Books

London: George Newnes, 1891. [Detective short stories] FIRST APPEARANCE of these famous Sherlock Holmes short stories in The Strand Magazine. July 1891 to June 1892. Magazine format in paper covers; twelve issues, complete. Contents clean, with acceptable toning. All covers present. Some expected wear and toning to the fragile wrappers, chips to spine ends, some rubbing and tears. A very good set, housed in a red buckram-covered clamshell box with gilt-lettered black leather title label. The first-ever collection of Sherlock Homes short stories, as serialised in this popular late Victorian literary journal prior to the book-form edition (1892). Such was their popularity, Holmes and Doyle became synonymous with the magazine, and would return for serials of 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes', 'The Hound of The Baskervilles', 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes', 'The Valley of Fear', 'His Last Bow' and 'The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes'. This set includes the classic adventures 'The Red…

"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.