In ‘The Tales of A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief’ by E. W. Hornung, readers are introduced to the cunning and adventurous character of A. J. Raffles who leads a double life as a well-respected gentleman by day and a daring thief by night. The book is a collection of thrilling short stories that explore the moral ambiguity of Raffles’ actions, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and wit. Hornung’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, immersing readers into Raffles’ world of high-stakes heists and clever schemes within the late Victorian era. This clever blend of crime fiction and social commentary provides a unique perspective on the concept of the gentleman criminal in literature of the time. E. W. Hornung, as a close associate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, drew inspiration from Doyle’s creation of Sherlock Holmes to craft the character of A. J. Raffles. Hornung’s personal experiences and observations of the societal norms of the era likely influenced his portrayal of Raffles as a complex and enigmatic figure. His deep understanding of human nature and motivations shines through in the intricate character development and plot twists present throughout the book. I highly recommend ‘The Tales of A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief’ to readers who enjoy classic crime fiction with a charismatic and morally ambiguous protagonist. Hornung’s skillful storytelling and vivid depiction of the criminal underworld make this book a captivating and thought-provoking read.
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Ernest William Hornung, more commonly known as E. W. Hornung (1866-1921), was an English author and poet best known for creating the character of A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief in late Victorian London, whose exploits were chronicled in ‘The Amateur Cracksman’ and subsequent stories collected in ‘The Tales of A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief’. Hornung was born into a wealthy family and was educated at Uppingham School; however, he found his calling in literature rather than in business. His contribution to the crime genre was significant; Raffles was designed as a counterpoint to his brother-in-law, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, and featured the same setting and time period, yet focused on the perspective of the criminal instead of the detective. Hornung’s work is characterized by his keen observation of Edwardian society and his ability to infuse his tales with wit and a subtle critique of its values. His creation, Raffles, is among the early antiheroes in English literature, simultaneously being charming, intelligent, and flawed. Hornung’s lesser-known works extend beyond his Raffles stories and include a significant body of other novels and short stories that reflect diverse genres and themes, cementing his place in the literary canon as a versatile and engaging writer. Despite his passing nearly a century ago, his works remain in print and are studied for their contribution to the crime fiction genre and their reflection of societal attitudes in turn-of-the-century England.
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