The Scarlet Pimpernel

This classic novel follows Sir Percy Blakeney, who secretly saves victims of the French Revolution while maintaining his disguise as a foppish aristocrat in The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Baroness Orczy, a Hungarian aristocrat’s daughter, moved to London at the age of fifteen and later penned the iconic novel The Scarlet Pimpernel. First published in 1905, this historical tale became synonymous with the tumultuous events of the French Revolution. The story follows the daring exploits of Sir Percy Blakeney, a seemingly foppish Englishman who secretly leads a double life as a heroic rescuer of those unjustly condemned during the Reign of Terror.

As the guillotine looms over the innocent, Sir Percy dons a series of clever disguises to outsmart his adversaries and save lives. His adventures are filled with tension and intrigue, as he navigates the perilous landscape of revolutionary France while keeping his true identity hidden from his friends and foes alike. The novel captures the essence of bravery and cunning, showcasing the lengths one man will go to for justice and mercy.

In conjunction with a new BBC adaptation, Everyman's Library Children's Classics has released an updated edition of The Scarlet Pimpernel, making it accessible to a new generation of readers. This timeless story continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring struggle between oppression and freedom, and the heroics that can arise in the darkest of times.