Baroness Orczy 
The Emperor’s Candlesticks 

Baroness Orczy’s ‘The Emperor’s Candlesticks’ is a riveting historical novel set in the extravagant world of Imperial Russia. The book intricately weaves together a tale of love, espionage, and political intrigue, all set against the backdrop of the Russian aristocracy. Orczy’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail immerse the reader in the opulent settings of palaces and ballrooms, making for a truly captivating read. The novel’s suspenseful plot and rich character development make it a standout work in the historical fiction genre, appealing to readers with a love for both history and drama. Baroness Orczy, a Hungarian-born British author, was known for her historical fiction works that often featured themes of romance and adventure. Her own experiences living in different countries and her keen interest in history are evident in her writing, as she expertly captures the essence of each time period she explores. ‘The Emperor’s Candlesticks’ is a prime example of Orczy’s talent for creating intriguing stories that transport readers to another time and place. For fans of historical fiction looking for a captivating read that combines romance, intrigue, and Russian history, ‘The Emperor’s Candlesticks’ by Baroness Orczy comes highly recommended. With its engaging plot and well-developed characters, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain readers from start to finish.

About the author

Baroness Emma Orczy, born as Emma Magdalena Rosalia Maria Josefa Barbara Orczy on 23rd September 1865 in Tarnaörs, Hungary, stands renowned in the annals of English literature as a distinguished author and playwright. Having penned an extensive repertoire of work, her enduring legacy is etched with the indelible ink of her beloved character, the Scarlet Pimpernel, a forerunner to the modern superhero genre. However, prior to her fame with ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’, Baroness Orczy tested the literary waters with ‘The Emperor’s Candlesticks’ (1899), which paints a captivating tale brimming with espionage and intrigue. The narrative weaves through the perilous journey of two rival spies, transporting the eponymous candlesticks that hold vital state secrets. This early work offers a glimpse into Orczy’s skillful narrative construction and her penchant for themes of nobility, adventure, and secret identities that would come to full fruition in her later works. Educated at the West London School of Art and the Royal Academy of Art, Orczy’s artistic talents complemented her literary prowess, often illustrating her own dust jackets and characters. Her narrative style, characterized by a blend of romance, suspense, and an undercurrent of social commentary, resonated with Edwardian audiences and continues to be celebrated in scholarly conversations around early 20th-century literature.