Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
International Collectors Library (1960), Hardcover, 182 pages
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML: If historically tinged action-adventure is your genre of choice, hang on to your hatâ??you're in for a wild ride. In The Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Hope relates the misadventures that befall the soon-to-be-crowned king of the fictional country of Ruritania in the days leading up to his coronation. An English tourist who just happens to be a dead ringer for the king is called into service as a decoy, and a string of increasingly perilous scrapes follow.
User reviews
LibraryThing member datrappert
How nice when a classic actually is a classic. After a bit of a silly start, Hope's book kicks into high gear when its hero arrives in Ruritania, whose monarch, though a family indiscretion a few generations ago, he happens to resemble closely enough to be an identical twin. Although he appears in
Please read this - don't worry that you have seen film versions of it in various guises all your life. You will still immensely enjoy your time in Ruritania.
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the opening chapters to be a lazy upper class Englishman, he turns out to be brave, resourceful, and true to his purpose when he has to impersonate the king to prevent his evil brother from stealing the throne. Along the way, there are beautiful and mysterious women, swordplay, great villains, and great allies as well. The book only suffers a half star reduction in comparison with the perfection of something like Sabatini's Captain Blood.Please read this - don't worry that you have seen film versions of it in various guises all your life. You will still immensely enjoy your time in Ruritania.
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LibraryThing member ctpress
Here's an adventure for you. No nonsense swashbuckler in the fictional land of Ruritania. King Rudolf is taken hostage by his brother "Black Michael" - just so you're not confused about the villain here. A visiting gentlemen - who tells this story - is a distant cousin of the King and resembles him
Oh, yes - swordfights, dashing ladies in despair and witty dialogue. What's not to like :)
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so much that he is able to impersonate the King at his coronation. With a band of friends loyal to the King he tries to rescue King Rudolf at the castle where Black Michael has imprisoned him. And he also have time to fall in love with the Kings betrothed, Princess Flavia.Oh, yes - swordfights, dashing ladies in despair and witty dialogue. What's not to like :)
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LibraryThing member SomeGuyInVirginia
I’ve wanted to read this book for 15 years or more. The story is fine, though not novel, and the temptation to remain the king and marry Princess Flavia marks it as modern, but finishing it was more of a duty than a pleasure. It’s interesting as an artifact of late Victorian English attitudes-
I still can’t figure out why this has been in print for over 100 years. Maybe it was gathered to the bosom of a nation on Sherlock Holmes’ coat tails and it’s a time/place thing? Thrilling adventure or a penny dreadful for the ruling class? It’s an enjoyable, quick read? I dunno. Maybe it was the first airplane book, a mind movie. (I also can’t figure out why anyone would want to read anything more challenging than Christie when they fly. I once sat across the aisle from a very pretty woman who was reading The Analytics; I was reading the Princess Bride. She stopped reading and I didn’t.)
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the gadabout younger son of a titled family does his duty to king and country (though not his own) and gets to kill a few bad guys and kiss a pretty girl. The first two pages smack of Oscar Wilde. The most finely sketched character is the notorious Rupert of Hentzau. Of course, anyone who can rise above the name Rupert most have something going for him. I still can’t figure out why this has been in print for over 100 years. Maybe it was gathered to the bosom of a nation on Sherlock Holmes’ coat tails and it’s a time/place thing? Thrilling adventure or a penny dreadful for the ruling class? It’s an enjoyable, quick read? I dunno. Maybe it was the first airplane book, a mind movie. (I also can’t figure out why anyone would want to read anything more challenging than Christie when they fly. I once sat across the aisle from a very pretty woman who was reading The Analytics; I was reading the Princess Bride. She stopped reading and I didn’t.)
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LibraryThing member messpots
What a great read. It has the feel of John Buchan, Walter Scott, and all the best 'Stories for Boys' of the 19th century.
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Anthony Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda is a rollicking good read, a true swashbuckler, complete with all the mysterious coincidence, dastardly plots, and smashing sword-fights that any reader could want. With a light-hearted but noble young hero, a beautiful and honorable princess, and a handsome,
It is interesting to note that my edition of this classic tale (first published in 1894), was released by the Looking Glass Library in 1961, as part of their line of classics for young readers. Not generally considered children's fiction these days, The Prisoner of Zenda is recommended by the editors of this edition for readers ages 8-14. How times (and expectations) have changed!
