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The Prisoner of Zenda
The Prisoner of Zenda
The Prisoner of Zenda
Audiobook6 hours

The Prisoner of Zenda

Written by Anthony Hope

Narrated by John Keating

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

Anthony Hope's swashbuckling classic tale of adventure and romance: Ruritania, a beautiful kingdom in the mountains between Germany and Austria, is in the midst of a power struggle. On one side is the alcoholic lay-about crown prince, Rudolf-popular with the upper class and army-and on the other is his half-brother, Michael, who has the love of the common people. The struggle reaches a new fervor at Rudolf's coronation, when Michael kidnaps his brother and takes him to the Castle of Zenda. Now the only thing in the way of Black Michael's plan is a confused distant cousin in England. But a man named Rudolf Rassendyll could ruin Michael's plan. Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to the kidnapped king Rudolf. After the king's disappearance, Rassendyll poses as the sovereign in order to maintain order-and finds that it is up to him to find the rightful ruler.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 23, 2018
ISBN9781501966408
Author

Anthony Hope

Anthony Hope (Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins) was an English writer and playwright. Best known for his classic adventure tales The Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentzau, Hope is credited with creating the Ruritanian romance genre. Although he originally published short pieces in popular periodicals, Hope started his own publishing press because of a lack of interest in publishing his longer works. The success of The Prisoner of Zenda allowed him to give up his career in law in favour of writing full time, but his later works never achieved the same popularity as Zenda. Hope was knighted in 1918 in recognition of his work with wartime propaganda, and he continued to write steadily until his death from cancer in 1933.

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Reviews for The Prisoner of Zenda

Rating: 3.753141834829443 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Pretty good adventure story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The story of a rich, snarky, not-overly-ambitious young aristocrat who goes on holiday to his ancestral country and quickly finds himself in the middle of a plot to kill the king. He's a distant cousin of the king and looks remarkably like him, and so when the royal highness is kidnapped, his advisers put Rudolph (our hero) in his place. Rudolph plays the part well, falls in love with the princess-who-is-soon-to-be-queen, and helps plot and carry out the clever rescue of the real king. A fun little jaunt, but nothing overly fabulous here.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I found this to be an enjoyable, quick classic read--indeed, an easy read for a book over a century in age. I watched the later silent movie based on the book last year and had that in mind as I read. The Prisoner of Zenda is a swashbuckling tale of courtly intrigue. Rupert is a young English noble and something of a cad. He decides to flit about Europe and visit the small kingdom that he counts in his own ancestry, courtesy of a scandal some years before. Only after arriving does he realize that his family likeness is downright bizarre--he looks just like the soon-to-be-coronated king! Of course, the king's half-brother kidnaps him, and royal loyalists ask Rupert to step in and complicate things enough that the evil dudes cannot take control. In the meantime, he and the king's lovely cousin Princess Flavia, the destined queen, fall in love. This is definitely a manly-man kind of book. Rupert makes some outright silly, sexist statements, and none of the women in the book are really developed. That said, it's still a fun romp, and it's easy to see why Hollywood has enjoyed remaking it every couple decades.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is the classic of impersonation fantasy. There are plot holes through which one may drive a coach and four, but the unrelenting pace of the narrative carries the reader through a fine night's entertainment. Anthony Hope was a far superior stylist to Howard or Lovecraft. Originally published in 1894, it stands up well.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Excellent fluff. Very pulpy - the hero who's a double of the king, selflessly (aside from the excitement) taking his place when he's incapacitated. And then things get complicated - between unexpected True Love and the interference of a couple of villains (working slightly at cross-purposes, which is a good thing for Our Hero), Rudolf ends up in a much tougher place than he expected. And handles it well - both physically and emotionally. What surprised me (see: pulpy) was that the characters are quite rich and multi-layered; even the Princess is more than a prize for the winner, she has her own outlook on things and expresses her opinions a few times. Rudolf spends quite a bit of time thinking about what he wants to do versus what his honor (or honour) requires him to do, and choosing his next steps carefully. I thought I had read this before, but apparently not - it's one of those stories that permeate popular culture, I guess. The sequel, and a good many other books by Hope, are on Project Gutenberg - yay! This one might well be worth rereading, in a few years.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    A silly though often imitated plot device, stretched thin over a book that is short anyway. Well, at least I know what the story is now.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Prisoner of Zenda – Anthony Hope
    3.5***

