Under Two Skies (ePub)

Ernest William Hornung, better known as E. W. Hornung, made his distinctive mark in the literary world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, he crafted a niche for himself as a writer with a penchant for tales of adventure and crime. Hornung is perhaps most renowned for the creation of A. J. Raffles, a gentleman thief who first appeared in 'The Amateur Cracksman' in 1899, a character often considered the antithesis of his brother-in-law Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Beyond Raffles, Hornung's oeuvre encompassed a variety of genres. His 1890 publication 'Under Two Skies' brought together a collection of tales that highlighted his narrative versatility and ability to capture readers with his evocative descriptions and vibrant characters. His literary style often reveals deep psychological insights and social commentaries, stretching beyond mere entertainment to subtle examinations of the human condition and the social fabric of his time. Although Hornung's work received varied critical attention, his contribution to English literature, especially in the arena of crime fiction, remains significant. He passed away on March 22, 1921, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to engage and intrigue readers and scholars alike.