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London: George Newnes, Limited, 1894. First Edition. A most compelling copy of this Haycraft-Queen Cornerstone, owned by the heiress to the Pinkerton fortune. Mary "May" Pinkerton was the daughter of Allan Pinkerton – abolitionist, detective, spy, and founder of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. She married Jay Carlisle, a stockbroker and Governor of the American Stock Exchange during the 1929 crash. They were both avid collectors – Mary of books and antiques, Jay of hounds and horses – and they built their estate, called "Rosemary," in East Islip, Long Island. After they died eight months apart in 1938, the estate was demolished, and the contents of the home were auctioned off by Sotheby Parke Bernet. Conan Doyle was deeply intrigued with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and its operatives. It was during a trans-Atlantic journey that he met William Pinkerton (Allan Pinkerton's son), who regaled the author with stories of James McPartland, a Pinkerton agent whose…

"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.