The Amateur Cracksman

The pocket-sized FLAME TREE COLLECTABLE CRIME CLASSICS are chosen to create a delightful and timeless gift library of classic crime and mystery thrillers. Each stunning unabridged edition features deluxe cover treatments, ribbon markers, luxury endpapers and gilded edges.

In this collection of thrilling tales, E.W. Hornung upends the traditions of detective fiction, casting criminal A.J. Raffles as his ignoble hero. First published in 1898 as a series of short stories in Cassell’s Magazine, 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.

A specially commissioned biography of the author and a glossary of Victorian and Literary terms make this new edition essential for all classic crime fans!

Born in Middlesborough, England, author, poet, and journalist Ernest William Hornung (1866–1921) moved to Australia at 17, having suffered from ill health most of his life, in the hopes that his constitution might benefit from the change in climate. Although he only lived there for two years, his experiences there put him on the path of becoming a writer and would inspire his work for years to come, not least A Bride from the Bush (1890), his first novel. Hornung had developed an interest in urban crime and criminal behaviour while working as a journalist during the Jack the Ripper murders, which would permeate his fiction, most notably in the form of Hornung’s most famous character, A.J. Raffles, gentleman thief.

Judith John (glossary) is a writer and editor specializing in literature and history. A former secondary school English Language and Literature teacher, she has subsequently worked as an editor on major educational projects, including English A: Literature for the Pearson International Baccalaureate series. Judith’s major research interests include Romantic and Gothic literature, and Renaissance drama.