The Amateur Cracksman is a collection of short stories written by E. W. Hornung, first published in 1899. The book features the character of A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief who steals from the rich and gives to himself. The stories follow Raffles and his accomplice, Bunny Manders, as they plan and execute daring heists, while also trying to avoid detection by the police. The book is set in Victorian-era London and offers a glimpse into the high society of the time, as well as the criminal underworld. Each story is a standalone adventure, but they are interconnected by the recurring characters and themes of crime, deception, and adventure. Hornung's writing style is witty and engaging, with a strong emphasis on character development and dialogue. The book is considered a classic of the crime fiction genre and has inspired numerous adaptations in film, television, and radio. Overall, The Amateur Cracksman is a thrilling and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys tales of daring heists and charming rogues.""Do you prefer the alternative?"" asked my companion, with a sneer. ""No, hang it, that's unfair!"" he cried apologetically in the same breath. ""I quite understand. It's a beastly ordeal. But it would never do for you to stay outside. I tell you what, you shall have a peg before we start--just one.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.