Anthony Hope

Easton Press Anthony Hope books

The Prisoner of Zenda - Collector's Library of Famous Editions - 1966

Franklin Library Anthony Hope books

The Prisoner of Zenda - World's Best Loved Books - 1984

Author Anthony Hope

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins, known by his pen name Anthony Hope, was born on February 9, 1863, in London, England, and became a prolific and popular English author in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his adventure novels, with The Prisoner of Zenda standing out as his most famous work. Hope was educated at Marlborough and Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied law. He was called to the bar in 1887 but soon turned to writing as his true passion. His first novel, A Man of Mark, was published in 1890, but it was The Prisoner of Zenda, released in 1894, that catapulted him to literary fame.

The Prisoner of Zenda is a swashbuckling adventure novel set in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania. The story revolves around the protagonist, Rudolf Rassendyll, who impersonates the king and becomes embroiled in political intrigue, romance, and adventure. The novel's success led to a sequel, Rupert of Hentzau (1898), further solidifying Hope's reputation as a master of adventure fiction. Hope continued to write novels, short stories, and plays, exploring various genres beyond adventure, including mystery and domestic drama. His works were characterized by a blend of romance, wit, and clever plotting. Some of his other notable works include The Dolly Dialogues (1894) and The God in the Car (1894).

In addition to his literary pursuits, Anthony Hope also worked as a journalist and playwright. He wrote several successful plays, and his contributions to the theatrical world further enhanced his reputation. Throughout his career, Hope's writing style and storytelling prowess earned him a dedicated readership. He was admired for his ability to create engaging narratives with a touch of escapism and entertainment. Although not as well-remembered today as some other authors of his time, Anthony Hope's impact on adventure fiction is enduring.

Anthony Hope Hawkins was knighted in 1918 for his contributions to literature. He continued writing until his death on July 8, 1933, leaving behind a body of work that remains a testament to his skill in crafting engaging and timeless tales of adventure and romance.

The Prisoner of Zenda - The Ruritania Trilogy book 2

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
adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land steeped in political intrigue. Rassendyll must impersonate the rightful king in order to rescue him from the castle Zenda, all the while facing tests of honor with the beautiful Princess Flavia, and enduring tests of strength in his encounters with the
villainous Black Michael and his handsome, debonair bodyguard, Rupert of Hentzau.

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 the 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.

English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll arrives in the country of Ruritania on the eve of King Rudolf the Fifth’s coronation. That night, the king is abducted and held prisoner in a castle in the small town of Zenda. Rassendyll, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the monarch, is persuaded to impersonate him in order to stop his villainous half-brother, Prince Michael, from seizing the throne. Determined to rescue the king and restore him to his rightful place, Rassendyll attempts to free him, but can he defeat the dastardly Count Rupert of Hentzau who stands in his way?

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 Prisoner of Zenda has been deservedly popular as a classic of romance and adventure since its publication in 1894.