The Scarlet Pimpernel
A dashing English nobleman leads a double life, secretly rescuing French aristocrats from the guillotine during the Reign of Terror.
Listen on SWOO.About this book
The Scarlet Pimpernel, published in 1905, is Baroness Orczy's swashbuckling adventure novel that introduced one of literature's first superheroes with a secret identity.
During the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, a mysterious English nobleman known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel leads a band of aristocrats in daring rescues of French nobles condemned to the guillotine. In London society, he maintains his cover as the wealthy but seemingly foolish Sir Percy Blakeney. His clever wife Marguerite doesn't suspect his double life—until French agent Chauvelin forces her to help unmask the elusive hero.
This thrilling tale of romance, intrigue, and adventure established the "hero with a secret identity" trope and inspired countless imitators. Its famous opening poem—"They seek him here, they seek him there"—remains iconic, and the story continues to captivate readers with its blend of action and wit.
