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The Prisoner of Zenda (The Ruritania Trilogy #2)

3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 · rating details · 6,110 ratings · 317 reviews

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 Strelsa...more

Paperback, 157 pages

Published October 27th 1994 by Penguin Books Ltd. (first published 1894)

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Jan 06, 2010 Abigail rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Swashbuckling Scarlet Pimpernel Addicts, Anyone Who Likes a Good Adventure Story

Shelves: literature-classics, fiction, ruritanian-fantasy

Review Temporarily Removed.

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Aug 10, 2012 Henry Avila rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rudolf Rassendyll,an Englishman, takes a vacation to Ruritania, don't look on a map to find it,you won't.Set in the 1890's.A new king, is to be crowned, in this Eastern European nation.Rudolf is curious to see his distant cousin,and look alike, Rudolf the Fifth( a century old family affair, was the cause of this connection).The traveler ,decides to explore a Ruritanian forest, on foot.Getting sleepy, he lies down and falls into a slumber.Imagine when the King ,while hunting with his entourage, d...more

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Nov 27, 2007 Sarah Sammis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: released

The Prisoner of Zenda is one of those books I've been meaning to read for about twenty years. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I finally took the time to read this classic adventure written by Anthony Hope in 1894.

The Prisoner of Zenda brings the fairy tale of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper (1888) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1893-4) into the adventure genre for adults. Anthony Hope's story of a king kidnapped on the eve of his coronation and his English cousin who takes his place is derring-do a...more

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Nov 04, 2007 Kimbolimbo rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was actually better than I thought it was going to be. There was a lot of fighting and a bit of romance. I think I will look for the sequels. While the men are a bit feminine that doesn't stop them from fighting and killing to defend the women they love. There is great talk of honor and loyalty which are some of my favorite topics. Read this, it is fast and fun.

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Oct 20, 2012 Liberty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reading, favorites

Wow. What an incredible book! Much better than I ever expected. It is the story of a man who is devoted to following his duty, no matter the cost, even to the woman he loves. Webster describes Duty as: “That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform. Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and subject; obedience, respect and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity...more

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May 16, 2012 Kaph rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1000-books, g1000-war-and-travel

Verdict: A competently swashbuckling semi-fairytale, Though, in a rare reversal, I think I might prefer it in film form.

My ebook reading seems to be aligning itself into themes. It started with a devouring of scifi courtesy of H. G. Wells and now I’ve fallen into a genre of book that can best be described as; novels where Errol Flynn should play the main character in the movie adaptation. I suppose in the interest of conciecety we could label the genere ‘swashbuckle’. Well, Prisoner of Zenda was...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classic, historical-fiction, male-protagonist

When first looking at this book I thought it had promise but after a while of putting it off I became less enthusiastic. I loved the whole King in disguise idea but I couldn’t get over the setting. Something as crazy as this seems like it should be in a fantasy book but hey I liked the book anyways so I guess the setting worked.

Quick Overview: Essentially this gentleman, Rudolf, looks a lot like the King to be and when the King is drugged and kidnapped Rudolf fills in for him. With the help of t...more When first looking at this book I thought it had promise but after a while of putting it off I became less enthusiastic. I loved the whole King in disguise idea but I couldn’t get over the setting. Something as crazy as this seems like it should be in a fantasy book but hey I liked the book anyways so I guess the setting worked.

Quick Overview: Essentially this gentleman, Rudolf, looks a lot like the King to be and when the King is drugged and kidnapped Rudolf fills in for him. With the help of two of the King’s subjects, Rudolf has to keep his identity secret, try to rescue the real King, all while making the kingdom love their new ruler and keeping his emotions in check. Of course this is no easy task.

It turned out better than I thought I would. I'm not sure why though; it had some things that usually bother me but didn't in this book. Like the romance was too fast. You didn't get much build up before he says he loves her. The action wasn't as intricate. The fight scenes aren't explained out very much and some people were killed, nothing gory though. These things however didn't bother me too much. I surprisingly liked the romance part of it, for the most part anyways. As for the fight scenes I wasn't anticipating much on that front, since it's a classic, so any action was much appreciated.

