“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.
This timeless historical adventure is an irresistible blend of romance, intrigue, and suspense.
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"The Scarlet Pimpernel is a very clever book. The book follows Marguerite who gets into a predicament where she can either save her brother Armand or the Scarlet Pimpernel. The book feels almost like a play, with each chapter having a different setting and the ending is very witty. Although eventually the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel is eventually found out, I found it more exciting not knowing while reading than knowing. The only downside to the book is sometimes it drags on when discussing the emotions of Marguerite, and eventually you're like, "I get it, you're scared and worried and nervous, now get on with it!" Other than that this is a very witty book with a terrific ending."
— Alex (4 out of 5 stars)
“Ralph Cosham delivers a fine performance of this entertaining classic about an Englishman who rescues French aristocrats from danger during the French Revolution. Cosham gets to play with a range of French and English accents and does an excellent job of coloring voices with character. He even manages to make the somewhat overwrought writing flow so well that the extravagances go unnoticed. This is huge fun.”
— AudioFile“It is something distinctly out of the common, well-conceived, vividly told, and stirring from start to finish.”
— Daily Telegraph (London)“An excellent novel…There is real ingenuity in the plot, and human interest in the characters, and it is an artistic piece of work, thoroughly readable and commendable.”
— Church Times (London)“A swashbuckling adventure tale of epic proportions…an exciting, fast-paced story that is engrossing to read.”
— Large Print Reviews" I wasn't sure what to expect of this book but I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to everyone and my only regret is that I didn't read it earlier in my life. It is just such a fun adventure. "
— Gemma, 2/19/2014" I really enjoyed this book - different ending from the old classic movie, though. Still plenty of danger, suspense, and brilliant disguises. "
— Sarah, 2/17/2014" I thought I had read this book years ago, but I really didn't remember how much it is about Lady Blakeney and so much less about the title character himself. Still, love the style and the language of this period of fiction. "
— Jess, 2/16/2014" This was a great story. I have to admit that half way through I peeked at the ending just to calm myself. The old English was a little difficult to understand in some parts. And I guess it was custom to call a person Citizen back then but it was annoying. Overall really a great read. "
— Diane, 2/15/2014" This is another one of my, "How did I make it almost 40 years without reading this classic" books. Having seen the movie (with Jane Seymour) years ago, I knew I would love the story and it did not disappoint. Glad to have finally read it. "
— Janice, 2/13/2014" Thrilling tale...couldn't put it down! "
— Star, 2/12/2014" Really a treat. Loved it from the beginning. A little lovey-dovey 3/4 of the way through, if I could I would have given it 4.5 stars because the Twilight-esque "longing" drew on a bit, but it was great, and finished with an ending that surprised me...much like an NCIS, CSI, SVU, or other alphabet soup twisty-ending kind of show. "
— Jamey, 2/11/2014" Decent-- slow for the most part but a good ending; despite its being a classic, I knew very little about it to still be surprised by how it ended. One of those books that could have been longer, but I am glad that it wasn't. "
— Rob, 2/9/2014" I had no idea what it was about. I thought it was going to be a Jane Austen type book. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a feel-good book. "
— Kay, 2/9/2014" I mean, I understand that I can't have unrealistic expectations or whatever, but I was hoping and hoping that the female protagonist would do something, anything, useful, rather than just have emotional reactions and create nuisance and danger for her husband. The beginning was so promising! The character was strong, supposedly intelligent, independent, but then she turned out to be foolish, blind, and poor under stress. "
— Gabriel, 2/8/2014" OOPS! I read the BOOK, not the Kindle Krap. The book was swashbuckling, and I couldn't stop picturing Anthony Andrews. Damn TV! "
— Amy, 2/8/2014" One of my favorite stories ever, ever, ever! "
— Monique, 2/8/2014" I love this book. I read it after I saw the movie which I liked too. it's slightly different, but still very clever and romantic. I've already read it several times! "
— Rachel, 2/7/2014" There are significant cultural barriers to really getting into this book, but it was gripping and fun, all the same. "
