The Scarlet Pimpernel

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" is a historical adventure novel first published in 1905. Written by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, the story is set during the early phase of the French Revolution and introduces the character of Sir Percy Blakeney, a daring English nobleman who disguises himself as the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel. Under this alter ego, he daringly rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. The novel also explores the tension and romance between Sir Percy and his French wife, Marguerite, who is initially unaware of her husband's secret identity. The book has been adapted into numerous stage and film productions and has spawned sequels and a whole series of Pimpernel books.