Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman is a darkly comedic crime novel that follows the life of its antihero, Israel Rank, as he embarks on a ruthless quest for power and wealth. Set in early 1900s England, the story explores themes of ambition, social climbing, and the lengths to which one will go to achieve their desires. Rank, driven by a deep resentment towards the aristocracy and English society, resorts to murder and deception to eliminate those who stand in his way. The novel is a sharp satire of class struggle, using irony and psychological drama to examine the morality-or lack thereof-of its protagonist. As Rank manipulates and schemes, the narrative delves into issues of identity, guilt, and conscience, offering a biting critique of the society in which he operates. Horniman’s work is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the darker sides of human nature.