The Scarlet Pimpernel was first published in 1905 and has proved to be
Orczy's most famous and popular novel. The Scarlet Pimpernel is set in
1792 during the French Revolution, but centres on an English hero
performing great and brave deeds in a violent and murderous climate.
Marguerite St Just is a beautiful French actress, who is married to the
English fop, Sir Percy Blakeney. The couple have become estranged as
Marguerite has tired of her husband's seemingly superficial lifestyle.
She has heard about the exploits of the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel -
an unknown English man - who is daily helping French aristocrats to
escape the Revolution. She is captivated and entranced by the stories
surrounding him but is soon forced into a position where she must assist
the French ambassador to England in capturing the elusive man. Orczy's
novel unfolds with a series of twists and turns, with frequent moments
of excitement and tension.