Author
Emmuska Orczy Orczy
1865-1947
Emmuska Orczy Orczy (1865-1947) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Emmuska Orczy Orczy
The Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a historical fiction novel published in 1905. Set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, it follows a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney appears to be merely a wealthy fop, but conceals a daring secret identity. When his wife Marguerite becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving a French agent, she must uncover the truth about her husband before it's too late.
The Elusive Pimpernel
"The Elusive Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1908. Set in September 1793, French agent Chauvelin plots his revenge against the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel. Using a young actress as bait, he lures Sir Percy Blakeney into an elaborate trap that forces him to France and lands his wife Marguerite in prison. With citizens threatened and escape seemingly impossible, Chauvelin believes he's finally cornered his elusive enemy in this classic adventure of deception and daring.
El Dorado: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"El Dorado: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1913. This sequel to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" follows Sir Percy's daring mission to rescue the young Dauphin from revolutionary Paris in 1794. When Armand St. Just betrays Percy to save his beloved actress, the legendary hero finds himself imprisoned and tortured by his nemesis Chauvelin. Percy must use all his cunning to escape captivity and outwit his enemies in a desperate race to the coast.
I will repay
"I Will Repay" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a sequel novel published in 1906. Set during the French Revolution, the story follows Juliette de Marny, who swore a childhood oath to destroy Paul Déroulède after he killed her brother in a duel. Ten years later, she infiltrates his home seeking revenge, but her carefully laid trap becomes complicated when she falls in love with the very man she vowed to ruin. A tale of vengeance, honor, and redemption featuring the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel.
Lord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"Lord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy is a novel published in 1917. This sequel to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" follows Pierre Adet, a French peasant who assaults an aristocrat's daughter in 1789 and later seeks revenge by assuming a false identity in England. Years later, he manipulates his way into marrying Yvonne de Kernogan to lure her to France and the guillotine. When she elopes with Lord Antony Dewhurst instead, Adet kidnaps her, forcing Lord Tony to seek help from the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel.
The Old Man in the Corner
"The Old Man in the Corner" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a collection of detective short stories first published in The Royal Magazine in 1901. The stories feature an unnamed armchair detective who solves sensational crimes from his seat in a London tea-room, relating his deductions to a female journalist while tying knots in string. Unlike conventional detectives, he never brings criminals to justice, merely identifying them through logic and newspaper accounts. The final story hints that the Old Man himself may be a criminal.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Baroness Orczy
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Baroness Orczy" by Orczy is a compilation of various literary works by the author, primarily short stories, novels, and plays, written in the early 20th century. Baroness Orczy is best known for her creation of the character the Scarlet Pimpernel, a swashbuckling hero saving aristocrats during the French Revolution. This index likely serves as an accessible reference for readers interested in exploring her diverse contributions to literature. The book lists a collection of titles including "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "The Elusive Pimpernel," "I Will Repay," "The Old Man in the Corner," and "The Nest of the Sparrowhawk," among others. Each entry provides insights into themes such as heroism, love, and social justice, often set against vivid historical backdrops. The works span a variety of genres, from romantic adventures to captivating mysteries, showcasing Orczy's skill in crafting engaging narratives and memorable characters, all while reflecting the socio-political climate of her times.
Unravelled Knots
"Unravelled Knots by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy" is a collection of short stories published in 1923-1925. This final installment features the Old Man in the Corner, an armchair detective who solves mysteries purely for entertainment. When a woman returns to a London tea-house after twenty years, she finds him unchanged, still fidgeting with string while unraveling baffling crimes. Through thirteen first-person narratives, she listens to his brilliant deductions, impressed despite her skepticism and pride in her own investigative skills.
Lady Molly of Scotland Yard
"Lady Molly of Scotland Yard" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a collection of short stories published in 1910. This groundbreaking work features one of fiction's first female detectives, Molly Robertson-Kirk, who joins Scotland Yard's female department with a personal mission: to clear her fiancé's name. Through twelve mysteries narrated by her assistant Mary Granard, Lady Molly solves cases using superior intuition and recognition of domestic clues that escape her male colleagues, challenging the male-dominated world of early twentieth-century detective work.
Beau Brocade: A Romance
"Beau Brocade: A Romance by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy" is a novel written in 1907. Set in Derbyshire after the Jacobite defeat, the story follows Philip James Gascoyne, the eleventh Earl of Stretton, who has been wrongly accused of treason and is hiding for his life. His only hope lies with a mysterious masked highwayman known as Beau Brocade, who steals from the rich to help the poor. As Philip desperately seeks to prove his innocence, danger closes in.
