Best Selling Books by Baroness Emmuska Orczy

Traditional Hungarian fairy tales adapted and illustrated by Baroness Orczy.

Baroness Emma Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála "Emmuska" Orczy de Orci (23 September 1865 - 12 November 1947) was a Hungarian-born British novelist and playwright. She is best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, the alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English fop who turns into a quick-thinking escape artist in order to save ill-fated French royalty from "Madame Guillotine" during the French revolution. Introducing the notion of a "hero with a secret identity" into popular culture, the Scarlet Pimpernel exhibits characteristics that would become standard superhero conventions, including the penchant for disguise, use of a signature weapon (sword), ability to out-think and outwit his adversaries, and a calling card (he leaves behind a scarlet pimpernel at each of his interventions). By drawing attention to his alter ego Blakeney he hides behind his public face as a slow thinking foppish playboy (like Bruce Wayne), and he also establishes a network of supporters, The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, that aid his endeavours. Orczy went on to write over a dozen sequels featuring Sir Percy Blakeney, his family, and the other members of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, of which the first, I Will Repay (1906), was the most popular. The last Pimpernel book, Mam''zelle Guillotine, was published in 1940. None of her three subsequent plays matched the success of The Scarlet Pimpernel. She also wrote popular mystery fiction and many adventure romances. Her Lady Molly of Scotland Yard was an early example of a female detective as the main character. Other popular detective stories featured The Old Man in the Corner, a sleuth who chiefly used logic to solve crimes. Orczy held strong political views. Orczy was a firm believer in the superiority of the aristocracy, as well as being a supporter of British imperialism and militarism. During the First World War, Orczy formed the Women of England''s Active Service League, an unofficial organisation aimed at encouraging women to persuade men to volunteer for active service in the armed forces. Her aim was to enlist 100,000 women who would pledge "to persuade every man I know to offer his service to his country". Some 20,000 women joined her organisation. Orczy was also strongly opposed to the Soviet Union. She died in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire on 12 November 1947. (wikipedia.org)

In "Lord Tony''s Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel," Baroness Emmuska Orczy delves into the gripping world of espionage and romance during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. The narrative unfolds through a masterful blend of suspense, adventure, and clever dialogue, showcasing Orczy''s signature flair for vibrant characterization and intricate plotting. The book extends the Scarlet Pimpernel saga, intertwining the personal stakes of love and loyalty with the broader themes of sacrifice and heroism amid perilous political unrest. This story stands out in the historical fiction genre for its engaging amalgamation of fictional pursuits against a backdrop of actual historical events, enriching the Scarlet Pimpernel legacy with emotional depth. Baroness Orczy, a Hungarian-born British author known for her pioneering contributions to the detective genre, created the Scarlet Pimpernel character as a response to her fascination with the themes of heroism and the duality of identity. Her experiences as a refugee and her aristocratic background informed her understanding of the complexities of love and sacrifice during chaotic times. This personal history profoundly shapes the characters and dilemmas presented in "Lord Tony''s Wife." This novel is highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction infused with elements of adventure and romance. Orczy''s engaging prose and compelling characters will draw readers into a world of intrigue and nobility, exploring the delicate balance between personal desires and the demands of higher ideals. Pimpernel enthusiasts and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by Orczy''Äôs storytelling prowess.

The Old Man in the Corner is an unnamed armchair detective who appears in a series of short stories written by Baroness Orczy. He examines and solves crimes while sitting in the corner of a genteel London tea-room in conversation with a female journalist. He was one of the first of this character-type created in the wake of the huge popularity of the Sherlock Holmes stories. The character''s moniker is used as the title of the collection of the earliest stories featuring the character. Baroness Emma Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála "Emmuska" Orczy de Orci ( 23 September 1865 - 12 November 1947) was a Hungarian-born British novelist and playwright. She is best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, the alter ego of Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English fop who turns into a quick-thinking escape artist in order to save ill-fated French royalty from "Madame Guillotine" during the French revolution, establishing the "hero with a secret identity" into popular culture.

