Books

8vo 8" - 9" tall; 320 pages; 1st American edition in dust jacket. 1st state copy with the Doran colophon on the copyright page; bound in light brown cloth with title lettering in red. In the 2nd state dust jacket with review notices on the rear panel. Cloth pulled and frayed at crown of spine, less so at the foot. Boards lightly bruised and rubbed at corners with cloth thinning at tips and incipient fray at the top front corners. Title lettering dulled but clear at spine. Binding sound if a little shaken. Dust jacket generally very good with bold pictorial elements and title lettering. A closed tear from the top edge of the front panel extends about 3 1/2 inches vertically along the spine edge. A few short closed tears and nicks at edges. Mild surface rub to the front panel and light soiling to the predominantly white spine and rear panels. Uncommon 1st edition in 2nd state dust jacket. G+/VG-.

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is a collection of twelve short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1892. The stories feature Sherlock Holmes, a brilliant consulting detective, and his friend and chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson. Set in Victorian London, each narrative presents a unique mystery for Holmes to solve, showcasing his remarkable deductive reasoning skills and attention to detail. The collection begins with "A Scandal in Bohemia," where Holmes is tasked with recovering compromising photographs of the King of Bohemia and his former lover, Irene Adler. The subsequent stories include mysteries ranging from stolen jewels ("The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle") to mysterious disappearances ("The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb") and perplexing coded messages ("The Adventure of the Dancing Men"). In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Holmes investigates the death of a young woman and uncovers a venomous snake used as a murder weapon. "The Adventure of the Red-Headed League" involves a bizarre scheme to distract a pawnbroker. Meanwhile, in "The Adventure of the Final Problem," Holmes faces his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, in a deadly confrontation at the Reichenbach Falls. Throughout these stories, Watson narrates the tales, highlighting Holmes' brilliant deductions, logical reasoning, and mastery of disguise. Each mystery is intricately woven, providing readers with a thrilling blend of suspense, intelligence, and unexpected twists. Conan Doyle's vivid portrayal of Victorian London, along with the dynamic between Holmes and Watson, captivates readers as they navigate the criminal underworld, encountering various characters and engaging in thrilling adventures. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" remains a cornerstone of detective fiction, laying the foundation for the archetype of the astute detective. Doyle's ingenious storytelling and the enduring appeal of Holmes' intellect continue to resonate with readers, solidifying the collection's place in literary history as a timeless classic.