Customer Reviews

Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman (Fingerprint Books)

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E.W. Hornung was Arthur Conan Doyle's brother-in-law, and wrote his stories of Raffles, Gentleman Thief, as a counter to the more famous Sherlock Holmes.

A.J. Raffles is a gentleman: educated at Cambridge, living at The Albany (elegant bachelor quarters in the West End), is a wine connoisseur, and is one of the most talented cricketers in England (and, as such, is invited to the 'best' homes). He is also lithe, handsome and, using those attributes, is an extraordinary cat-burglar. He takes Bunny Manders, who fagged for him at school, under his wing when Bunny was in trouble and asks Raffles for help. They become friends for life, and their devotion and love for one another is a touching hallmark of the entire series.

Like Dr. Watson, Bunny chronicles Raffles' escapades and assists in the crimes. They live in relative luxury off the proceeds, and enjoy the thrill of the chase and ingenuity of their thefts. They have a certain morality where this is concerned: they do not rob from the hosts of the houses to which they are invited.

They steal an ancient gold cup from the British Museum for the thrill but, as there is no chance of displaying or fencing such a known piece, Raffles wraps it carefully and sends it through the Royal Mail to Victoria, 'the greatest monarch on earth', for her Diamond Jubilee.

Nicely written in elegant Victorian English, with a surprisingly modern feel and sensibility, along with the older and more quait senses of honor and courtesy. Raffles and Bunny are one the sweetest couples and partnerships in literature.