The aspect that surprised me most was the way I felt for the characters. I wanted them so much to succeed. Now I know you are supposed to feel invested in the characters most of the time anyways but with classics I usually don't have that much success. In any case I think Rudolf is a noble soul and enjoyed reading about his trails and adventures of being a substitute King.

This may be a spoiler but I like happy endings. Life is sad enough as it is and though I can take not perfect endings sometimes I don't read books to feel sad but satisfied. I can't say it was a bad ending because it ended as it should but I just felt so sorry for some of the characters. I felt a small pang in my chest every time I thought about it. (less)

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Aug 11, 2009 ci chong rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the best adventure stories I've ever come across.A thrilling tale of daring,double-identities,drugged Kings and devious Dukes; of sword fighting,villians, and heroes great and small-- in short, everything a swashbuckling tale of love and loyalty should have. Hope's mastery is amazing; from the first start of the action it flows like a rushing river,seamless, timeless, effortless, breathless.The characters are as vivid as the red hair of the Hapsburgs;the King, a weak,indecisive character...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Mahmoud Homsi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-novels, to-read-in-2013

I Like this kind of novels ...
but I didn't like the conclusion,
I wish the king were killed and the hero were married to the princess

The love depends on the personality cos' even if u are not the king .. I'll love u :)
and that is the message between rudolf and the princess but unfortunately they weren't married ..

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Jan 11, 2009 Parul rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rudolf Rassendyll, an English gentleman, seems to have descended from the Ruritanian royal family - his red hair and sharp nose especially seem to proclaim so though the story of his birth is clouded in scandal. Having promised his cute, little sister in law that he will try and make himself useful when in 6 months time he is in a position to acquire a post with the ambassador he decides that in the mean time he would very much like to visit the country of his father Ruritania and especially see...more Rudolf Rassendyll, an English gentleman, seems to have descended from the Ruritanian royal family - his red hair and sharp nose especially seem to proclaim so though the story of his birth is clouded in scandal. Having promised his cute, little sister in law that he will try and make himself useful when in 6 months time he is in a position to acquire a post with the ambassador he decides that in the mean time he would very much like to visit the country of his father Ruritania and especially see the coronation of the King Rudolf V.

Upon reaching this place however he finds himself entangled in a plot to overthrow the king by his brother Black Michael who wishes for the king's throne and his fiance, their cousin Flavia, for himself. To counter this plot the king's loyal men Fritz and Sapt decide it would be best for everyone if Rudolf who bears a striking resemblance to the king were to impersonate his Highness and keep the appointment of the coronation thereby foiling Black Michael's plans. From here on begins a plot full of adventure, loyalty, romance, and swashbuckling fun where Black Michael and Rudolf play against each other's moves - one trying to secure the throne while the other trying to restore the rightful king to his place. This game isn't without its consequences though for in impersonating the king Rudolf ends up falling in love with Flavia and he has to decide if might not want to just let the king die and continue in this way forever...

This was a fine introduction to Anthony Hope's works and I am interested in reading a lot more from him. Though first person narratives have a tendency to pull me out of the story I stuck through with the book and it didn't disappoint. The action, the politics, the romance and the characters even the villains are all a wonderful read. I was especially intrigued by Rupert Hentzau and thus look forward to reading the sequel! For in Rudolf's own words:

For my part, if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave, and I liked Rupert Hentzau better than his long-faced, close-eyed companions. It makes your sin no worse, as I concieve, to do it à la mode and stylishly. (less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Gale rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure-young-adult, european-setting

“Fate does not always make the right Man King”

Rudolf Rassendyll, cadet of a minor British aristocratic family, unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in Central European politics—thanks to his uncanny resemblance to the new King of Ruriritania, who is actually his distant red-headed cousin. Having reluctantly agreed to
play the part of the incommoded King-to-be just for the coronation ceremony Rudolf must perpetuate the royal imposture longer than the loyal conspirators had planned The evil Duke o...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Sean rated it 3 of 5 stars

