The Laughing Cavalier: The Story of the Ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel
Mar 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
294
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
The Laughing Cavalier is a 1913 adventure novel by Baroness Orczy, which revolves around Percy Blake, a foreign adventurer and ancestor of Orczy's famous character, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The story takes place in Holland in 1623/1624 and is partly inspired by Frans Hals' painting The Laughing Cavalier: in the novel, Blake is Frans Hals' adopted son and the man who poses for the painting of the Laughing Cavalier. The sequel to this book, continuing the story of Percy Blake, is The First Sir Percy. (Wikipedia)
About the author
Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy, born on September 23, 1865, in Tarnaörs, Hungary, was a pioneering figure in early 20th-century literature, best known for her creation of the iconic character, the Scarlet Pimpernel. Raised in an aristocratic family, Orczy experienced a cosmopolitan upbringing, living in Budapest, Brussels, and Paris before settling in London. This diverse cultural exposure profoundly influenced her writing style and thematic choices.Orczy's most significant contribution to literature is the introduction of the "hero with a secret identity," a trope that has become a staple in modern storytelling, influencing characters like Zorro, Batman, and countless others. Her work laid the groundwork for the adventure and spy genres, blending romance, historical fiction, and thrilling escapades.Despite her literary success, Orczy's life was not without controversy. She held conservative political views and was an ardent supporter of the British aristocracy, which sometimes put her at odds with the more progressive literary circles of her time. Her disdain for the French Revolution, vividly depicted in her works, sparked debates about her political stance.Orczy's influence extended beyond her novels; she was also a talented painter and playwright. Her plays, particularly those adapted from her novels, enjoyed considerable success on the London stage. Her legacy endures, not only through her contributions to literature but also through her impact on popular culture, inspiring generations of writers and creators to explore themes of heroism, identity, and adventure.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
