«This title includes a new Introduction by Cedric Watts, Research Professor of English, University of Sussex. In «The Prisoner of Zenda», Rudolf Rassendyll's close resemblance to the King of Ruritania leads him into intrigue, romance and perilous escapades. Enmeshed in a plot by the villainous Duke of Strelsau to depose the King, Rudolf is entranced by the beautiful Princess Flavia, and finds that both his life and his honour are imperilled. The sequel, «Rupert of Hentzau», tells how Rupert ('who feared neither man nor devil') seeks to ruin Flavia's reputation and wreak vengeance on Rudolf. Events accelerate to a dramatically violent climax. Both these swashbuckling novels offer the appeal of romantic adventure in a land now legendary. Numerous adaptations on screen and stage have extended the fame of Anthony Hope's 'Ruritania'. This title is complete and unabridged.»

Classic / British English (Available April 2008) Rudolf Rassendyll, a daring young Englishman looking for adventure, arrives in Ruritania for the new king's coronation. The two men meet by chance the day before and are shocked to find that they look exactly the same! A trick leaves Rudolf in the king's place while the king becomes the Prisoner of Zenda.

Rudolf Rassendyll comes from an ancient English family that has had a romantic connection with the royal household of Ruritania. He decides to visit Ruritania and is rapidly caught up in the political events of the country...

The Oxford Bookworms Library provides superb reading and student / teacher support for the classroom, and is also highly recommended for schools running Extensive Reading Programmes, offering the right range of books that encourage students to read for pleasure. 'We must leave for Zenda at once, to find the King!' cried Sapt. 'If we're caught, we'll all be killed!' So Rudolf Rassendyll and Sapt gallop through the night to find the King of Ruritania. But the King is now a prisoner in the Castle of Zenda. Who will rescue him from his enemies, the dangerous Duke Michael and Rupert of Hentzau? And who will win the heart of the beautiful Princess Flavia?