In The Prisoner of Zenda, the King of Ruritania is drugged on the eve of his coronation, and thus is unable to attend the ceremony. Political forces within the realm are such, that, in order for the king to retain the crown, his coronation must proceed. Because of a not-too-secret dalliance between his great-grandmother and the then King, Englishman Rudolf Rassendyll bears an striking resemblance to the king of Ruritania. Curious about his heritage, he vacations in Ruritania to see his double's coronation -- and he meets and befriends the soon-to-be-crowned King Rudolf. When the King is kidnapped by the villain, Black Michael, Rassendyll must impersonate the King in the coronation ceremony . . . and in the heart of the Queen. Hope's handling of the romance between Rassendyll and Queen Flavia is both a daring and romantic love story and a subtle examination of the meaning of honor and duty to a gentleman.(Jacketless library hardcover.)