The Great Miss Driver

The Great Miss Driver is one of Anthony Hope's renowned and lovely cheeky heroine novels. There is a strange mystery surrounding Nicholas Driver, a wealthy tanner who had planned to buy out much of the town of Catford. The lonely Miss Driver becomes acquainted with the narrator and tells him her story. Excerpt: "Cartmell's talk, as we drove back, was calculated to give her an almost overwhelming idea of her possessions and (if her temperament set that way) of her responsibilities. Big commercial buildings, blocks of shops, whole streets of small houses, drew from the lawyer a point of the finger and a brief, "That's yours"—or sometimes he would tell how her father had bought, how built, and how profited by the venture. Every time she would turn her head to look where his finger pointed, and nod slightly, gravely, composedly."

Anthony Hope, born Anthony Hope Hawkins on February 9, 1863, was an eminent English novelist and playwright famed for his adventure novels and, most notably, his work 'The Prisoner of Zenda' (1894). With a keen interest in storytelling that blurred the lines between reality and romance, Hope developed a distinctive narrative style that captivated late Victorian and Edwardian audiences. A barrister by training, he found his true calling in literature, balancing his legal profession with his passion for writing until the success of 'The Prisoner of Zenda' allowed him to focus solely on his literary career. 'The Great Miss Driver' is just one piece showcasing Hope's versatility and skill in creating spirited characters and intricate plot lines. Hope's contribution to English literature is recognized by his masterful blending of romantic adventure with the keen social observation, which paved the way for future writers in similar genres. His works have endured over time, both in print and through various adaptations, securing his legacy in the canon of English literature. He passed away on July 8, 1933, leaving behind a rich collection of stories that continue to inspire and entertain readers around the world.