• This edition includes the following editor’s analysis: Can Arthur J. Raffles be compared to Sherlock Holmes?

Originally published in 1898, “The Amateur Cracksman” is a short story collection by E. W. Hornung, and the first one featuring his most famous character, A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief in late Victorian Great Britain.
In this collection, Hornung presents criminal A.J. Raffles as his ignoble hero. “The Amateur Cracksman” follows the exploits of Raffles as he robs Victorian High Society of their riches. A renowned cricket player and London socialite, Raffles is secretly an ingenious master of thievery and disguise. Assisted by friend
Bunny Manders and in constant pursuit by Scotland Yard, this gentleman thief’s escapades are as compelling as they are dastardly.
“The Amateur Cracksman” was very well received and spawned three follow-ups (two short story collections and one novel,
all published by e Pemba Books) where Arthur J. Raffles appears:

• “The Black Mask” (1901, 8 short stories)


• “A Thief in the Night” (1905, 10 short stories)


• “Mr. Justice Raffles” (1909, novel)