Anthony Hope 
The Prisoner of Zenda 

‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ is a classic adventure novel by Anthony Hope, first published in 1894. Set in the fictional country of Ruritania, the story follows the protagonist, Rudolf Rassendyll, who bears a striking resemblance to the country’s soon-to-be-crowned king, Rudolf V. When the real king is kidnapped on the eve of his coronation, Rassendyll is persuaded to impersonate him in order to prevent a political crisis. But things become complicated when Rassendyll falls in love with the king’s betrothed and must also contend with a devious and dangerous villain who seeks to undermine the monarchy. Full of romance, action, and political intrigue, ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ has become a beloved classic of adventure literature.