    Rollicking adventure story first published in 1894. Sometimes referred to as a children’s story, but it was not intended as such. It was more along the lines of a political thriller, with Hope being the Ludlum of his day.
    Rudolph Rassendyll is a young Englishman, a somewhat aimless second son of a noble family. It is an old family scandal that an ancestress of theirs had a liaison with a King of the Balkan state of Ruritania, and that occasionally a Rassendyll is born with the distinctive looks of the Royal House of Elphsberg. Rudolph is one of these throwbacks. Since a new King Rudolph is about to be crowned, who bears a strong resemblance to the English Rudolph, our hero thinks it will be amusing to travel to Ruritania to see the coronation. What he doesn’t know is that a plot is afoot to assassinate King Rudolph, set in motion by his half-brother, Black Michael. Through a series of contrivances, the King is kidnapped and imprisoned in the Castle of Zenda, and his loyal supporters enlist the English Rudolph to impersonate the King until he can be rescued. Alas, along with state duties and plotting a rescue, he also has to court the beautiful and virtuous Princess Flavia, who is destined to marry the King. Of course, he falls madly in love, as does she, wondering why her playboy cousin who never appealed before is suddenly so manly and dashing. And we are off to the races . . . . . you can pretty much figure out where the story goes from here.

    As adventure novels go, it’s quite fun, though not profound by any means. It does not rank up with the truly great adventure classics of mistaken identity, such as Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities" or Dumas’ "The Man In the Iron Mask". Still, it is an entertaining quick read, and it is interesting to compare the traits of a popular hero of the late Victorian, empire-building period vs. what you would see in a contemporary thriller.