I was initially drawn to this story by the fact that Ruritania - the imaginary kingdom that Hope creates as a setting for his hero's adventures - has given its name to an entire genre of novels. Having come across the phrase "Ruritanian Fantasy" many times in the course of my research into children's literature and fantasy fiction, I eventually decided it was high time to read the novel that has come to define an entire genre... I am certainly glad I did.
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fearless villain who sometimes steals the show, this book will have you racing for the end. I myself started it on my morning commute, finished it the same evening, and am already considering how best to locate the sequels. After all, I simply MUST find out what happens to Rupert of Hentzau...It is interesting to note that my edition of this classic tale (first published in 1894), was released by the Looking Glass Library in 1961, as part of their line of classics for young readers. Not generally considered children's fiction these days, The Prisoner of Zenda is recommended by the editors of this edition for readers ages 8-14. How times (and expectations) have changed!
I was initially drawn to this story by the fact that Ruritania - the imaginary kingdom that Hope creates as a setting for his hero's adventures - has given its name to an entire genre of novels. Having come across the phrase "Ruritanian Fantasy" many times in the course of my research into children's literature and fantasy fiction, I eventually decided it was high time to read the novel that has come to define an entire genre... I am certainly glad I did.
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LibraryThing member Petroglyph
This was a reread for me, but having read The prisoner of Zenda as a teen, I remembered nothing but the central conceit: an English gentleman discovers that he looks exactly like the future king of the made-up Central European nation of Ruritania, and has to take his place in an adventure of
And fun it was. Pulpy, light-hearted and short, The prisoner of Zenda plays to its strengths: it exploits the doppelgänger and impersonation in all its wish-fulfilling revelry. There’s a compelling villain, a fondness for swordplay, and the overt enjoyment of a relative nobody play-acting at being King for a day. Perhaps the romance comes with a tad too much of pathos, and there’s an obvious bit of sequel-baiting at the end, but that I can forgive. Less charming is the dismissive attitude that women are too emotional to be useful.
Also, reading it in the 21stC, it’s not nearly as thrilling as I think it should have been (Hope is way too proud of his tea-table trick), but I can’t really hold the book’s age against it.
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politicking, swashbuckling and Victorian doppelgänger fun. And fun it was. Pulpy, light-hearted and short, The prisoner of Zenda plays to its strengths: it exploits the doppelgänger and impersonation in all its wish-fulfilling revelry. There’s a compelling villain, a fondness for swordplay, and the overt enjoyment of a relative nobody play-acting at being King for a day. Perhaps the romance comes with a tad too much of pathos, and there’s an obvious bit of sequel-baiting at the end, but that I can forgive. Less charming is the dismissive attitude that women are too emotional to be useful.
Also, reading it in the 21stC, it’s not nearly as thrilling as I think it should have been (Hope is way too proud of his tea-table trick), but I can’t really hold the book’s age against it.
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LibraryThing member manahoh
This story is adventure. So I was very excited.
Rudolf fighted enemy and saved Prince.
He is cool and brave man.I want him to live happy life.
Rudolf fighted enemy and saved Prince.
He is cool and brave man.I want him to live happy life.
LibraryThing member dsullivan800
Hope's classic novel is a great read from beginning to end. The characters are well drawn and compelling. If you loved the movie (the Ronald Coleman version), you'll love the book, which provides a bit more background to the story.
LibraryThing member AaronPt
'The Prisoner of Zenda' is a page-turning adventure story, driven by its colourful characters. I came to it after seeing the 1937 film and found the book every page as exciting as the film. It is a short novel, made shorter by the compelling style of Antony Hope.
I also enjoyed the way it discussed
I also enjoyed the way it discussed
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the idea of dopplegangers, although was slightly dissapointed that it did not offer more food for thought on this aspect. I was hoping for a great adventure story combined with a look at literary doubles, in the vein of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'; in the end it is just a great adventure story and an interesting glance into a late 19th century English writer's view of the world. Show Less
LibraryThing member aikon
Rudolf Rassendyll went to the castle of Zenda rescue the king.
This was adventure story.
I like this story because it was exciting.
This was adventure story.
I like this story because it was exciting.
LibraryThing member MINAMI.U
Rudolf Rassendyll made a good fight to rescue the king.
I was surprised that he was brave.
I also enjoyed the love between Rudlf and Princess Flavia.
I was surprised that he was brave.
I also enjoyed the love between Rudlf and Princess Flavia.
LibraryThing member sakim
This is simple story.
This story is adventure so I was excited.
I like this story.
This story is adventure so I was excited.
I like this story.