— Petey, 2/7/2014" Great classic. I read it in high school but remembered nothing but the name. Good to read again and appreciate. Fun to get all the details of these characters that are so well known. Rich detail and great character development. Slow read compared to my usual fare but well worth it. "
— Cami, 2/6/2014" Amazing! Need I say more? "
— Susan, 2/4/2014" a great light summer reading book, with history, romance, suspense and humor. What could be better than that? "
— Gail, 2/4/2014" This was a really good book! It kept you guessing up till the very unveiling moment. "
— Hannah, 2/1/2014" Interesting and entertaining, but in places ponderous and repetitive, and unfortunately very predictable. I'm not sure it lives up to its reputation as a great thriller, it is after all, rather superficial. "
— David, 2/1/2014" I'll probably re read in a couple years and see if my opinion changes. I might have been too young the first time. "
— Elevetha, 1/31/2014" Historically inaccurate, but oh so entertaining. "
— Renae, 1/24/2014" Set in revolutionary France, this is a cleverly written action novel that follows a band of aristocratic English men as they work to save innocent victims of the blood-thirsty revolution and it's dreaded Madam le Guillotine. It also follows the difficult journey of a married couple as they rediscover each other and the love, trust and confidence they once shared. "
— Crystal, 1/22/2014" Increasingly tedious classic that is definitely not a swashbuckler. It is intriguing as a comment on history, but otherwise unnecessary to read all the way through. "
— Tony, 1/20/2014" One of the few times the movie is better than the book. I had high hopes for this book and am still a little sad I didn't love it. "
— Amie, 1/20/2014" sink me! i love this...such a fun story, and sir Percy is one of my absolute favourite literary heroes. "
— Rachel, 1/19/2014" I did enjoy this story very much and I would have give 4 star easily for entertainment. But writing wasn't great, characters doesn't feel real, add anti-Semitism, classism, sexism, nationalism (the negative one) and subjective look on Great French Revolution (more misleading than subjective, actually). "
— Anna, 1/18/2014" Loved it. Such a great, exciting read. A little guilty pleasure since all the best characters were rather handsome, witty, and wealthy, but totally enjoyable nonetheless. And yay for reconciliation! "
— Elise, 1/18/2014" Just finished this for the second time. Loved the powerful forgiveness exhibited, with adventure! "
— Emily, 1/17/2014" Melodramatic and predictable and a little slow for modern readers but it had some good twists in spite of itself. I felt like I was watching one of those old silent pictures where every emotion is so exaggerated and over the top just to try and get a point across. "
— Christine, 1/16/2014" The characters in this are so full and real tey practically live with you...by far my favorite book EVER "
— Sarah, 1/14/2014" it definitely took me a little while to get into this book, but once i did, i was caught up in it. not my new favorite book, but worth a read for sure. (and it's not that long--for anyone who gets intimidated by classics!) "
— Chandra, 1/14/2014" i loved this book. Loved the way it was written almost like a play very theatrical. i always liked this time in history. loved the charactors and the cute love story behind it all. this was a fun fast read. "
— Tonia, 1/14/2014" So good! Can I just say that I positively adore this plot. What a brilliant idea! I wold definitely read it again. "
— Shalysse, 1/14/2014" I loved everything about this book. "
— Catherine, 1/12/2014" A long-time favorite story of mine. I loved the chance to re-read it. Such a fun romance/adventure. I also love the movie and have seen the play. "
— Marvelle, 1/8/2014" Action. Romance. Intrigue. Great imagery. ...a win "
— Joanna, 1/4/2014" One of my most loved books - a really fun read! "
— Karen, 1/3/2014" One of my absolute favorite books. I have read this so many times and continue to enjoy it. "
— Barbara, 12/31/2013" Kinda fun, but man... the reveal of the Scarlet Pimpernel's identity was so, so obvious. "
— Christopher, 12/31/2013" It was a very dull book in my opinion, but I have never been partial to the classics. I did enjoy some of the irony in the novel. "
— Bethany, 12/29/2013" Lovely and cute and adorable. I'm going to re-watch the movie. "
— Nipuna, 12/28/2013" It was very good, but I guessed it from the beginning. Still good, though. "
— Hannah, 12/24/2013" When I first was assigned this book, I thought I would hate it. I gave it a chance and it turns out it wasn't such a bad book after all. I was very shocked to find out who the Scarlet Pimpernel actually was. This book also had some very suspenseful moments. The story plot was very well written. "
— Randapanda, 12/24/2013" They seek him here, they seek him there... "
