A Thief in the Night A Book of Raffles' Adventures

by E. W. Hornung

Overview

A Thief in the Night is a 1905 collection of short stories by E. W. Hornung. The stories feature Hornung's popular character A. J. Raffles. It was the third book in the series, and the final collection of short stories. In it, Raffles, a gentleman thief, commits a number of burglaries in late Victorian England. A full-length Raffles novel, Mr. Justice Raffles, would follow in 1909.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783985315673
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	10/08/2021
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	148
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Ernest William Hornung, born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, is best remembered for his creation of the gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Hornung's literary career is marked by his innovative twist on the crime genre, where he inverted the traditional detective story by making his protagonist a charming and morally ambiguous criminal. This subversive approach not only captivated readers but also influenced contemporary writers, including his brother-in-law, Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.Hornung's life was as adventurous as his fiction. He spent significant time in Australia, which profoundly influenced his writing and provided a rich backdrop for many of his stories. His experiences Down Under lent authenticity and vibrancy to his narratives, setting him apart from his peers.A notable controversy in Hornung's career was the ethical ambiguity of his hero, Raffles. At a time when literature often depicted clear moral dichotomies, Hornung's character blurred the lines between right and wrong, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of morality and justice.Hornung's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his works paved the way for the anti-heroes and complex characters that populate modern literature. His exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the duality of human nature resonates with contemporary audiences, making his contributions to literature both timeless and revolutionary.E.W. Hornung's legacy is one of daring innovation and profound impact, ensuring his place in the annals of literary history.
Ernest William Hornung (7 June 1866 – 22 March 1921) was an English author and poet known for writing the A. J. Raffles series of stories about a gentleman thief in late 19th-century London. Hornung was educated at Uppingham School; as a result of poor health he left the school in December 1883 to travel to Sydney, where he stayed for two years. He drew on his Australian experiences as a background when he began writing, initially short stories and later novels.