Anthony Hope
English
Rudolf Rassendyll, a gentleman of good family but little ambition, finds his life unremarkable until he decides to visit Ruritania for the coronation of King Rudolf the Fifth. Coincidentally, he discovers he bears an astonishing resemblance to the King, a fact noticed by his brother and sister-in-law, and more importantly, by the King himself. Upon arriving in Ruritania, Rudolf finds himself embroiled in a dangerous plot orchestrated by the King's half-brother, Duke Michael, known as 'Black Michael'. Michael plans to usurp the throne by preventing the King's coronation. Through a series of chance encounters and the strategic actions of Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim, allies of the King, Rudolf is persuaded to impersonate the King to ensure the coronation proceeds as planned. Rudolf navigates the treacherous Ruritanian court, attending the coronation and even receiving the admiration of Princess Flavia, to whom the King is betrothed. He learns of Michael's machinations, including the King's imprisonment and the sinister fate planned for him in the Castle of Zenda. Rudolf becomes deeply involved with Princess Flavia, developing genuine feelings for her, which complicates his impersonation. As the plot unfolds, Rudolf, aided by Sapt and Fritz, attempts to rescue the real King from Zenda, facing grave dangers and confronting Michael's loyal men, including the ruthless Rupert of Hentzau. The narrative culminates in a series of dramatic confrontations, betrayals, and daring rescues, as Rudolf risks his life to protect the throne and the Princess, all while maintaining his elaborate impersonation.