— Landon, 12/8/2013" Great writing without being boring! "
— Krista, 12/7/2013" Fun book and an easy read... wish I would have read it when I was devouring things like "The Black Arrow" in my youth. Even more intriguing is that the book focuses on the female protagonist which is rare in this genre. "
— Derek, 11/30/2013" Love,love,loved it! Witty and humorous. A "superhero" tale told from (surprisingly)the wife's perspective. I laughed out loud. "
— Katie, 11/29/2013" A fun read, but somewhat predictable. I preferred the musical to the book. "
— Stacy, 11/29/2013" Who knew? An exciting adventure! And of course a great love story. "
— Chris, 11/22/2013" A fun read. The characters are engaging. The plot is a little slow at times, but I enjoyed it. "
— Mary, 11/6/2013" Great story! Fascinating plot liberally sprinkled with daring and heroism. The only complaint, and this is a niggling one, is that when the author found a word she liked, such as "peremptory", she would use it to extinction. "
— A., 11/4/2013" Fun, entertaining, easy read. I was a little annoyed how long it took the main "brilliant" character to put two and two together but overall, it was a good book. "
— Elizabeth, 10/2/2013" Swashbuckling stuff a la Georgette Heyer. When I was a teenager I thought this was the bees' knees! The equivalent of super-heroes. "
— Anne, 9/20/2013" liked it so much more than I thought I would, really gripping story. "
— Anne, 9/12/2013" I did enjoy this book as I love period pieces, though I wouldn't call if a very successful mystery! "
— Olivia, 9/10/2013" a very romantic novel. without the r rated unnessecary scenes. "
— Hannah, 9/9/2013" I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It was brilliantly written, and the characters had me laughing the whole time. They have the funniest phrases (many of them are English) and use intelligent language. The story was clever, and I felt like the characters were developed in such a unique way. It was great. "
— Alissa, 8/25/2013" Loved!! Not at all what I was expecting! "
— Karin, 8/19/2013" The writing is very typical of its time: flowery prose, dashing men, and appropriately swooning ladies. Despite it all, I still enjoyed this novel. Then again, I love most of Alexandre Dumas' works, as well, and Orczy's novel is of a similar vein. "
— Anna, 8/10/2013" Action. Romance. Intrigue. Great imagery. ...a win "
— Joanna, 8/3/2013" A great adventure tale that keeps you riveted to every age until the very end. "
— John, 7/31/2013" A very entertaining read. I kept reading until the end to find out who the scarlet pimpernel was, and then if he would escape the a certain death at the guillotine. It also gave a good view of the french revolution from the side of the nobility and the English. "
— Jordan, 7/26/2013" I saw the movie of this a few years ago and loved it so was very excited to read the book. It took a couple of chapters for me to get into who was who and the style, etc, but I loved it! It's such an awesome little story :) "
— Hannah, 7/26/2013" LOVED IT. ITS EXCICTING ROMANCE AND PERCY IS FUNNY TOO! "
— Tracy, 7/20/2013" LOVED IT. ITS EXCICTING ROMANCE AND PERCY IS FUNNY TOO! "
— Tracy, 7/15/2013" This was such a fun book to read. Very entertaining. "
— Lauren, 7/2/2013" There is wonderful old world charm and plenty of action in this historical thriller. "
— Lemar, 6/15/2013" One of my favorite books EVER! :D "
— Jane, 4/21/2013" I loved this book, and I plan on reading the rest of the series in the future. "
— Sarah, 4/1/2013" Not so much about the Pimpernel as about Lady Blakely who gets involved in his activities. Kind of a romance novel without much romance and an action novel without much action. "
— Mark, 3/29/2013" I wanted to like this book - it was well written and had great imagery. But the characters were lousy. "
— Jeffrey, 3/19/2013" It's a classic book on adventure, spy, and a bit of romance during the French Revolution. And now I understand why it's so famous and so classic: this book is simply wonderful!! "
— Dina, 3/4/2013" Had read this book when I was in school and it made the history chapter on the French Revolution so much more daunting and interesting!! Reading it again after a long long time and enjoying it every bit as I did the last time... "
— Maithili, 3/1/2013" Though not on the scale on The tale of the two cities, it's still a worthy read about the events of French revolution from the other side of the English channel. "
— Aruna, 2/26/2013" Loved this one. It was so over-the-top it just... worked. "
— Paula, 2/22/2013" One of the few times the movie is better than the book. I had high hopes for this book and am still a little sad I didn't love it. "
— Amie, 2/8/2013" At first I wasn't sure if I'd like this book. Getting started it was a little slow, but once I got into it, I literally couldn't put it down. It's now one of my favorites! "