LibraryThing member yasunoriy
Rudolf Rassendyll visit Ruritania to see the king Rudolf Elphbergh.one day they met accidently at the certain.town and surprisingly, he resembled the king... This is an adventure story.
LibraryThing member Motherofthree
I was reminded of "The Prince and the Pauper" while reading the "Prisoner of Zenda" - mainly through the switching of people in their role's. I enjoyed the themes of loyalty, honor and friendship. This is a quick, enjoyable read.
LibraryThing member Athenable
One of my very favorite books.
LibraryThing member Figgles
The original Ruritanian romance - adventure, love, loyalty, drama, what more could you want! Rudolph Rassendyll takes a holiday to Ruritania and discovers his likeness to the soon to be crowned monarch (result of a family scandal several generations previously) leads him into trouble, impersonation
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and forbidden romance! Great fun, I see the genesis of John Buchan's Dixon McCunn... Show Less
LibraryThing member tomomi.n
Unexpected story makes me excited.
Rudolf is kind and brave man.
He is very cool.
Rudolf is kind and brave man.
He is very cool.
LibraryThing member Hamburgerclan
How did I miss this story for so long? This is the kind of heroic fiction I've enjoyed for years--the strong and resourceful hero fighting for right with honor and dignity. Yet until now, I've never bothered to read this book or even watch the films made from it. Oh, well. Now I know better and can
--J.
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put it on my shelf. Anyway, the story is thus: Rudolf Rassendyll ventures to the small country of Ruritania on a lark, to see the coronation of the new king. He is aware that he is a distant, if illegitimate, cousin of the crown prince but he is surprised to discover that he is a dead ringer for him. This happens in a chance encounter with the prince, also named Rudolf. Fortunately, this also puts Mr. Rassendyll at the right place when the prince's brother, Michael, springs his trap to remove Prince Rudolf from the scene. Rassendyll impersonates the prince to thwart Michael's scheme, but then Michael alters his plan and forces Rassendyll to carry on his impersonation longer than expected. Both sides endeavor to gain the upper hand without revealing their own machinations to the people of Ruritania. An engaging tale with wonderful characters. --J.
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LibraryThing member debnance
Another 1001 Children's Book to Read Before I Grow Up read. Another to cross off my list.
This one is action and adventure and mistaken identities and kings and beautiful princesses and castles. The ending was a little too open-ended (had to leave things open for a sequel, I suppose) for my liking,
This one is action and adventure and mistaken identities and kings and beautiful princesses and castles. The ending was a little too open-ended (had to leave things open for a sequel, I suppose) for my liking,
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but, overall, a good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Michael.Rimmer
A rattling good read - not high literature, but certainly high adventure. Kingly doubles, distressed damsels and princesses, noble heroes and dastardly villains! I shall now seek out the sequel, Rupert of Hentzau
LibraryThing member john257hopper
I was inspired to read this tale of late nineteenth century swashbuckling in middle Europe by a recent rewatching of the Tom Baker Doctor Who story The Androids of Tara, which is a pastiche of Zenda. It's funny and quite dramatic, though I did find some of the descriptions of treachery and
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deception dragged a bit. 3.5/5 Show Less
LibraryThing member burningtodd
This is a really cool novel. It is the arch-type for the swashbuckling adventure novel. All about a King that is drugged and taken prisoner by his evil half-brother and a look alike is recruited to play the king and save the kingdom. There is much sword-fighting and action as well as just the right
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amount of romance. A great read. Show Less
LibraryThing member TadAD
The most famous of these "Graustarkian novels". A fun read.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
I enjoyed this classic adventure story tremendously! The book gives a bit more background to Rudolf Rassendale and has an extended wrap up, but otherwise the Ronald Coleman movie was very true to the book, so I didn't have many surprises.
LibraryThing member Helenliz
This is a little gem of a book, full of mistaken identity, double dealing, derring do, romance and duty. A son of English family with links (on the wrong side of the blanket) to the Ruritanian royal house takes it into his head to visit the country to see the new King crowned. He meets the king and
It was a fast paced, quite engaging read, with lots of action and intrigue and a complete set of engaging characters.
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finds that they share a striking resemblance - and a name. Due to treachery by the king's half brother, the king is unable to be crowned, so Rudolf takes his place.the remainder of the book concerns the slightly hairbrained schemes that take place to extricate the rightful king and put him back on his throne. Along the way Rudolf meets the King's intended, cousin Flavia and they fall in love. It all ends as you might expect, but it is a bittersweet ending. It was a fast paced, quite engaging read, with lots of action and intrigue and a complete set of engaging characters.
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Subjects
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1894