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After his kingdom of Ruritania had been invaded by a score or more of imitators, Mr. Anthony Hope came back to England to sing of a man sans arms, whose victories are as remarkable, if not so renowned, as those of Rudolph Rassendyll. Alexander Quisante becomes a power in the house of commons and a ruler in that realm of finance known in London as "the city," all by the grace of a ready tongue, an adjustable conscience, and the stupidity of his fellow men. His equipment for a hero is very meager. In the first place he was "not quite a gentleman," not merely in the English acceptance of that term, but even in our more democratic diction. The fact that nothing was known of his antecedents beyond the rumor that his father had grown wine in Spain might be overlooked, but not the defects in his manners and morals. On public occasions and in regard to public audiences he possessed a tact and a power of understanding the feelings of his company which entirely and conspicuously failed him in private life. He was ill-bred, but he was not mean; he was a vaunter, but not a coward; he demanded adherence and did not beg alms. This was the attitude of his mind, so strongly contradicted by the cringing of his body and the wheedling of his tongue ...
After his kingdom of Ruritania had been invaded by a score or more of imitators, Mr. Anthony Hope came back to England to sing of a man sans arms, whose victories are as remarkable, if not so renowned, as those of Rudolph Rassendyll. Alexander Quisante becomes a power in the house of commons and ...
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About the author
Anthony Hope, born Anthony Hope Hawkins on February 9, 1863, in London, was an English novelist and playwright whose works left an indelible mark on the adventure genre. Best known for his swashbuckling novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1894), Hope's storytelling prowess captivated readers with tales of romance, intrigue, and derring-do. A barrister by training, Hope's literary career began as a sideline but quickly became his primary focus after the success of his early works.Hope's narratives often explored themes of identity, duty, and the complexities of political power, resonating with the Victorian and Edwardian audiences who were grappling with the rapid changes of their times. His ability to create vivid, escapist worlds provided a welcome respite from the era's societal pressures and industrialization's relentless march.Controversy touched Hope's life when critics questioned the originality of his plots, particularly the striking similarities between "The Prisoner of Zenda" and earlier works by other authors. Despite this, Hope's influence on contemporary writers is undeniable. His creation of the fictional country of Ruritania inspired a sub-genre known as Ruritanian romance, influencing authors like P.G. Wodehouse and even modern fantasy writers.Hope's revolutionary idea was the seamless blend of high adventure with sharp social commentary, a combination that allowed readers to reflect on their world while being thoroughly entertained. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of imaginative storytelling, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of popular fiction. Anthony Hope passed away on July 8, 1933, but his adventurous spirit lives on in the pages of his timeless tales.
Anthony Hope, born Anthony Hope Hawkins on February 9, 1863, in London, was an English novelist and playwright whose works left an indelible mark on the adventure genre. Best known for his swashbuckling novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1894), Hope's storytelling prowess captivated readers with tale...
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