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The Burglars' Club: A Romance in Twelve Chronicles

Written by Henry Augustus Hering

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About this book

"The Burglars' Club: A Romance in Twelve Chronicles" by Henry Augustus Hering is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative introduces the titular Burglars' Club, a whimsical society of men, chiefly ex-soldiers and sportsmen, who seek excitement through a unique pastime involving urban burglaries as a form of adventure. The reader is initially acquainted with Sir John Carder, an affluent merchant grappling with financial ruin, who inadvertently becomes embroiled with a burglar, setting the stage for unexpected camaraderie and twists of fate. At the start of the tale, Sir John Carder confronts his insolvency alone in his office at the warehouse, contemplating despair with a revolver at hand. Just as he contemplates a final act, a burglar enters, surprising him, and engages in a philosophical conversation, revealing the existence of the Burglars' Club and its peculiar entry fee—committing a burglary. The burglar, possessing a clever and charismatic demeanor, offers Sir John a lifeline by suggesting he could help with his financial troubles through connections with the affluent. This initial encounter blends humor, tension, and intrigue, leading to a farcical situation where both characters must navigate their circumstances together.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Burglars' Club: A Romance in Twelve Chronicles, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • adventurous
  • intriguing

Henry Augustus Hering's "The Burglars' Club" introduces a peculiar early 20th-century society of ex-soldiers and sportsmen who find adventure in non-violent urban burglaries. The narrative begins with Sir John Carder, an affluent merchant facing financial ruin, contemplating suicide until a charismatic burglar interrupts him. This burglar, a member of the titular club, offers Sir John a unique lifeline: membership in the club, contingent on committing a burglary, and a promise of financial assistance through the club's wealthy connections. The story then unfolds as a blend of humor, tension, and intrigue, exploring themes of desperation, unconventional redemption, and the thrill of the illicit.

“"There are fates worse than death, Sir John, and some of them can be found in a balance sheet. But there are also adventures that begin where hope ends."”

Key themes

Adventure and Escapism
This theme is central to the entire premise of the Burglars' Club. It explores the human need for excitement, purpose, and a break from the monotony or despair of conventional life. For ex-soldiers and sportsmen, the 'game' of burglary offers a thrilling substitute for past glories and challenges, providing a unique form of escapism from societal expectations and personal crises.
Redemption and Second Chances
Explores the idea that individuals can find new purpose and overcome dire circumstances through unconventional means. Sir John Carder's journey from the brink of suicide to finding a new community and a solution to his financial woes (albeit through morally ambiguous actions) highlights the possibility of a 'second life' or a 'second chance' outside of societal norms.
Moral Ambiguity and Social Critique
The novel directly engages with the blurred lines of morality, presenting a society of 'gentleman thieves' who commit crimes but adhere to their own code of honor. This challenges conventional morality and subtly critiques the rigid social structures and financial pressures of the early 20th century, suggesting that 'respectable' society can be just as corrupt or soul-crushing as the illicit underworld, or that 'crime' can be redefined by intent and execution.

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How does the novel challenge conventional notions of crime and morality through the concept of 'gentlemanly' burglary?

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