The Amateur Cracksman

The Amateur Cracksman by E. W. Hornung introduces readers to the charming and cunning A. J. Raffles a gentleman thief who is both well-mannered and highly skilled in the art of burglary. Raffles who resides in London is not the typical criminal. He is suave sophisticated and enjoys the thrill of outsmarting the authorities and wealthy targets. Throughout the novel he reveals his motivations for committing theft—not out of desperation or malice but rather for the excitement and challenge it provides.The novel is structured around Raffles's criminal exploits and his association with the narrator Harry Bunny Manders a former schoolmate who becomes his accomplice and confidante. Bunny is initially introduced as an admirer of Raffles albeit hesitant to fully engage in the world of crime. However his fascination with Raffles's boldness and his ability to escape the law eventually draws him deeper into the thief's world.