The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1922. Set during the French Revolution in 1794, the story weaves historical figures into a tale of intrigue and danger. When the beautiful but scheming Theresia Cabarrus arrives in England with mysterious intentions, Sir Percy Blakeney faces a cunning adversary. Her machinations lead to Lady Blakeney's kidnapping, setting a trap designed to ensnare the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel himself.
"Unto Caesar"
"Unto Caesar" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in ancient Rome, during the tumultuous reign of Emperor Caligula, and dives into themes of power, greed, and the human condition. The narrative opens with a dramatic backdrop of a public auction where the slaves of a disgraced censor are being sold, introducing readers to a spectrum of characters navigating the complexities of Roman society. The opening portion of the novel presents a vivid scene in the Forum where slaves, including artisans and laborers, are displayed for potential buyers. There is a significant focus on the auctioneer and the praefect, Taurus Antinor, who oversees the sales with an air of authority, juxtaposed against the desperate circumstances of the slaves. One poignant storyline emerges with the character of Nola, the daughter of freedwoman Menecreta, who yearns for freedom while facing the harsh realities of her position. The tension escalates when Dea Flavia, a noblewoman, enters the scene and seeks to bid for Nola, setting off a chain of events that lead to both unexpected compassion and devastating loss. The interplay of personal desires and societal structures weaves a complex emotional tapestry that engages the reader's empathy and curiosity.
A Sheaf of Bluebells
"A Sheaf of Bluebells" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1917. Set in Napoleonic France, it follows the bitter conflicts between returned Royalist exiles and Bonaparte's followers. When the aristocratic Fernande schemes to seduce the revolutionary Ronnay—her promised fiancé's half-brother—she sparks a dangerous game of passion and politics. Family loyalty fractures as love, jealousy, and treachery collide in a household divided by opposing allegiances to crown and empire.
The Tangled Skein
"The Tangled Skein by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy" is a period romance first published in 1901. Set during the reign of Queen Mary, the novel weaves a complex tale of forbidden love and political intrigue. When the Queen develops feelings for the Duke of Wessex, her people's choice as King Consort, she stands between him and his intended bride, Lady Ursula. A Cardinal's schemes to arrange the Queen's marriage to Philip II of Spain set off a dangerous game that threatens freedom, reputations, and lives.
By the gods beloved
"By the gods beloved by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy" is a novel published in 1905. Two English friends, schooled in ancient Egyptian language and lore, venture into the Libyan desert searching for a lost civilization. They discover Kamt, a hidden city where descendants of ancient Egypt still live under a Pharaoh's rule. One friend boldly claims divine authority, plunging them into palace intrigue involving a dying king, a scheming queen, and a dangerously beautiful princess whose presence drives people to madness.
The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy is a collection of short stories published in 1919. This sequel to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" follows Sir Percy Blakeney through eleven adventures set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror in 1793. Each tale chronicles daring rescues of aristocrats and citizens from the guillotine's shadow, featuring desperate mothers searching for stolen children, trapped families facing massacres, and league members whose loyalty wavers under pressure in Revolutionary Paris.
Flower o' the lily: A romance of old Cambray
"Flower o' the Lily: A Romance of Old Cambray" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Netherlands in the late 16th century, the narrative follows Messire Gilles de Crohin, a gallant knight entangled in a conflict defined by personal valor and national loyalty amidst the chaos of battle. The story hints at themes of love, duty, and the consequences of war, focusing on Gilles' struggles as he grapples with his injuries and the disappearance of his faithful companion, Maître Jehan. The opening of the book introduces readers to Gilles de Crohin after a fierce battle at Gembloux, where he is nearly killed and left wandering the battlefield in search of his companion Jehan. As he regains consciousness, he experiences momentary delirium filled with visions of an angelic figure tending to him, representing kindness and hope amidst despair. Despite his injuries and the grim reality surrounding him, Gilles demonstrates resilience, showcasing both his physical prowess and his emotional vulnerabilities. The prose captures the chaos and camaraderie of a soldier's life, setting the stage for a tale that interweaves romance and adventure against the backdrop of historical conflict.
