Books

London: The Strand Magazine, 1891. Book. Very Good. Cloth. First Edition. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Mixed set of 5 volumes, volumes II through VI, published July 1891 through December, 1893, containing all 12 stories from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and all 12 stories from The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.Volumes II and IV bound in original contemporary brown embossed cloth, Vol. V in contemporary half red morocco over red cloth, with marbled boards and edges, Vol. VI in original illustrated green cloth boards, and Vol. III recently professionally rebound in half black cloth over blue cloth boards, in keeping with the original binding. A Very Good to Near Fine set, lightly scattered toning at end papers throughout, some marginal damping Vol. III not affecting text. Overall a quite handsome set. Also a heavy and oversized set that will require additional postage for priority or international mail..

"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.

Look for the uncorrected text "cucaine" for "cocaine" on page 133 and the misprint Miss "Violent" Hunter on page 317.