The Amateur Cracksman
The narrative follows the exploits of a gentleman thief, Raffles, and his friend Bunny, who becomes embroiled in a series of criminal adventures. The story begins with Bunny, who is in dire financial straits after losing money at baccarat. In desperation, he seeks out Raffles, a former schoolmate known for his charm and cunning. Raffles, intrigued by Bunny's plight, decides to help him, leading them into a world of crime. Their first significant heist involves breaking into a jeweler's shop, where Raffles demonstrates his skills as a burglar. The duo successfully steals a large sum of jewelry, but the thrill of their crime is tempered by Bunny's growing moral unease. Raffles, however, revels in the excitement and danger of their lifestyle. As they continue their criminal activities, they encounter various challenges, including the threat of being caught by the police. Raffles's audacity and resourcefulness often save them from dire situations, but Bunny's conscience begins to weigh heavily on him. He grapples with the implications of their actions and the potential consequences of their lifestyle. The plot thickens with the introduction of a wealthy client, Sir Bernard Debenham, who seeks Raffles's help in recovering a stolen painting. The painting, a valuable Velasquez, has been sold to a Queensland legislator, and Sir Bernard is desperate to retrieve it without scandal. Raffles sees this as an opportunity for another heist, and Bunny reluctantly agrees to assist him. As they plan their next move, tensions rise. Raffles's confidence clashes with Bunny's growing apprehension about their criminal endeavors. The narrative explores themes of morality, friendship, and the allure of a life of crime, culminating in a series of thrilling escapades that test their limits and challenge their values. Ultimately, the story reflects on the nature of crime and the complexities of human relationships, as Bunny grapples with his loyalty to Raffles and his desire for a more honest life. The tension between their criminal exploits and Bunny's moral dilemmas creates a compelling narrative that examines the consequences of their choices and the bonds of friendship that endure despite the darkness of their actions.
By E.w. Hornung · First published 1899 · Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Adventure · 8 chapters · 64,504 words
First lines
CHAPTER I
It was half-past twelve when I returned to the Albany as a last desperate resort. The scene of my disaster was much as I had left it. The baccarat-counters still strewed the table, with the empty glasses and the loaded ashtrays. A window had been opened to let the smoke out, and was letting in the fog instead. Raffles himself had merely discarded his dining jacket for one of his innumerable blazers. Yet he arched his eyebrows as though I had dragged him from his bed.
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The Amateur Cracksman is listed on Textopian as a novel by E.w. Hornung, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: E.w. Hornung
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Thriller, Literary Fiction
- Length: 64,504 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 1,373 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Amateur Cracksman by E.w. Hornung
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Thief In The Night by E. W. Hornung
- The Uttermost Farthing by Marie Belloc Lowndes
- The Cristal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc
- The Eye Of Osiris by R. Austin Freeman
- The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung
- The Unprincipled Affair Of The Practical Joker by Dorothy L. Sayers
Genres
- Crime Fiction — The plot revolves around criminal activities and the protagonist's involvement in them.
- Mystery — The narrative includes elements of suspense and the unraveling of criminal schemes.
- Adventure — The protagonist engages in various escapades that involve risk and excitement.
- Thriller — The story contains tension and high stakes associated with criminal acts.
Tags
Crime Fiction · Mystery · Adventure · Thriller · Heist Story · Criminal Protagonist · Amateur Detective · London Setting · Victorian Era · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Poverty and Crime
Contents
- The Ides of March
- A Costume Piece
- Gentlemen and Players
- Le Premier Pas
- Wilful Murder
- Nine Points of the Law
- The Return Match
- The Gift of the Emperor