The Prisoner of Zenda

The hero of this classic swashbuckling romance, English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll, is transported from a comfortable life in London to extraordinary adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land. Rassendyll bears an uncanny resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg, who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania; and when Elphberg's rival, the villainous Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power, Rassendyll impersonates the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability The Green Popular Penguins Story It was in 1935 when Allen Lane stood on a British railway platform looking for something good to read on his journey. His choice was limited to popular magazines and poor quality paperbacks. Lane's disappointment at the range of books available led him to found a company - and change the world. In 1935 the Penguin was born, but it took until the late 1940s for the Crime and Mystery series to emerge. The genre thrived in the post-war austerity of the 1940s, and reached heights of popularity by the 1960s. Suspense, compelling plots and captivating characters ensure that once again you need look no further than the Penguin logo for the scene of the perfect crime. The hero of this classic swashbuckling romance, English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll, is transported from a comfortable life in London to extraordinary adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land. Rassendyll bears an uncanny resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg, who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania; and when Elphberg's rival, the villainous Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power, Rassendyll impersonates the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability.