The Laughing Cavalier is a 1913 adventure novel by Baroness Orczy, which revolves around Percy Blakeney, a foreign adventurer and ancestor of Orczy's famous character, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The story takes place in Holland in 1623/1624 and is partly inspired by Frans Hals' painting The Laughing Cavalier: in the novel, Blakeney is Frans Hals' adopted son and the man who poses for the painting of the Laughing Cavalier.

The first of two prequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Laughing Cavalier is set in Holland in 1623. It tells the story of Percy Blake, a foreign adventurer and ancestor of the Scarlet Pimpernel who goes by the name Diogenes. Diogenes, as told by Orczy, is the real subject of the famous painting The Laughing Cavalier by Franz Hals. Unlike The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diogenes has not yet established himself as a man of sterling character or irreproachable moral integrity. He has spent his life fighting in various battles as a mercenary for hire, but now, along with his two sidekicks he is back in Haarlem, penniless and looking for entertainment.

The Laughing Cavalier is a 1913 adventure novel by Baroness Orczy, which revolves around Percy Blakeney, a foreign adventurer and ancestor of Orczy's famous character, the Scarlet Pimpernel. Excerpt: "For had the three philosophers adhered to their usual custom of retiring to the warmth and comfort of the Lame Cow, situate in the Kleine Hout Straat, as soon as the as the streets no longer presented an agreeable lolling place, they would never have known the tumult that went on at this hour under the very shadow of the cathedral."

Emma Orczy's 'The Laughing Cavalier & The First Sir Percy' is a captivating novel set in the tumultuous times of the French Revolution, drawing readers into a world of intrigue, adventure, and romance. Written in Orczy's signature style of vivid storytelling and historical accuracy, the book provides a thrilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The juxtaposition of the Laughing Cavalier's carefree demeanor and Sir Percy's heroic acts adds depth to the characters and allows for a rich exploration of complex themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and honor. The seamless blend of historical events and fictional characters creates a compelling and immersive reading experience for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike. Emma Orczy's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make 'The Laughing Cavalier & The First Sir Percy' a timeless classic that continues to enthrall readers to this day.

Since its publication in 1905, The Scarlet Pimpernel has experienced global success, not only as a novel but in theatrical and film adaptations. Sally Dugan charts the history of Baroness Orczy's elusive hero, from the novel's origins through its continuing afterlife, including postmodern appropriations of the myth. Drawing on archival research in Britain, the United States and Australia, her study shows for the first time how Orczy's nationalistic superhero was originally conceived as an anarchist Pole plotting against Tsarist Russia, rather than a counter-revolutionary Englishman. Dugan explores the unique blend of anarchy, myth and magic that emerged from the story's astonishing and complex beginnings and analyses the enduring elements of the legend. To his creator, the Pimpernel was not simply a swashbuckling hero but an English gentleman spreading English values among benighted savages. Dugan investigates the mystery of why this imperialist crusader has not only survived the decline of the meta-narratives surrounding his birth, but also continues to enthrall a multinational audience. Offering readers insights into the Pimpernel's appearances in print, in film and on the stage, Dugan provides a nuanced picture of the trope of the Scarlet Pimpernel and an explanation of the phenomenon's durability.

In this book, Natasha Ruiz-Gómez delves into an extraordinary collection of pathological drawings, photographs, sculptures, and casts created by neurologists at Paris’s Hôpital de la Salpêtrière in the nineteenth century. Led by Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893) and known collectively as the Salpêtrière School, these savants-artistes produced works that demonstrated an engagement with contemporary artistic discourses and the history of art, even as the artists/clinicians professed their dedication to absolute objectivity. During his lifetime, Charcot became internationally famous for his studies of hysteria and hypnosis, establishing himself as a pioneer in modern neurology. However, this book brings to light the often-overlooked contributions of other clinicians, such as Dr. Paul Richer, who created “scientific artworks” that merged scientific objectivity with artistic intervention. Challenging conventional interpretations of visual media in medicine, Ruiz-Gómez analyzes how these images and objects documented symptoms and neuropathology while defying disciplinary categorization. Grounded in extensive archival research, Pathology and Visual Culture targets an international audience of historians and students of art, visual culture, medicine, and the medical humanities. It will also captivate neurologists and anyone interested in fin-de-siècle French history and culture.

Articles of this book - Donelle Ruwe Guarding the British Bible from Rousseau; Ruth Carver Capasso Philanthropy in Nineteenth-Century French Children’s Literature; Ken Parille 'Wake up, and be a man'; Claudia Nelson Drying the Orphan’s Tear; Kate Lawson The 'Disappointed' House; Fern Kory Once upon a Time in Aframerica; Laura B. Comoletti and Michael D. C. Drout How They Do Things with Words; Philip Nel 'Never overlook the art of the seemingly simple'; Sandra Beckett Parodic Play with Paintings in Picture Books; Clare Bradford The End of Empire?

Baroness Orczy's Ultimate Collection: 130+ Action-Adventure Novels, Thrillers & Detective Stories is a comprehensive anthology showcasing the diverse talents of the prolific author. Known for her captivating storytelling and masterful use of suspense, Orczy's work seamlessly blends elements of adventure, mystery, and romance. This collection includes beloved classics such as The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Old Man in the Corner, highlighting Orczy's ability to create memorable characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With a keen eye for detail and a flair for dramatic twists, Orczy's writing transports readers to a world filled with intrigue and excitement, making this anthology a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and detective fiction. Emma Orczy, a Hungarian-born British writer, drew inspiration from her own experiences and the political turmoil of her time to craft stories that resonate with readers to this day. As a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary landscape, Orczy's works continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and enduring relevance. Her unique blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling sets her apart as a trailblazer in the genre of action-adventure fiction. I highly recommend Baroness Orczy's Ultimate Collection to readers seeking an immersive literary experience that seamlessly combines action, intrigue, and romance. Orczy's skillful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this anthology a captivating journey through some of the most iconic works in the adventure genre.

This grand collection includes all Scarlet Pimpernel Adventures, as well as Action-Thrillers and other Adventure Novels by Emma Orczy: The Scarlet Pimpernel Series: The Laughing Cavalier The First Sir Percy The Scarlet Pimpernel Sir Percy Leads the Band The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel I Will Repay The Elusive Pimpernel Lord Tony's Wife The Way of the Scarlet Pimpernel Eldorado Mam'zelle Guillotine Sir Percy Hits Back Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel A Child of the Revolution In the Rue Monge Pimpernel and Rosemary The Scarlet Pimpernel Looks at the World Other Novels: The Emperor's Candlesticks Beau Brocade The Nest of the Sparrowhawk The Heart of a Woman (A True Woman) The Bronze Eagle Leatherface The Honourable Jim The Celestial City Marivosa A Joyous Adventure The Uncrowned King Short Stories: The Man in Grey Silver-leg The Spaniard The Mystery of Marie Vaillant The Emeralds of Mademoiselle Philipa The Bourbon Prince The Mystery of a Woman's Heart The League of Knaves The Arrow Poison The Last Adventure Castles in the Air A Roland For His Oliver A Fool's Paradise On The Brink Carissimo The Toys Honour Among –– An Over-Sensitive Heart