The Scarlet Pimpernel

Set during the tumultuous "Reign of Terror" in late 18th century France, the narrative follows Sir Percy Blakeney, an Englishman who masquerades as a dull dandy while secretly leading a group of aristocrats to rescue those facing execution. His alter ego, the Scarlet Pimpernel, cleverly evades capture by the determined French agent, Citizen Armand Chauvelin. This classic tale, first published in 1905, is significant for its pioneering portrayal of a hero with a hidden identity, blending adventure and romance amidst historical chaos.