The Lost Prince (1915) is a stirring romance of exile, loyalty, and political awakening, centered on Marco Loristan and his friend The Rat as they traverse Europe carrying a secret message for the restoration of the lost kingdom of Samavia. Written in Burnett's lucid, emotionally charged prose, the novel blends adventure fiction with the moral earnestness of Edwardian children's literature, placing youthful courage within a world shadowed by war, nationalism, and dynastic memory. Frances Hodgson Burnett, best known for Little Lord Fauntleroy and The Secret Garden, was deeply interested in childhood as a site of moral imagination and transformative power. Born in England and later resident in America, she lived between cultures, a circumstance that sharpened her sensitivity to displacement, inheritance, and belonging. The Lost Prince reflects these concerns, while also revealing her fascination with aristocratic ideals, spiritual discipline, and the capacity of children to redeem fractured societies. This book is warmly recommended to readers who value historical adventure with ethical depth. Though less famous than Burnett's garden novels, it offers a compelling study of courage, secrecy, and idealism, and remains especially rewarding for those interested in classic children's literature, political romance, and the imaginative geography of prewar Europe. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand-picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Autorentext
Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was a British-American novelist and playwright, best known for her stories for children. Her most famous children's novels are The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy.
Zusammenfassung
Stefan Loristan is a Samavian patriot working to overthrow the cruel dictatorship in the kingdom of Samavia. Stefan and his son Marco father come to London where Marco strikes up a friendship with a crippled street urchin known as The Rat. The friendship occurs when Marco overhears The Rat shouting in military form. Marco discovers he had stumbled upon a club known as the Squad, where the boys drill under the leadership of The Rat, whose education and imagination far exceeds their own. Stefan, realizing that two boys are less likely to be noticed, entrusts them with a secret mission to travel across Europe giving the secret sign: 'The Lamp is lighted.'