporary political thrillers such as Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent (1907), which addressed contemporary concerns about refugees and enemies within society.

In conclusion, Sir Percy Blakeney's double life as the Scarlet Pimpernel continues to captivate readers, reminding us of the power of courage, sacrifice, and love in the face of adversity. Baroness Emma Orczy's timeless masterpiece has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture, inspiring generations to embrace heroism and stand up for what is right. Whether he is in heaven or hell, the legacy of the Scarlet Pimpernel lives on, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

\n Weight: 192g\n
Dimension: 196 x 160 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198791225\n \n