A Servant of the Public

by Anthony Hope

Overview

It is easy to be enthusiastic about the story. It is psychologic—but with a difference, the difference being the bright and compelling interest of Mr. Hope's dialogue, and the smiling sanity of his spirit. Imagine much that is best in Meredith or James, and all that is best in Anthony Hope, and you have a fair idea of ' A Servant of the Public'. It is not the conventional story of the stage, with glib talk of the greenroom, and intimate glimpses 'behind the footlights.' It is the story of an actress off, rather than on, the stage—an analysis of the theatrical, perhaps 'artistic' temperament. (Google)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783965375574
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	09/15/2019
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	244
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Anthony Hope, born Anthony Hope Hawkins on February 9, 1863, in London, was an English novelist and playwright whose works left an indelible mark on the adventure genre. Best known for his swashbuckling novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1894), Hope's storytelling prowess captivated readers with tales of romance, intrigue, and derring-do. A barrister by training, Hope's literary career began as a sideline but quickly became his primary focus after the success of his early works.Hope's narratives often explored themes of identity, duty, and the complexities of political power, resonating with the Victorian and Edwardian audiences who were grappling with the rapid changes of their times. His ability to create vivid, escapist worlds provided a welcome respite from the era's societal pressures and industrialization's relentless march.Controversy touched Hope's life when critics questioned the originality of his plots, particularly the striking similarities between "The Prisoner of Zenda" and earlier works by other authors. Despite this, Hope's influence on contemporary writers is undeniable. His creation of the fictional country of Ruritania inspired a sub-genre known as Ruritanian romance, influencing authors like P.G. Wodehouse and even modern fantasy writers.Hope's revolutionary idea was the seamless blend of high adventure with sharp social commentary, a combination that allowed readers to reflect on their world while being thoroughly entertained. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of imaginative storytelling, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of popular fiction. Anthony Hope passed away on July 8, 1933, but his adventurous spirit lives on in the pages of his timeless tales.
Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins, better known as Anthony Hope (9 February 1863 – 8 July 1933), was an English novelist and playwright. He was a prolific writer, especially of adventure novels but he is remembered predominantly for only two books: The Prisoner of Zenda (1894) and its sequel Rupert of Hentzau (1898). These works, "minor classics" of English literature, are set in the contemporaneous fictional country of Ruritania and spawned the genre known as Ruritanian romance, works set in fictional European locales similar to the novels. Zenda has inspired many adaptations, most notably the 1937 Hollywood movie of the same name. (Wikipedia)