— B, 1/27/2013" Historical suspense at it's finest--a quick read and intriguing premise. Set in revolutionary France with a clean plot, great characters, nice twists. Of course the movies based on the book have been great, too. "
— Carmen, 1/16/2013" I always felt I should read this book because it is a classic. But the title never appealed to me so I prepared myself for a dry book that I would have to force myself through. I actually really liked it and would highly recommend it. "
— Lahni, 1/6/2013" The Scarlet Pimpernel is my favorite fictional character of all time. Thank you Emmuska Orczy. "
— Alex, 11/23/2012" A difficult read...but enjoyable because I had seen the movie and know the story. The book has some big differences though...I think I enjoyed the movie more. that doesn't usually happen with me, but it has a few times and this is one of them. "
— Allyson, 9/18/2012" I already knew the big twist of this story, of course, but it was still a darn good adventure story and mystery. I see why Baroness Orczy's novels became so popular. "
— Kat, 9/6/2012" I love this book, it is a fun read. "
— Angela, 7/24/2012" So this book is short, but so full of excitement. I read it after The Count of Monte Cristo and it was a great way to follow that story. Way good. "
— Janalee, 6/9/2012" One of the few books that I didn't like as much as the movie (Jane Seymour version)... I was surprised how predictable it was. I would have liked to see the story from other characters' views. "
— Anne, 5/4/2012" Not exactly a deep book, nor a fair view of the French Revolution, but a fun read. "
— Allegra, 4/17/2012" I loved it. I had the soundtrack of the musical running through my head the entire time. There were some changes from the book to the play, of course, but it seemed a pretty faithful adaptation. "
— Amanda, 4/15/2012" A surprising read! Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a little, likes suspense & a love story. Also very quick read. "
— Leslie, 3/11/2012" It was a delightful swashbuckling kind of story. I wish my "woman's heart" could tell all of the things that Marguarete's does but - alas, we can't have everything. "
— Ann, 3/4/2012" Wasn't what I thought it would be. The first half of the book is a great mystery, second half was long and drawn out. "
— Jessica, 12/24/2011" First few pages are boring but when Chauvelin arrived and asked for Lady Blackeney's help, I couldn't stop myself from reading. "
— Naida, 12/12/2011" Great concept--the forerunner of all the superheroes with secret identities from Zorro to all the comic book heroes. I read this because I loved the movies, but unfortunately the novel is more of a 19th century soap opera--slow-moving, repetitive, and implausible (by modern standards anyway). "
— Kenny, 12/9/2011" This was a great story. I have to admit that half way through I peeked at the ending just to calm myself. The old English was a little difficult to understand in some parts. And I guess it was custom to call a person Citizen back then but it was annoying. Overall really a great read. "
— Diane, 12/5/2011" One of the best lesser known classics. I have read it too many times to count and look forward to reading it many more times. "
— Destiny, 10/24/2011" I enjoyed this for a quick read. But somehow I was left longing for so much more... "
— Heather, 10/19/2011" This was a really fun read with a lot of adventure and a bit of French history thrown in (the Reign of Terror in the 1790's). "
— Margaret, 10/11/2011" Melodramatic and predictable and a little slow for modern readers but it had some good twists in spite of itself. I felt like I was watching one of those old silent pictures where every emotion is so exaggerated and over the top just to try and get a point across. "
— Christine, 9/4/2011" Fabulous! I can't believe it has taken me so long to get around to reading this one. I kind of knew all along who was the Scarlet Pimpernel and enjoyed finding out that I was right! This book is a good example of how lack of communication and misunderstanding can lead to heartache in marriage. "
— Beccastreb, 9/1/2011" I enjoyed this for a quick read. But somehow I was left longing for so much more... "
— Heather, 8/25/2011" I love me a classic! "
— Destiny, 8/23/2011" Action. Romance. Intrigue. Great imagery. ...a win "
— Joanna, 7/18/2011" Honestly, the Anthony Andrews movie is better. I didn't like the end of the book as much. "
— Mal, 7/12/2011" A fun read along the lines of Tale of Two Cities. "
— Dara, 6/27/2011" I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun adventure story. Not terribly long, but a fairly quick and entertaining read. "
— Scott, 6/26/2011" I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun adventure story. Not terribly long, but a fairly quick and entertaining read. "
