The Scarlet Pimpernel

"Who is this man, this Scarlet Pimpernel?" Each day this question grew more pressing to the rulers of the French Revolution. Only this man and his band of followers threatened their total power. Only this maddeningly elusive figure defied the vast network of fanatics, informers, and secret agents that the Revolution spread out to catch its enemies. Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses, and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all. But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence, the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. "Arguably the best adventure story ever published, and certainly the most influential that appeared during the early decades of the twentieth century." -- Gary Hoppenstand Baroness Orczy (1865-1945) was born in Hungary, the daughter of a baron. Raised in wealth among the aristocracy, she was determined to achieve success as a painter and illustrator before starting a writing career. She wrote in English, although she did not speak the language until she was fifteen, and she produced many short stories and detective novels. Her greatest success came with the historical adventure novel The Scarlet Pimpernel.