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The Prisoner of Zenda (1894), by Anthony Hope, is an adventure novel in which the King of Ruritania is drugged on the eve of his coronation and thus is unable to attend the ceremony. Political forces within the realm are such that, in order for the king to retain the crown, his... Read Full Overview

'If love were the only thing, I would follow you-in rags if need be ... But is love the only thing?'

“I wonder when in the world you’re going to do anything, Rudolf?” said my brother’s wife. “My dear Rose,” I answered, laying down my egg-spoon, “why in the world should I do anything? My position is a comfortable one. I have an income nearly sufficient for my wants (no one’s... Read Full Overview

Anthony Hope's classic adventure story, beloved by generations. On the eve of his coronation, the incoming King of Ruritania has been poisoned and rendered unable to attend the ceremony. A vacationing Englishman who resembles the king must stand in as a decoy to avoid chaos and... Read Full Overview

Rudolf Rassendyll is the hero of Anthony Hope's fantastic novel, The Prisoner of Zenda. After leaving his lofty life in London, Rassendyll discovers adventure in Ruritania, where he happens to bear a remarkable resemblance to the local king, Rudolf Elphberg. However, on the eve... Read Full Overview

Set in the fictional land of Ruritania, "The Prisoner of Zenda" is a tale of intrigue, crime and scheming villains trying to depose the rightful heir to the throne...

Five times made into film versions since its original publication in 1894, The Prisoner of Zenda is a perennially popular adventure and romance story. Hope's swashbuckling romance transports his English gentleman hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, from a comfortable life in London to fast-paced... Read Full Overview

As soon as we reached the Ruritanian frontier (where the old officer who presided over the Custom House favoured me with such a stare that I felt surer than before of my Elphberg physiognomy), I bought the papers, and found in them news which affected my movements. For some reason,... Read Full Overview

The Prisoner of Zenda (1894), by Anthony Hope, is an adventure novel in which the King of Ruritania is drugged on the eve of his coronation and thus is unable to attend the ceremony. Political forces within the realm are such that, in order for the king to retain the crown, his... Read Full Overview