"The Prisoner of Zenda" by Anthony Hope is a charming, Victorian action-adventure whose exciting, pregnant premise is balanced by a thin plot and even thinner characters. The novel, published in 1894, follows the adventure of Rudolf Rassendyll, a young Englishman on a Continental excursion, who travels to Ruritania, a central European monarchy which is the home of his ancestors. When the King (whom Rudolf bores an uncanny resemblance to) is kidnapped by his villainous half-brother, Rudolf is for...more "The Prisoner of Zenda" by Anthony Hope is a charming, Victorian action-adventure whose exciting, pregnant premise is balanced by a thin plot and even thinner characters. The novel, published in 1894, follows the adventure of Rudolf Rassendyll, a young Englishman on a Continental excursion, who travels to Ruritania, a central European monarchy which is the home of his ancestors. When the King (whom Rudolf bores an uncanny resemblance to) is kidnapped by his villainous half-brother, Rudolf is forced to take his place and enter into a complex and exciting mix of intrigue in order to rescue the king and restore him to the throne before it is too late.

The novel's plot is simple but provides the reader with the possibility a rich world where the imagination is really the limit. But I feel that at about 150 pages, Hope did not explore the world he created nearly to the extent he could have done. This is partially because the plot revolves around a race against the clock to save the true king but I also feel that the author could have lingered longer on building his intriguing setting. Furthermore, most of the characters feel wooden, though this is offset by Rassendyll's entertaining first-person narration and the suave, dangerous charm of one of the story's later villains, Rupert Hentzau, whom according to Gary Hoppenstand, should be seen along with Professor Moriarty and Fu Manchu as one of nineteenth century fiction's greatest villains. Like the events of the story, most of the characters have interesting outlines but in the end are not fleshed out as much as I would have liked. This is especially true of the female characters, most notably the Princess Flavia, who could have been quite an interesting character in her own right. One curiousity for me is if the plot and characters are given more nuances in the novel's sequel "Rupert of Hentzau" (1895).

"The Prisoner of Zenda" has inspired an entire genre of literature (the Ruritanian Romance) that can be seen in such works as Herge's Tintin story "King Ottokar's Scepter" and the Graustark novels. Americans may be more familiar with the story through its popular 1937 film version and the early 1990s film "Dave" which took the novel's broad premise and adapted it to the American presidency.

Overall, the novel was enjoyable - a perfect weekend afternoon read! (less)

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Feb 24, 2013 Wayne S. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Twenty-nine-year-old Rudolf Rassendyll lives in England. His older brother Bob is Lord Burlesdon, and his sister-in-law thinks that Rudolf is a lazy, good-for-nothing ne’er-do-well. It just so happens that Rudolf is also a dead-ringer for his cousin, Rudolf Elphberg, who has just succeeded to the throne of Ruritania. When Rassendyll goes to Ruritania for the coronation, he becomes involved in a matter of deep intrigue. The new king’s brother, the Black Duke Michael, governor of Seslau, kidnaps t...more Twenty-nine-year-old Rudolf Rassendyll lives in England. His older brother Bob is Lord Burlesdon, and his sister-in-law thinks that Rudolf is a lazy, good-for-nothing ne’er-do-well. It just so happens that Rudolf is also a dead-ringer for his cousin, Rudolf Elphberg, who has just succeeded to the throne of Ruritania. When Rassendyll goes to Ruritania for the coronation, he becomes involved in a matter of deep intrigue. The new king’s brother, the Black Duke Michael, governor of Seslau, kidnaps the king and imprisons him in the castle of Zenda with the hope of becoming king instead. Rassendyl is convinced by two Ruritanian noblemen, Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim, to pass for the king during the coronation while they formulate plans to rescue their real ruler.

