The Scarlet Pimpernel (Warbler Classics Annotated Edition)

“Orczy introduced a new idea into the collective consciousness: a heroic figure who creates a lounging foppish alter ego to hide his (or her) true heroic nature.” –Peter Royston “Behind the wigs and Mechlin lace cuffs lies an enduring human story of love, misunderstandings, conflict of loyalties, audacious bravery–and a dramatic double life.” –Sally Dugan The Scarlet Pimpernel is a swashbuckling adventure full of fast-paced action and vivid depictions of the tumultuous events of the French Revolution. The novel follows the story of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English baronet with a secret identity as the Scarlet Pimpernel, a daring and elusive hero who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. As the Reign of Terror sweeps through France, the Scarlet Pimpernel risks his life to smuggle men, women, and children out of the country and to safety in England. He outwits the ruthless agents of the revolutionary government at every turn, leaving them frustrated and baffled by his sudden appearances and disappearances. When the beautiful French actress Marguerite St. Just becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of the Pimpernel, her loyalty and love are put to the test. This Warbler Classics edition includes a biographical timeline. Baroness Emmuska Orczy (1865-1947) was a British novelist, playwright, and artist of Hungarian nobility. Orczy was born in Tarnaors, Hungary in 1865 and moved to England with her family at a young age. She began her career as an artist and illustrator, but later turned to writing. In addition to the Scarlet Pimpernel series, Orczy also wrote numerous other novels, plays, and short stories. She was made a baroness by the Hungarian government in 1911 in recognition of her literary achievements. Orczy died in London in 1947.