In "By the Gods Beloved," Baroness Emmuska Orczy weaves a vibrant tapestry of romance and historical adventure set against the backdrop of ancient Greece. With her characteristic flair for dramatic irony and rich character development, Orczy delves into the lives of her protagonists as they navigate the tumultuous seas of love and allegiance amidst the grandeur of a mythical landscape. The narrative captures not only the emotional depth of its characters but also vividly illustrates the cultural and social mores of the time, reflecting Orczy''s acute observations of love''s complexities and pitfalls. Baroness Emmuska Orczy, a Hungarian-born British author, is best known for her innovative works that often blend elements of romance and adventure. Her diverse heritage and experiences—from her noble upbringing in Hungary to her creative life in England—infused her writing with a unique perspective. Orczy''s fascination with history and mythology, alongside her desire to portray the strength of women in historical contexts, significantly influenced her approach to "By the Gods Beloved." This book is recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of romance and mythological intrigue, along with those interested in feminist literary history. Orczy''s engaging narrative invites readers to explore the delicate interplay of love, power, and destiny, making it a compelling addition to the libraries of historical fiction enthusiasts.

The Laughing Cavalier is a 1913 adventure novel by Baroness Orczy, which revolves around Percy Blakeney, a foreign adventurer and ancestor of Orczy''s famous character, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The story takes place in Holland in 1623/1624 and is partly inspired by Frans Hals'' painting The Laughing Cavalier: in the novel, Blakeney is Frans Hals'' adopted son and the man who poses for the painting of the Laughing Cavalier.

In the late 18th century, France was in the throes of the French Revolution. Of particular tumult during this conflict were the years known as the "Reign of Terror", a time in which a revolutionary tribunal executed thousands of French citizens. It is during the "Reign of Terror" in which Baroness Emmuska Orczy''s "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is set. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is the story of Sir Percy Blakeney, a chivalrous Englishman married to the beautiful French actress, Marguerite St. Just, with whom he pretends to be a slow-witted dandy. However this is but a ruse to hide his true identity as the Scarlet Pimpernel, who with his "League of the Scarlet Pimpernel", a secret society of English aristocrats, rescue French royalists before they can be marched atop the guillotine. Drawing his nickname from the small red flower he draws on his messages, the Scarlet Pimpernel is chased the relentless French agent Citizen Armand Chauvelin as he tries to intervene in the madness of the "Reign of Terror". First published in 1905, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is notable for its introduction to literature of a hero with a secret identity. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

In "Sir Percy Leads the Band," Baroness Emmuska Orczy deftly weaves a tale that transcends the boundaries of historical fiction and adventure. Set in the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolutionary Wars, the narrative follows the daring escapades of Sir Percy Blakeney, a seemingly frivolous Englishman masquerading as a dandy while secretly leading a band of rebels against tyranny. Orczy employs an engaging prose rich with vivid imagery and intricate characterizations, encapsulating the spirit of her time''Äîthe late 19th and early 20th centuries''Äîwhen the fascination with gallant heroes and the ideals of chivalry were prevalent in literature. The story is imbued with themes of love, sacrifice, and the moral complexities faced by those who stand against oppressive regimes, reflecting the era''s cultural anxieties and romantic ideals. Baroness Emmuska Orczy, born in Hungary and raised in England, drew inspiration from her own rich heritage and the captivating folklore surrounding the Napoleonic Wars. A prolific writer and playwright, Orczy''s creativity blossomed within the milieu of post-Victorian literature, where she became celebrated for her craft, especially as a woman navigating the male-dominated literary sphere. The character of Sir Percy is a manifestation of her aspirations for heroism and nobility against societal backdrops fraught with conflict and moral dilemmas, making her works both personal and politically resonant. Readers seeking a mix of historical intrigue and romantic adventure will find "Sir Percy Leads the Band" a captivating addition to their literary repertoire. Orczy''Äôs masterful storytelling and complex characters challenge the reader''s perceptions of courage and cowardice, inviting reflections on the cost of heroism. This novel promises an enthralling experience for those who appreciate tales of gallant defiance and the timeless struggle for justice.

First published in 1908, The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy is the 4th book in the classic adventure series about the Scarlet Pimpernel. A French-language version, translated and adapted by Charlotte and Marie-Louise Desroyses, was also produced under the title Nouveaux Exploits du Mouron Rouge. It was adapted into a silent film The Elusive Pimpernel in 1919.