Will the scheme succeed or fail? Will Rassendyll be able to deceive the Princess Flavia, who is betrothed to the king? What role do Michael’s friends Madame Antoinette du Mauban and Count Rupert Hentzau play? And what happens when Rudolf falls in love with the Princess? The Prisoner of Zenda certainly deserves being described as a classic tale of swashbuckling adventure. Of course, the whole plot revolves around an illegitimate affair of a previous Ruritanian king with a married English woman, which is referred to as a scandalous blemish. In addition to some common euphemisms, the “d” and “h” words are occasionally found, the terms God and Lord are sometimes used as interjections, and someone is called a “bas*ard.” There are several instances of smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and dancing. And a number of people are killed, though no descriptions are gratuitous. Parents may want to be aware of these things ahead of time if the book is intended for young people.

On the other hand, to be fair, this book was obviously not meant for small children. It is most suitable for older teens and adults, most of whom should find it well-written and exciting to read. Our edition came as part of the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum from Clear Water Press, but the most popular version available today is probably from Penguin. The story has everything that readers of swashbucklers usually enjoy—a foreign country, a nefarious villain, a king, a romance with a beautiful princess, dashing military officers with flashing sabers and charging steeds, a castle, a royal kidnapping, a daring rescue attempt, cliffhanging chapters, and lots of heroics. The villainous henchman Rupert of Hentzau gave his name to the sequel published in 1898, which is included in some combined editions of the novel. The books were extremely popular and inspired a new genre of novels known as the “Ruritanian romance,” including the Graustark novels by George Barr McCutcheon. The novel has been adapted many times, mainly for film, but also stage, musical, operetta, radio, and television. Probably the best-known version is the 1937 Hollywood movie.(less)

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Jan 29, 2013 Geoffrey Fox rated it 2 of 5 stars

What is marvelous about this famous novel is its economy: no more geography, character and social analysis than absolutely necessary. Ruritania has just 2 towns (Zenda, conveniently furnished with a castle, and the capital, Streslau, which has downtown slum, mansions beyond, and a palace somewhere), a railroad that connects them to the real world (via Dresden), and a forest. The men are all handsome, the women are all beautiful, the peasants are saucy, the servants are servile. Several character...more

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Oct 27, 2012 The other John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, classic, romance

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 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 illeg...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Smcleish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned

Originally published on my blog here in May 2000.

Like the Scarlet Pimpernel, the background of The Prisoner of Zenda has become part of our mythology. The term 'Ruritanian' has entered the English language; the novel has been copied, updated (Robert Heinlein's Double Star sets it on Mars) and parodied (George MacDonald Fraser's Royal Flash). It is immensely better written than The Scarlet Pimpernel and than most of the thrillers it inspired (of which the best are by John Buchan and Dornford Yate ...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Mark rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Reminiscent of Alexandre Dumas's The Man in the Iron Mask and Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper , The Prisoner of Zenda is a fun book. Had I read it in my early teens (around when I was reading Howard Pyle's beautifully illustrated The Story of King Arthur and His Knights ) I would've loved every moment of it. The story is engaging, the pacing is lively, and the characters are memorable (particularly the chivalrous hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, and the charismatic villain, Rupert of Hentzau). H...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Annette rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: classics, gutenberg

Plot in a nutshell: Our hero is an rich, idle young Englishman who might, we are led to believe, be at home in Bertie Wooster's company. But his true character is shown when, on a whim, he hares off to his (fictional) ancestral homeland of Ruritania to see the coronation of its new king. A chance meeting with that king-to-be on the way to the capital reveals the curious fact that they are as like as twins. When the jealous - but very popular - younger brother drugs the king's wine, Rudolph is pr...more

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Jul 24, 2011 Johnny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pulp-adventure

I actually read the 1946 Bantam Books edition.

The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope

When one reaches a “certain age,” it seems quite embarrassing for one who reads as much as I do to admit that he never got around to reading one of the classics in a “genre” that he prefers. Of course, as genres go, it’s hard to place The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope. One can hardly call it “historical fiction” for the nation of Ruritania is no more “authentic” historically than the tiny Duchy of Fenwick that...more I actually read the 1946 Bantam Books edition.