Leatherface: A Tale of Old Flanders
"Leatherface: A Tale of Old Flanders" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the backdrop of Spain's oppressive rule over the Netherlands in the 16th century, the story revolves around the Prince of Orange and the mysterious figure known as Leatherface, who serves as a protector and warning to him amidst the chaos of rebellion and tyranny. The opening of this narrative introduces the reader to a tense moment just before dawn in September 1572. The principal character, known as Leatherface, arrives in the Prince's camp to warn him of an impending Spanish attack led by Don Ramon de Linea. The scene is thick with anticipation as troops prepare for battle while the Prince seeks to fortify their defenses. This initial encounter sets the stage for the larger conflict between the forces of freedom, led by the Prince, and the brutal regime of the Duke of Alva, highlighting the themes of loyalty, espionage, and the desperate struggle for liberty amidst oppression.
The Nest of the Sparrowhawk: A Romance of the XVIIth Century
"The Nest of the Sparrowhawk: A Romance of the XVIIth Century" by Baroness Orczy is a novel written in 1909. Set in Puritan Kent in 1657, the story follows the sinister machinations of Sir Marmaduke de Chevasse, a Roundhead guardian determined to claim his young ward Lady Sue's fortune. Through cunning disguises and ruthless schemes, he removes obstacles standing in his way—including Sue's devoted admirer Richard Lambert. But his elaborate plot entangles his own family in unexpected tragedy and disgrace.
The Laughing Cavalier: The Story of the Ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Laughing Cavalier: The Story of the Ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy is an adventure novel published in 1913. Set in 1623 Holland, the story follows Percy Blakeney, a dashing foreign mercenary who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy. When he's hired to kidnap Gilda Beresteyn, daughter of a wealthy merchant, Blakeney finds himself caught between a dangerous assassination plot, a vengeful nobleman, and his growing feelings for his captive—who could send him to the gallows with a single word.
Nicolette: a tale of old Provence
"Nicolette: A Tale of Old Provence" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book sets the stage in the enchanting backdrop of Provence, focusing on the themes of faded glory and the interplay of social class. It introduces Nicolette, a young girl whose family history intertwines with that of the declining noble house of the Comtes de Ventadour, especially through her bond with the boy Bertrand, also known affectionately as Tan-tan. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of a ruined château that once belonged to the proud seigneurs de Ventadour, now a mere shadow of its former self. It introduces the childhood adventures of Nicolette and her playmate Tan-tan, weaving together their imaginative escapades and rich heritage. However, the narrative also hints at the broader socio-economic struggles that define their lives, as the once-great family grapples with poverty. Through a blend of nostalgia and youthful innocence, the beginning establishes an emotional foundation, hinting at the complexities of class and identity that will unfold as the story progresses.
His Majesty's Well-Beloved An Episode in the Life of Mr. Thomas Betteron as told by His Friend John Honeywood
"His Majesty's Well-Beloved" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Mr. Thomas Betterton, a prominent actor of the time, and is narrated from the perspective of his friend John Honeywood. The book explores themes of love, reputation, and the tumultuous relationship between art and societal expectations in 17th century Restoration London. The opening of the novel introduces us to the humble clerk, John Honeywood, who feels compelled to defend his friend, the renowned actor Thomas Betterton, to Mistress Mary Saunderson, a lady with whom he is infatuated. Honeywood writes to Mary to assure her of Betterton's character after she hesitates to consider him for her affections due to damaging rumors. He reflects on their shared history, including a memorable outing at the theater, where Mary first saw Betterton perform and became smitten. Honeywood's letters convey his admiration for both Betterton and Mary, setting the stage for the complicated dynamics and romances that will unfold as the story progresses.
The Bronze Eagle: A Story of the Hundred Days
"The Bronze Eagle: A Story of the Hundred Days" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a romance novel first published in 1915. Set in post-Revolutionary France, the story follows Crystal de Cambray, daughter of an exiled royalist count, as she navigates betrayal and romance amid political intrigue. On the eve of her betrothal to de Marmont, a shocking revelation exposes hidden loyalties between Napoleonic and royalist factions. Three suitors vie for her hand, but only one will overcome her father's prejudices and win her heart.
The Noble Rogue
"The Noble Rogue" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a novel published in 1912. Rose Marie Legros, daughter of the King of France's tailor, was betrothed as an infant to Rupert Keyston. Now wealthy and titled, Rupert schemes to escape the marriage by having his cousin Michael impersonate him at the wedding. But Michael falls hopelessly in love with Rose Marie and refuses to surrender his bride. What follows is a tale of transformation, pursuit, and dangerous accusations that threaten Michael's very life.