THE COMPLETE RAFFLES SERIES – 45+ Short Stories & A Novel in One Volume

THE COMPLETE RAFFLES SERIES – 45+ Short Stories & A Novel in One Volume offers an unparalleled exploration into the early 20th-century literary landscape, through the lens of adventure and crime. This collection embodies a rich tapestry of themes, notably the complex interplay between morality and society, underpinned by the thrilling exploits of the gentleman thief, Raffles. The range of literary styles across the series showcases the versatility of the authors, blending humor, suspense, and a critical examination of Edwardian England's class distinctions. The anthology not only preserves the essence of the period's genre fiction but elevates it, offering standout pieces that have influenced generations of writers in the crime and adventure genres. The contributing authors, John Kendrick Bangs and E. W. Hornung, bring to the collection a depth of literary prowess and a nuanced understanding of their era's social dynamics. Hornung, famously known as the brother-in-law of Arthur Conan Doyle, diverges from the detective narrative to sympathize with the 'gentleman criminal,' creating a counter-narrative to the era's moral tales. Their collective works navigate the underbelly of London society, providing a canvas that reflects broader cultural and literary movements of the time, including questions of identity, legality, and societal roles. This anthology is a must-read for enthusiasts of crime and adventure literature, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the complexities and novelties of Edwardian era narratives through a diverse collection of stories. Readers are invited to traverse the shadowy streets of London alongside Raffles, delving into questions of morality, social stratification, and the allure of the criminal underworld. This volume not only celebrates the genre's historical roots but also encourages a dialogue between the stories and contemporary readers, fostering an appreciation for the nuanced layers of human behavior and societal expectations.

John Kendrick Bangs (1862–1922) was an American author, humorist, editor, and satirist, renowned for his idiosyncratic blend of comedic fantasy and nonsensical escapism. His contributions to the landscape of American literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by a unique literary style that combined wit and whimsy to charm his readers. Bangs penned several books across different genres but is best known for his creation of the 'Bangsian fantasy' genre—a niche of storytelling that revolves around the concept of the afterlife being similar to the social world of the living, wherein famous historical characters interact in whimsical scenarios. His mastery of this genre is exemplified in his series of stories about Raffles Holmes, the son of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis Raffles, which has been compiled in 'THE COMPLETE RAFFLES SERIES – 45+ Short Stories & A Novel in One Volume.' His contribution to the canon of detective fiction is noted for its light-heartedness and continues to entertain readers with its clever plots and engaging dialogue. Bangs served as the editor of several magazines including Harper's Weekly, and his legacy in the literary world persists through the ongoing enjoyment and study of his extensive body of work.