The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope

When one reaches a “certain age,” it seems quite embarrassing for one who reads as much as I do to admit that he never got around to reading one of the classics in a “genre” that he prefers. Of course, as genres go, it’s hard to place The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope. One can hardly call it “historical fiction” for the nation of Ruritania is no more “authentic” historically than the tiny Duchy of Fenwick that declared war on the U.S. specifically to lose in Leonard Wibberley’s comedy masterpiece about The Mouse That Roared or challenged the U.S. in the “space race” in The Mouse on the Moon. [Would that NASA had such a rival today? It might not have been de-funded and defanged.] It sits up there with the fictional Kingdom of Genovia in the books and films under The Princess Diaries umbrella.

Indeed, one can hardly call The Prisoner of Zenda “fantasy” because the only thing remarkably “fantastic” about the story is that “cousins” should be so identical that a very private cousin could be confused enough with a very public cousin long enough to serve as an imposter. In this case, we have an English noble posing as a Ruritanian king. Ironically, though I hadn’t read the classic before today, I had read Simon Hawke’s very amusing science-fiction (well, at least, time-travel of sorts) adventure based on it, The Zenda Vendetta. So, I knew the basic set-up long before I found a copy of the original work. I placed this on my pulp adventure shelf, even though it’s missing the secret identity, secret hideaway, calling card (Green Hornet’s markers and the Spider’s spider pins, perhaps Spiderman’s web or Zorro’s “Z,” for example), and requisite mixture of advanced technology or the occult. The Prisoner of Zenda is pulp adventure only in that sense of derring-do, fortuitous attachments and events, mixed with improbable victories. Indeed, come to think of it, The Prisoner of Zenda has its share of all of these elements, but rarely are they predicated upon the direct action of the protagonist, one Rudolf Rassendyll, scion of a best-forgotten scandal involving Ruritanian nobility and this stolid English family.

The story has all the right elements: mistaken identity, swashbuckling action, assassination plots, love interest, and a castle replete with forbidding moat and dark passages. It captures both the splendor and the boredom of royal obligation. It has elements of self-sacrifice as well as intriguing temptation. The protagonist is incredibly humble, given his adventure, and this adds to the charm of the way the story is told.

Certainly, I am not certain that the story would succeed in today’s competitive market for popular literature. The style is still archaic for the story was penned in the 19th century and, as noted above, the protagonist may be courageous, but he is not in the acrobatic, invulnerable, near-superhero mode of today’s action-movie hero. If anything, he breaks the mold of the late Lester Del Rey’s rule of thumb that the good protagonist shapes her/his own destiny by precipitating events rather than merely experiencing them. More often than not, action is thrust upon Rudolf rather than Rudolf seeking it out.

As for rating this adventure, I am at a loss. My rating is in comparison to expectations which are au currant, as opposed to the book’s worthiness to be called a classic. The book was impactful enough to inspire a play and, at least, three films (straight adventure/romance in 1937 and 1952, as well as the Peter Sellers comedy version in 1979), as well as the afore-mentioned, playful parody in the Time Wars series (which was ostensibly about time-travel, but it sent its agents back into historical-fiction time rather than historical time with humorous and intriguing results). So, how does one rate this book? Readers with no patience for a more leisurely pace than today’s frenetic adventures might rate it three (3) stars at best. I rate it with four (4) stars because I not only view it in terms of the freshness in its era, but also because I enjoyed the narrative decoration as much as the actual story. And, even knowing how much it is viewed as a classic, I couldn’t give it five (5) stars because it simply didn’t soar to the top of my personal favorites list. I’m delighted that I finally got around to reading this adventure that I wish I’d read when I was younger. Perhaps, I would have taken up fencing after all.
(less)

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May 07, 2011 Amr Mokhtar added it

The Prisoner of Zenda

The Prisoner of Zenda is written by the author Anthony Hope published in 1894; it is a romance and adventure story. The setting takes place in the present in Ruritania, a fiction place.
Main characters are Rudolf Rassendyll, a twenty nine year old English man with red hair and long nose. Rose, Rudolf’s sister in law, that kind of people that always object about wrongdoing, she doesn’t like Rudolf’s attitude because she thinks that he is wasting his time. King Rudolf the fifth...more The Prisoner of Zenda

