Good light read if you want to be historical and read about one of the first caped masked crusaders. Written by a woman (not trying to be sexist), which makes it so you can feel the exotic undertones (like Ann Rice). It's a bit predictable if it isn't your first masked hero read, but its good. ( )

The movie series made by A&E in 1999 is very well done.

French Revolution -- Reign of Terror -- 1792
Sir Percy Blakeney & Marguerite St. Just

We seek him here, we seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in heaven?—Is he in hell?
That demmed, elusive Pimpernel.
—Sir Percy Blakeney

For pictures of the flower itself, and the Blue Pimpernel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anagalli... ( )

And a rousing good time was had by all. ( )

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a romantic historical novel set during the time of the French Revolution. The hero of the book leads a double life, playing the part of an ignorant English Aristocrat as the perfect cover for his night-life as a rougue who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. In the meantime, he falls for a displaced French lady, but must maintain his hidden identity, even from her. One of the most romantic books I have ever read, it has just the right ballance of intrigue, action, suspense and heroism. Loved it. ( )

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a very fast-paced adventure story, quick to read and with a finale as exciting as any Bruckheimer movie. ( )