Anthony Hope was an English author best known for his adventure novels, particularly "The Prisoner of Zenda," published in 1894. This novel, which features themes of political intrigue and romance, became immensely popular and established Hope as a significant figure in the genre of romantic fiction. Born on February 9, 1863, in London, Hope was also a playwright and wrote several other novels, including "Rupert of Hentzau." His works often explored themes of identity and morality, and he contributed to the development of the swashbuckling adventure genre that influenced later writers and filmmakers.