page_title: The Amateur Cracksman
section_title: Contents
hierarchical_section_title: The Amateur Cracksman / Contents
caption_attribution_description: English: Images from the book, The Amateur Cracksman, written by E. W. Hornung and illustrated by F. C. Yohn
context_page_description: The Amateur Cracksman is an 1899 short story collection by E. W. Hornung. It was published in the UK by Methuen & Co., London, and in the US by Scribner's, New York.
  It was the original short story collection by Hornung, featuring his most famous character, A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief in late Victorian Great Britain. The book was very well received and spawned three follow-ups: two more short story collections, The Black Mask and A Thief in the Night, as well as a full-length novel, Mr. Justice Raffles.
context_section_description: "The Ides of March" – Raffles initiates Bunny into his profession, taking him along as an accomplice.
  "A Costume Piece" – Raffles schemes to steal diamonds from the millionaire Reuben Rosenthall.
  "Gentlemen and Players" – While in the countryside to play a cricket match, Raffles and Bunny are surprised to discover Inspector Mackenzie of Scotland Yard there, attempting to thwart an expected burglary.
  "Le Premier Pas" – Raffles recounts his first felony, committed in Australia.
  "Wilful Murder" – Becoming aware that a dealer has discovered his real identity, Raffles proceeds to his house with the intention of murdering him.
  "Nine Points of the Law" – Raffles and Bunny are tasked by a lawyer to extricate a rare picture, bound for Australia.
  "The Return Match" – Raffles expects a visit from a recently escaped convict.
  "The Gift of the Emperor" – Raffles and Bunny board a vessel carrying a famous pearl as a diplomatic gift.
caption: Raffles, 1905 frontispiece by F. C. Yohn
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