E. W. HORNUNG — A THIEF IN THE NIGHT— Scribner’s (1906)

Description: E. W. HORNUNGA THIEF IN THE NIGHTScribner’s (1906) Art by CYRUS CUNEOFurther Adventures of A. J. RAFFLES, cricketer and cracksman CONDITION: acceptable, but no jacket, some light stains. It’s old, of course, and originally had uncut pages, but the top is smooth. The frontispiece partially ripped out but still bound (loosely). One of the other 7 illustrations is missing; the others are present and bound. Dated 1906 (©1905), this would seem to be the first American edition. Anyone know for certain? Commentaries on line: E.W. Hornung (1866-1921), was the brother-in-law of Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the world’s greatest detective, Sherlock Homes. It’s believed that Hornung took up writing to tweak the nose of his brother-in-law. Hornung created A.J. Raffles, a bit of a rogue, playboy, famous cricket player, gentleman jewel thief, and socialite, but by night a safe-cracker. A Thief in the Night is a series of short stories as told from the point of view of Bunny, Raffles' friend and compatriot in crime, each story describing a particular caper and how it was accomplished. Bunny, every bit as complicit in the several crimes detailed, always comes across as an earnest Barney Fife character: somewhat incompetent but dependable in his specific competencies and lack thereof. Raffles constructs his capers keeping in mind how Bunny is likely to (re)act. Bunny is just smart enough to recognize that Raffles has done this and usually takes offense, but Raffles, ever demonstrating the silver tongue, soothes Bunny's feelings and makes his capabilities seem a plus. This was another grouping of short stories featuring A.J. Raffles and Harry "Bunny" Manders. These stories take place in-between and around the other two books. I continued to enjoy the relationship between Bunny and Raffles. Bunny is an interesting character because he enjoys the high from committing crime but then he has regrets and lots of guilt. Plus he craves Raffles approval and attention and he gets both by going along on these capers. Raffles in most of the stories seems very carefree and seems to be chasing the high that comes with outsmarting others. He is very lackadaisical about his crimes except for a couple of the later ones where he expresses regrets and wants to make amends. And now I have to go back and read The Amateur Cracksman, because I started with A Thief in the Night, and I felt like I had missed half the story so far, and gentlemen thieves are just what I need to be reading more about. More Raffles tales, narrated by our stalwart, Bunny, with plenty of action, adventures, and near catastrophes. I am particular fond of the visit to the Black Museum, and an unexpected bit of closure for our dear Bunny. ______________________ {I'll always combine shipping costs and refund any excess shipping charges for multiple-copy book orders.}For all "buy it now" items, please use ADD TO CART if you plan to order more than one item at the same time.______________ WOW! I wrote a book!!! — Come on! Take a look!! ———Just go here:http://www.ebay.com/itm/CTHULHU'S-COUSINS-and-Other-Weirdnesses-W-Paul-Ganley-Wildside-Press-2016-/255154711891?hash=item3ace43fc32 ___________________________________________________________Want to look at my other fantasy & mystery offerings (including Brian Lumley first editions)? CLICK HERE(and if you like what you see there, why not bookmark it for future visits!)

Price: 17.5 USD

Location: Buffalo, New York

End Time: 2024-10-01T15:20:37.000Z

Shipping Cost: 5.2 USD