— Scott, 6/26/2011" I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun adventure story. Not terribly long, but a fairly quick and entertaining read. "
— Scott, 6/26/2011" They seek there, They seek him here - refrain throughout the book - I cannot remember all the titles that I read but best in adventure reading. "
— Geetha, 6/22/2011" I love the adventure and romance. The second time through I started to catch Orczy's tongue-in-cheek toward her heroine. I hadn't realized the first time through how DRAMATIC everything is for Marguerite. Fun! "
— Izzy, 6/22/2011" I love the adventure and romance. The second time through I started to catch Orczy's tongue-in-cheek toward her heroine. I hadn't realized the first time through how DRAMATIC everything is for Marguerite. Fun! "
— Izzy, 6/22/2011" They seek there, They seek him here - refrain throughout the book - I cannot remember all the titles that I read but best in adventure reading. "
— Geetha, 6/22/2011" I love the adventure and romance. The second time through I started to catch Orczy's tongue-in-cheek toward her heroine. I hadn't realized the first time through how DRAMATIC everything is for Marguerite. Fun! "
— Izzy, 6/22/2011" They seek there, They seek him here - refrain throughout the book - I cannot remember all the titles that I read but best in adventure reading. "
— Geetha, 6/22/2011" This is the best book based in the French Revolution I have ever read. To me it explained why the French citizens hated their nobles. And you can't help but love the league of the scarlet pimpernel and Sir Percy's ingenuity! "
— Gloria, 6/18/2011" This is the best book based in the French Revolution I have ever read. To me it explained why the French citizens hated their nobles. And you can't help but love the league of the scarlet pimpernel and Sir Percy's ingenuity! "
— Gloria, 6/18/2011" This is the best book based in the French Revolution I have ever read. To me it explained why the French citizens hated their nobles. And you can't help but love the league of the scarlet pimpernel and Sir Percy's ingenuity! "
— Gloria, 6/18/2011" Loved it! Didn't want to put it down! It's a mystery, a love story and an adventure story all in one. Another story to inspire me to study the French Revolution! "
— Jeannine, 6/12/2011" Loved it! Didn't want to put it down! It's a mystery, a love story and an adventure story all in one. Another story to inspire me to study the French Revolution! "
— Jeannine, 6/12/2011" Loved it! Didn't want to put it down! It's a mystery, a love story and an adventure story all in one. Another story to inspire me to study the French Revolution! "
— Jeannine, 6/12/2011" I absolutely adored this story! <br/>It is a tale that has suspense, mystery, adventure, humor, and love...how could anyone not love this classic book? "
— Cindy, 6/8/2011" I cannot imagine this book included in the Everyman's Library Childrens' Classics, but it is!! along with Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc. I suppose for older children, it certainly has suspense and mystery. I certainly enjoyed it. "
— Katherine, 6/8/2011" I cannot imagine this book included in the Everyman's Library Childrens' Classics, but it is!! along with Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc. I suppose for older children, it certainly has suspense and mystery. I certainly enjoyed it. "
— Katherine, 6/8/2011" I absolutely adored this story! <br/>It is a tale that has suspense, mystery, adventure, humor, and love...how could anyone not love this classic book? "
— Cindy, 6/8/2011" I cannot imagine this book included in the Everyman's Library Childrens' Classics, but it is!! along with Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, etc. I suppose for older children, it certainly has suspense and mystery. I certainly enjoyed it. "
— Katherine, 6/8/2011" I absolutely adored this story! <br/>It is a tale that has suspense, mystery, adventure, humor, and love...how could anyone not love this classic book? "
— Cindy, 6/8/2011" Good adventure, so-so writing. Especially choppy start, but it smoothed out a few chapters in. I think my girls (the 10yo & 7yo) will enjoy it. "
— Amy, 6/7/2011" Good adventure, so-so writing. Especially choppy start, but it smoothed out a few chapters in. I think my girls (the 10yo & 7yo) will enjoy it. "
— Amy, 6/7/2011" Good adventure, so-so writing. Especially choppy start, but it smoothed out a few chapters in. I think my girls (the 10yo & 7yo) will enjoy it. "
— Amy, 6/7/2011Baroness Orczy was a Hungarian-born British novelist and artist. She is best known for her novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Geoffrey Howard (a.k.a. Ralph Cosham) was a stage actor and an award-winning narrator. He recorded more than 100 audiobooks in his lifetime and won the prestigious Audio Award for Best Narration and several AudioFile Earphones Awards.