Folio Archives 219: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy 1997

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy 1997

This is a beautifully presented book.

It is a thrilling story that takes place during the French Revolution while the aristocrats are being rounded-up and wantonly executed. Many though, are rescued, often in dramatic and inventive ways, by their English counterparts led by the eponymous Scarlet Pimpernel. The story goes from a tavern to the mansions of the rich and famous, while passing wildly through the French countryside. There is espionage, double-agents, intrigue and passion – everything a good novel should contain.

The 254 page book is introduced by Hilary Mantel, and contains seven surreal photomontages by Lucy Weller. The binding is full cream vegetable parchment cover blocked with a design by Weller. The endleaves and slipcase are plain red., and the latter measures 23.8x17cm.









































An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.

Thanks for posting, Warwick! Love the interesting cover image. I'm afraid I can't say the same about the collage-style interior plates, though.

>2 whytewolf1: There's no accounting for taste, I find them quite fetching.

Thanks for posting >1 wcarter:, this book has been close to the top of my wish list for some time but I never got round to buying it for various reasons. Your post finally pushed me over the edge of enablement.

>2 whytewolf1: I agree, i would love a good quality edition of this book, but really dislike those plates.

>2 whytewolf1: and >4 stumc:

Same. That is why I sold my copy after reading it. I'm just not a fan of that style of art. For those who like that style, or are neutral, I recommend the book. Overall, a very nice edition of it.

A very attractive book produced to a high standard. One can tell that the illustrator is very talented and the colors are striking but the interior illustrations are off-putting. The cover design however is just right.

I liked the production - those images worked fine for me with that particular content - but I found the book, whilst a great plot, very disappointing in terms of the writing. Clunky is the word that jumped to mind at the time. I sold my copy.

despite my comments above, I picked up a copy of this today in fine condition for £8.
I bought it in Hurley Books in mevagissey which has a small selection of very reasonably priced folios, most of which were in very good condition, including what looked like a full set of Trollope.

Thanks for posting. I bought a copy of this in a Folio sale a few years back - picked it up for a song. Really enjoyed reading it, and while it is a little 'clunky' as mentioned above (perhaps 'consciously episodic' might be kinder?), I was still very engaged in the story. Some great action set pieces and good humour throughout. The quality and modern sentiment of the writing surprised me, actually. Like others, I think the cover art is the jewel in this edition, but overall a lovely production that is good to hold and to read.

I, personally think the book is beautiful. . . . I feel this posting shows the truth of the adage, "That's what makes a horse race."