    "
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A classic I'd never got around to reading - till now. I'd definitely recommend the late-19th-century adventure novel to any fans of Alexandre Dumas.
    Our protagonist, Rupert, is essentially a slacker. His sister-in-law keeps bugging him to get a job. Instead of doing so, he decides to go on vacation. Family rumor has it that someone in his family was actually illegitimate - secretly the child of a noble of the small kingdom of Ruritania. So he decides to go to Ruritania.
    Barely has he arrived when he runs into a hunting party in the woods. To everyone's amazement he looks just like on of the men in the party - the new King of Ruritania. This leads to a warm welcome, and a hearty party at an inn that evening. Unfortunately, the King falls victim to drugged wine sent by his cousin the Duke, who has aims on the throne. When the King can't be woken the next day, his men insist that Rupert, due to his amazing resemblance, play the part of the King and be crowned in his place. He agrees, reluctantly, with the idea that immediately after the coronation ceremony, the real King will be picked up, after having slept it off. Unfortunately, again, the real King gets kidnapped by the Duke, and it looks like Rupert is in for an extended stint as King... he gets some quick lessons in statecraft - and of course, there's also a beautiful princess...
    Fun book, if a little unbelievable and dependent on coincidences.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A pleasant little romp. Rudolf Rassendyll's family has a bit of royal blood from the Ruritanian royal family. It shows up occasionally when someone is born with an amazing head of red hair. Rudolf is interested in his history enough to go to Ruritania to witness the coronation of the king. He is discovered by friends of the king and they dine together at a roadside inn. Someone, however, slips some poison to the king. They immediately suspect the king's brother, Black Michael, and hatch a plot to substitute Rudolf to take his place until he is well enough to take over thereby spoiling Black Michael's plan.This was a cute story. I'm sure I've seen one of the movie versions - there have been several starring Ronald Coleman, Stewart Granger, and my favorite, Peter Sellers.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The prisoner of Zenda is a tale of intrigue and adventure set in the late nineteenth century. Rudolf of Rassendyll is a prince who is kind of like a playboy, who goes through life with no real purpose doing things that interest him. He is drawn to the kingdom of Ruriritania, a fictional land located in Europe (most likely near Germany). His cousin is about to be crowned as the king when he is taken prisoner by his brother Black Michael, who would like to be the king. Since Rudolf looks exactly like the king, they use him to stand in the king’s place as they try to rescue him from Black Michael.This was an enjoyable piece of adventure fiction. The writing had a nice flow to it. There was a lot going on underneath the surface, which wasn’t really noticeable while I was reading it because it was easy to get caught up in the story. The character of Rudolf had a certain charm to him that made him very likeable. Although Black Michael is ostensibly the antagonist, the more intriguing antagonistic character is Rupert of Henzau, who served as a good foil to Rudolf. The story was filled with intrigue. I also enjoyed the brevity of the novel. It moved quickly and there were few wasted words. There was a lot to like about this novel and not very much as far as drawbacks except for perhaps some of the language in spots. There is action, adventure, good characters, romance, enough for any reader of fiction to like.Carl Alves – author of Two For Eternity
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This story just didn't do it for me. The supporting characters were wooden and lifeless. I just didn't care.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I enjoyed this classic adventure story tremendously! The book gives a bit more background to Rudolf Rassendale and has an extended wrap up, but otherwise the Ronald Coleman movie was very true to the book, so I didn't have many surprises.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a little gem of a book, full of mistaken identity, double dealing, derring do, romance and duty. A son of English family with links (on the wrong side of the blanket) to the Ruritanian royal house takes it into his head to visit the country to see the new King crowned. He meets the king and finds that they share a striking resemblance - and a name. Due to treachery by the king's half brother, the king is unable to be crowned, so Rudolf takes his place.the remainder of the book concerns the slightly hairbrained schemes that take place to extricate the rightful king and put him back on his throne. Along the way Rudolf meets the King's intended, cousin Flavia and they fall in love. It all ends as you might expect, but it is a bittersweet ending. It was a fast paced, quite engaging read, with lots of action and intrigue and a complete set of engaging characters.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    One of my very favorite books.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Following a 'normal' opening chapter, featuring the hero - Rudolph - chatting with his brother and sister-in-law at their English home, the tale moves quickly from a realist setting to dangerous adventure in the fictitious country of Ruriritania.I enjoyed this novel on the whole but at times I found it slightly irritating owing to long explanations of what the protagonists were 'going to do'. As predicted, whenever these explanations occur they seldom go ahead as planned, leading to a different outcome. This change in outcome, of course, leads to a long explanation of why things went wrong.On the plus side, Rudolph's first person narrative is essentially upbeat. Mr Hope has created some fine characters and his plotting skills are admirable.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Here's an adventure for you. No nonsense swashbuckler in the fictional land of Ruritania. King Rudolf is taken hostage by his brother "Black Michael" - just so you're not confused about the villain here. A visiting gentlemen - who tells this story - is a distant cousin of the King and resembles him so much that he is able to impersonate the King at his coronation. With a band of friends loyal to the King he tries to rescue King Rudolf at the castle where Black Michael has imprisoned him. And he also have time to fall in love with the Kings betrothed, Princess Flavia.Oh, yes - swordfights, dashing ladies in despair and witty dialogue. What's not to like :)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was inspired to read this tale of late nineteenth century swashbuckling in middle Europe by a recent rewatching of the Tom Baker Doctor Who story The Androids of Tara, which is a pastiche of Zenda. It's funny and quite dramatic, though I did find some of the descriptions of treachery and deception dragged a bit. 3.5/5
