E. W. Hornung (1866–1921) was a British author best known for his Creation of the gentleman thief A. J. Raffles. His series of short stories about Raffles, starting with "The Amateur Cracksman," gained widespread popularity in the late 19th century. Hornung's works are notable for their unique blend of genteel Life and criminal enterprise, providing a Counterpoint to the detective Fiction of his brother-in-Law, Arthur Conan Doyle. Through his engaging storytelling and complex characters, Hornung left a lasting Impact on the Genre of Crime fiction.
Anecdotes
- Created a gentleman thief character to rival Sherlock Holmes, who was his brother-in-law's creation. Traveled to Australia, which inspired much of his writing. Volunteered in France during World War I, establishing recreational huts for Soldiers.
- Once tutored Oscar Wilde's son, who credited him with inspiring his own literary pursuits.
- Created the character A.J. Raffles, an iconic gentleman thief, as a playful counter to Sherlock Holmes, whom he admired through his brother-in-law, Arthur Conan Doyle.
Magnitudes
- Embrace unconventional paths to captivate audiences.
- Embrace the shadows of your character.
- Seek inspiration in unconventional, daring places.
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