Books

London: George Newnes, 1892. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. [And:] The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. London: George Newnes, 1892. Full Description: DOYLE, A[rthur] Conan. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. London: George Newnes, 1892. First edition, first issue (in the binding with no name on the street sign in The Strand Library device on front cover and the misprint "Violent Hunter" for "Violet Hunter" on page 317). Large octavo (9 1/4 x 6 3/8 inches; 235 x 162 mm). [4], 317, [1, printer’s imprint], [2, blank] pp. With 104 illustrations by Sidney Paget in the text. Original light blue cloth over beveled boards. Front cover and spine blocked and lettered in gilt and black. All edges gilt. Gray flower and leaf endpapers. Inner hinges cracked but holding. Edges, head and tail of the spine and corners very minorly rubbed and bumped. Spine lightly sunned and rubbed. Cloth lightly soiled. Text is very clean. Overall, very good. [Together with:] DOYLE, A[rthur] Conan. The…

"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.