Anthony Hope’s swashbuckling classic tale of adventure and romance Ruritania, a beautiful kingdom in the mountains between Germany and Austria, is in the midst of a power struggle. On one side is the alcoholic layabout crown prince, Rudolf—popular with the upper class and army—and on the other is his half brother, Michael, who has the love of the common people. The struggle reaches a new fervor at Rudolf’s coronation, when Michael kidnaps his brother and takes him to the Castle of Zenda. Now the only thing in the way of Black Michael’s plan is a confused distant cousin in England.   But a man named Rudolf Rassendyll could ruin Michael’s plan. Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to the kidnapped king Rudolf. After the king’s disappearance, Rassendyll poses as the sovereign in order to maintain order—and finds that it is up to him to find the rightful ruler.   This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.