In 'A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief: 27 Crime Tales in One Volume' by E. W. Hornung, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the world of the charming and elusive thief, A. J. Raffles. The book is a collection of 27 crime tales that showcase Raffles' clever schemes and daring heists, all written in a suspenseful and engaging literary style reminiscent of classic detective fiction. The stories are set in the late 19th century, capturing the essence of the era's fascination with crime and mystery. Hornung's attention to detail and intricate plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. E. W. Hornung, the author of this captivating collection, was a prolific writer with a background in both fiction and journalism. His own experiences and observations of society likely inspired the creation of the enigmatic character of A. J. Raffles. Hornung's deep understanding of human nature and his ability to craft compelling narratives make 'A. J. Raffles' a must-read for fans of classic crime fiction and mystery novels. I highly recommend 'A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief' to anyone who enjoys a good mystery story with a charismatic anti-hero at its center. Hornung's writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this collection a timeless classic in the world of detective fiction.

Ernest William Hornung, commonly known as E. W. Hornung (1866-1921), was an English author and poet known best for his creation of the gentleman thief character A. J. Raffles. In his celebrated book 'A. J. Raffles, A Gentleman-Thief: 27 Crime Tales in One Volume,' Hornung masterfully combined the elements of crime and mystery with the sophisticated charm of his protagonist, offering a counterpoint to his brother-in-law Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Hornung's Raffles stories, penned at the turn of the 20th century, remain a seminal work in the genre of crime fiction and have influenced a plethora of writers in exploring the moral complexities of their characters. Hornung's literary style is marked by a deft narrative touch, a richly descriptive milieu of Victorian and Edwardian England, and an exploration of the gentlemanly veneer over the criminal underworld. Although Raffles remains his most famous creation, Hornung wrote numerous other novels and plays, and his contribution to English literature was significant. Over the course of his career, he painted a vivid picture of the era's social landscapes and internal moral conflicts, earning his place amongst the distinguished writers of his time.