The Prisoner of Zenda

Set in the fictional country of Ruritania, the story revolves around an English gentleman who is drawn into a political crisis when he is asked to impersonate the kidnapped king just before his coronation. This adventure unfolds against a backdrop of intrigue and deception, featuring the villainous Rupert of Hentzau, who later became the focus of a sequel. Published in 1894, the novel not only captivated readers but also established the Ruritanian romance genre, blending adventure with themes of identity and duty.