The Prisoner of Zenda is written by the author Anthony Hope published in 1894; it is a romance and adventure story. The setting takes place in the present in Ruritania, a fiction place.
Main characters are Rudolf Rassendyll, a twenty nine year old English man with red hair and long nose. Rose, Rudolf’s sister in law, that kind of people that always object about wrongdoing, she doesn’t like Rudolf’s attitude because she thinks that he is wasting his time. King Rudolf the fifth, the new king of Ruritania, he is an exact copy of Rudolf. Black Michael is a Duke that wants to kill the king. He also wants to marry King Rudolf’s fiancée, Princess Flavia. Colonel Sapt and Fritz are loyal servants of King Rudolf. Antoinette de Mauban, the lady who was in love with Black Michael.

Rudolf traveled to Ruritania to attend the crowning of King Rudolf the fifth of Ruritania. He was shocked when he saw King Rudolf; he was an exact copy of him. Black Michael drugged King Rudolf to kidnap him and kill him because he wanted to be the king of Ruritania. Colonel Sapt and Fritz wanted Rudolf to help King Rudolf the fifth from Black Michael and the King’s half brother from being killed, so they made Rudolf attend the crowning day instead of the king.

On the crowning day Rudolf found out that people of Ruritania are divided into two; ‘the Old Town’, which wanted the Duke to be the king because he promised them with change and ‘the New Town. Rudolf noticed that people of the Old Town were somehow separated, so he began to make them unite together and he succeeded when they began to cheer for him.

Rudolf met Princess Flavia and Duke Michael face to face for the first time. The Princess noticed the difference but however she warned Rudolf from the Duke. Rudolf Rassendyll falls in love with Princess Flavia but he can’t show because he must accomplish his mission which was protecting the king from the Duke and protecting the king’s fiancée. On the other hand, Black Michael tries to impress Flavia but he fails. Antoinette de Mauban ruins Black Michael’s plan to kill the king and marry the princess.
At the end, Rudolf and other servants of King Rudolf frees the King.
I liked this story very much for its suspense and all the interesting events that happened in the end. Really, I like reading these types of books.

(less)

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Aug 02, 2010 Mrsgaskell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 9-star, own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Rudolf Rassendyll is the younger brother of Lord Burlesdon. He’s twenty-nine years old and the novel opens with his sister-in-law berating him for his idleness and lack of ambition. Rudolf is proud of his red hair and straight nose, traits of the Elphbergs, the royal family of Ruritania. Due to a scandal several generations ago involving an ancestress of the Rassendyll’s, these traits show up occasionally in their family. Rassendyll’s father was fascinated enough with this story to give his seco...more

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Jan 08, 2010 pinknantucket rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: abandoned, ms-readathon-2003

Okay this one’s not being counted in my Readathon tally – again, I only got up to about page 50 before giving up. This is one of those “oh-my-god-you-look-just-like-the-King-who-has-just-mysteriously-disappeared-can-you-fill-in-for-him-and-get-it-on-with-his-chick?” books, written in “Boys Own Adventure” style. The Swashbuckling Hero is Rudolph Rassendyll, on holiday from England in the green forests of Zenda. The Bad Guy is “That damned hound, Black Michael”, the King’s brother. People say “Cou...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Eyebright rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 13 and Up

Shelves: 2011, adventure, fantasy

Rudolf Rassendyll seems to be a no-account younger brother without much aim in life. When he indulges a sudden whim to visit the kingdom of Ruritania, he, and several others besides, are shocked to discover his unmistakable similarity to the King. An increasingly pleasant holiday turns into something much more dangerous and sinister, however, when the King is discovered drugged the morning of his coronation his advisors quickly urge Rudolf to take his place. For political reasons the coronation...more

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Dec 15, 2010 El rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: late19th-centurylit, swashbuckling-is-hott

As it starts getting really cold outdoors, and as the snow starts to come down and actually stick, I always seem to get the urge to read a good, swashbuckling novel. Swords. Trickery. Escapades. Love affairs. These are the things that keep me warm as the weather changes. A big mug of hot tea and an adventure story are all I really ask.