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Anthony Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda is a rollicking good read, a true swashbuckler, complete with all the mysterious coincidence, dastardly plots, and smashing sword-fights that any reader could want. With a light-hearted but noble young hero, a beautiful and honorable princess, and a handsome, fearless villain who sometimes steals the show, this book will have you racing for the end. I myself started it on my morning commute, finished it the same evening, and am already considering how best to locate the sequels. After all, I simply MUST find out what happens to Rupert of Hentzau...It is interesting to note that my edition of this classic tale (first published in 1894), was released by the Looking Glass Library in 1961, as part of their line of classics for young readers. Not generally considered children's fiction these days, The Prisoner of Zenda is recommended by the editors of this edition for readers ages 8-14. How times (and expectations) have changed!I was initially drawn to this story by the fact that Ruritania - the imaginary kingdom that Hope creates as a setting for his hero's adventures - has given its name to an entire genre of novels. Having come across the phrase "Ruritanian Fantasy" many times in the course of my research into children's literature and fantasy fiction, I eventually decided it was high time to read the novel that has come to define an entire genre... I am certainly glad I did.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A rattling good read - not high literature, but certainly high adventure. Kingly doubles, distressed damsels and princesses, noble heroes and dastardly villains! I shall now seek out the sequel, Rupert of Hentzau
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Another 1001 Children's Book to Read Before I Grow Up read. Another to cross off my list.This one is action and adventure and mistaken identities and kings and beautiful princesses and castles. The ending was a little too open-ended (had to leave things open for a sequel, I suppose) for my liking, but, overall, a good read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    How did I miss this story for so long? This is the kind of heroic fiction I've enjoyed for years--the strong and resourceful hero fighting for right with honor and dignity. Yet until now, I've never bothered to read this book or even watch the films made from it. Oh, well. Now I know better and can put it on my shelf. Anyway, the story is thus: Rudolf Rassendyll ventures to the small country of Ruritania on a lark, to see the coronation of the new king. He is aware that he is a distant, if illegitimate, cousin of the crown prince but he is surprised to discover that he is a dead ringer for him. This happens in a chance encounter with the prince, also named Rudolf. Fortunately, this also puts Mr. Rassendyll at the right place when the prince's brother, Michael, springs his trap to remove Prince Rudolf from the scene. Rassendyll impersonates the prince to thwart Michael's scheme, but then Michael alters his plan and forces Rassendyll to carry on his impersonation longer than expected. Both sides endeavor to gain the upper hand without revealing their own machinations to the people of Ruritania. An engaging tale with wonderful characters. --J.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was reminded of "The Prince and the Pauper" while reading the "Prisoner of Zenda" - mainly through the switching of people in their role's. I enjoyed the themes of loyalty, honor and friendship. This is a quick, enjoyable read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    How nice when a classic actually is a classic. After a bit of a silly start, Hope's book kicks into high gear when its hero arrives in Ruritania, whose monarch, though a family indiscretion a few generations ago, he happens to resemble closely enough to be an identical twin. Although he appears in the opening chapters to be a lazy upper class Englishman, he turns out to be brave, resourceful, and true to his purpose when he has to impersonate the king to prevent his evil brother from stealing the throne. Along the way, there are beautiful and mysterious women, swordplay, great villains, and great allies as well. The book only suffers a half star reduction in comparison with the perfection of something like Sabatini's Captain Blood.Please read this - don't worry that you have seen film versions of it in various guises all your life. You will still immensely enjoy your time in Ruritania.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The original Ruritanian romance - adventure, love, loyalty, drama, what more could you want! Rudolph Rassendyll takes a holiday to Ruritania and discovers his likeness to the soon to be crowned monarch (result of a family scandal several generations previously) leads him into trouble, impersonation and forbidden romance! Great fun, I see the genesis of John Buchan's Dixon McCunn...
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This story is adventure. So I was very excited.Rudolf fighted enemy and saved Prince.He is cool and brave man.I want him to live happy life.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is simple story. This story is adventure so I was excited.I like this story.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Rudolf Rassendyll visit Ruritania to see the king Rudolf Elphbergh.one day they met accidently at the certain.town and surprisingly, he resembled the king... This is an adventure story.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Rudolf Rassendyll made a good fight to rescue the king. I was surprised that he was brave. I also enjoyed the love between Rudlf and Princess Flavia.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Rudolf Rassendyll went to the castle of Zenda rescue the king.This was adventure story.I like this story because it was exciting.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    'The Prisoner of Zenda' is a page-turning adventure story, driven by its colourful characters. I came to it after seeing the 1937 film and found the book every page as exciting as the film. It is a short novel, made shorter by the compelling style of Antony Hope. I also enjoyed the way it discussed the idea of dopplegangers, although was slightly dissapointed that it did not offer more food for thought on this aspect. I was hoping for a great adventure story combined with a look at literary doubles, in the vein of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'; in the end it is just a great adventure story and an interesting glance into a late 19th century English writer's view of the world.