At Large

E. W. Hornung

2021년 10월 · Otbebookpublishing

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Excerpt: "A hooded wagon was creeping across a depressing desert in the middle of Australia; layers of boxes under the hood, and of brass-handled, mahogany drawers below the boxes, revealed the licensed hawker of the bush. Now, the hawker out there is a very extensive development of his prototype here at home; he is Westbourne Grove on wheels, with the prices of Piccadilly, W. But these particular providers were neither so universal nor so exorbitant as the generality of their class. There were but two of them; they drove but two horses; and sat shoulder to shoulder on the box. The afternoon was late; all day the horses had been crawling, for the track was unusually heavy. There had been recent rains; red mud clogged the wheels at every yard, and clung to them in sticky tires. Little pools had formed all over the plain; and westward, on the off-side of the wagon, these pools caught the glow of the setting sun, and filled with flame. Far over the horses' ears a long low line of trees was visible; otherwise the plain was unbroken; you might ride all day on these plains and descry no other horse nor man."

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Ernest William Hornung, born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, is best remembered for his creation of the gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Hornung's literary career is marked by his innovative twist on the crime genre, where he inverted the traditional detective story by making his protagonist a charming and morally ambiguous criminal. This subversive approach not only captivated readers but also influenced contemporary writers, including his brother-in-law, Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.Hornung's life was as adventurous as his fiction. He spent significant time in Australia, which profoundly influenced his writing and provided a rich backdrop for many of his stories. His experiences Down Under lent authenticity and vibrancy to his narratives, setting him apart from his peers.A notable controversy in Hornung's career was the ethical ambiguity of his hero, Raffles. At a time when literature often depicted clear moral dichotomies, Hornung's character blurred the lines between right and wrong, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of morality and justice.Hornung's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his works paved the way for the anti-heroes and complex characters that populate modern literature. His exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the duality of human nature resonates with contemporary audiences, making his contributions to literature both timeless and revolutionary.E.W. Hornung's legacy is one of daring innovation and profound impact, ensuring his place in the annals of literary history.