E. W. Hornung’s ‘A Thief in the Night: A Book of Raffles’ Adventures’ is a thrilling collection of stories centered around the charming yet morally ambiguous character A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief. Written in the late 19th century, this book falls within the genre of British detective fiction, a popular style of the time that often featured daring criminals as protagonists. Hornung’s work masterfully combines elements of mystery, suspense, and wit, making it an engaging read for fans of classic crime fiction. The stories are cleverly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Raffles navigates the dangerous world of crime and deception. Hornung’s writing style is elegant and sophisticated, reflecting the high society setting of the stories. E. W. Hornung, the brother-in-law of famous author Arthur Conan Doyle, draws inspiration for ‘A Thief in the Night’ from his own experiences and observations of the social elite. His unique perspective adds depth and authenticity to the character of Raffles, creating a complex and intriguing protagonist. Hornung’s background in journalism and his keen eye for detail shine through in his storytelling, making the adventures of Raffles all the more vivid and captivating. Fans of classic detective fiction and those looking for a captivating read set in the world of high society crime will thoroughly enjoy E. W. Hornung’s ‘A Thief in the Night: A Book of Raffles’ Adventures. With its mix of suspense, intrigue, and dashing heroics, this collection is sure to entertain and delight readers seeking an escape to a bygone era of gentlemanly rogues and daring escapades.
A propos de l’auteur
Ernest William Hornung, better known as E. W. Hornung (1866–1921), was an English author, most famous for creating the gentleman thief A. J. Raffles, a character who first appeared in ‘The Amateur Cracksman’ (1899). Raffles was an answer to Sherlock Holmes, a contemporary creation by Hornung’s brother-in-law, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Hornung’s Raffles, unlike Holmes, is an anti-hero who operates on the wrong side of the law, stealing from the rich while maintaining the facade of a gentleman. ‘A Thief in the Night: A Book of Raffles’ Adventures’ (1905) is a collection of stories where Hornung further explores the exploits and complexities of this character. Academy scholars often juxtapose Raffles’ charismatic persona with Victorian values on morality and crime, acknowledging Hornung’s skill in balancing charm with tension (Knight, S. ‘Crime Fiction, 1800–2000: Detection, Death, Diversity, ‘ 2004). While Hornung’s Raffles series overshadowed his other works, his contributions to the crime fiction genre have cemented his place in literary history. Hornung’s narrative style, characterized by suspense and wit, reflects a keen insight into the societal norms of his time, often embodying themes of loyalty, adventure, and the question of what constitutes true justice. Critics and fans alike praise Hornung for his seamless blending of light-hearted adventures with darker existential undertones, making his work both entertaining and thought-provoking (Rowe, J. ‘E.W. Hornung: Creator of Raffles, the Gentleman Thief, ‘ 2015).
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