The Amateur Cracksman

The Amateur Cracksman
Author E. W. Hornung
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Series A. J. Raffles
Genre Crime fiction
Publisher Methuen Publishing
Publication date
 1899
Followed by The Black Mask

The Amateur Cracksman was the original short story collection by E. W. Hornung featuring his most famous character, A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief in late Victorian Great Britain. It was first published in 1899. The book was very well received and spawned three follow-ups: two more short story collections, The Black Mask (1901) and A Thief in the Night (1904), as well as a full-length novel, Mr. Justice Raffles in 1909.[1]

Overview

Ananias J. Raffles is a prominent member of London society, and a national sporting hero. As a cricketer he regularly represents England in Test matches. He uses this as cover to commit a number of burglaries, primarily stealing valuable jewelry from the elite of London, for thrill and for profit. In this he is assisted by his friend, the younger Bunny Manders who idealizes Raffles as a sportsman. Both men are constantly under the surveillance of Inspector Mackenzie of Scotland Yard who is always thwarted in his attempts to pin the crimes on Raffles.

Contents

Raffles, 1905 frontispiece by F. C. Yohn
  1. "The Ides of March" – Raffles initiates Bunny into his profession by taking him along as an accomplice.
  2. "A Costume Piece" – Raffles schemes to steal diamonds from the millionaire Reuben Rosenthall.
  3. "Gentlemen and Players" – While in the countryside to play a cricket match, Raffles and Bunny are surprised to discover Inspector Mackenzie of Scotland Yard there, attempting to thwart an expected burglary.
  4. "Le Premier Pas" – Raffles recounts his first felony, committed in Australia.
  5. "Wilful Murder" – On becoming aware that a dealer has discovered his real identity, Raffles proceeds to his house with the intention of murdering him.
  6. "Nine Points of the Law" – Raffles and Bunny are tasked by a lawyer to extricate a rare picture bound for Australia.
  7. "The Return Match" – Raffles expects a visit from a convict who escaped from jail.
  8. "The Gift of the Emperor" – Raffles and Bunny board a vessel carrying a famous pearl as a diplomatic gift.

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Rowland, pages 279-280.
Sources
  • Hornung, E. W. (1899). The Amateur Cracksman. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
  • Rowland, Peter (1999). Raffles and His Creator. London: Nekta Publications. ISBN 0-9533583-2-1.
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