This year the best choice was The Prisoner of Zenda. Surprisingly as I read and began to understood the plot, the first thing to come to mind was the 1993 film wit...more

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May 07, 2012 Robert rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: espionage-thriller

I was almost immediately reminded of The 39 Steps when I started this book. Both open with a 1st Person account of the protagonist lacking occupation and being idle just before the action begins and both betray unpleasant attitudes, too. Buchan's Hannay is much worse in this regard than Hope's Rudolf: Hannay is racist, sexist, Imperialist, arrogant and frankly unlikeable. Rudolf, however, makes one fairly mild sexist remark. There are differences, though: Hannay is bored of being idle whereas Ru...more

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May 07, 2011 Derek rated it 3 of 5 stars

The problem with reading a classic like THE PRISONER OF ZENDA is that the plot has been stolen and redone so many times that its original power has been watered down so much that it leaves the reader wondering what the big idea was in the first place.

THE PRISONER OF ZENDA is the grandfather of the popular "Hero looks just like a King and helps to thwart an assassination attempt" genre. As such, it's an interesting read, but there's nothing here you haven't seen before.

The narrative is awkwardly...more

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Jan 24, 2008 Chloe rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Shelves: victorian

Adventure, romance, mystery, humor and a generally quirky nature. What’s not to love? The Prisoner of Zenda is one of the most enjoyable books to settle down with and read cover to cover. The main character’s rather laid-back personality and endearing humor guides the reader through an adventure story of political intrigue and swashbuckling fun. It is THE story for those who have finished The Scarlet Pimpernel books and want something else to read.

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Apr 11, 2012 Jaya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nice and fresh, in sweet, clean English. Like a sorbet, it's a perfect palate cleanser between more modern books. A light little entertainment, that's a lovely diversion for a lazy afternoon.
I always wanted to read this, having seen the film, (David Niven) and knowing of the characters through the conversation of others, and now I have. I'll pick it up now and then, when I wish to be amused without going for outright comedy likeWodehouse.
Of course, it's somewhat predictable, though that's more...more

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Jul 28, 2010 Yoshinga rated it 4 of 5 stars

Anthony Hope is not usually on a classic novel list so I decided to pick him out for a try. I was very pleasantly surprised by the ease of the read, the well-built plots and the rather well-built characters in this book.

Rudolf Rassendyll is young, brilliant and lovable, with a bit of a wild side. I was drawn to this character because he is really quite dimensional. He has a carefreeness and elegance that reminds you of some famous cowboy. He would have been the lady's man in another book. But in...more

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Feb 07, 2009 Wes Freeman rated it 3 of 5 stars

Canonical swashbuckler from ass end of the 19th century. British gentleman protagonist is spitting image of the king of (fictional) Ruritania and finds self up to waistcoat in high intrigue when King's ducal brother poisons King the night before his coronation. Look-alike protagonist must act as King -- living in royal digs, Victorian-flirting with royal betrothed, hunting and suchlike -- while he and King's entourage scheme on getting King back on his throne. Real conflict in novel ain't so muc...more

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About Anthony Hope

Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins, better known as Anthony Hope was an English novelist and playwright. Although he was a prolific writer, especially of adventure novels, he is remembered best for only two books: The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) and its sequel Rupert of Hentzau (1898). These works, "minor classics" of English literature,[2] are set in the contemporaneous fictional country of Ruritania and spaw...more

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The Prisoner of Zenda & Rupert of Hentzau

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Quotes from The Prisoner of Zenda

“I have an income nearly sufficient for my wants (no one's income is ever quite sufficient, you know).” — 7 people liked it

“For my part, if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave... It makes your sin no worse as I conceive, to do it à la mode and stylishly.” — 6 people liked it

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The Prisoner of Zenda (The Ruritania Trilogy #2)

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