Books

London: Newnes, 1892-4. Newnes 1894, 1892. Two volumes, both first editions, first issues. Original light and dark blue cloth with gilt lettering and Strand Library design on upper covers and gilt labels on spine. A very good set. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' First edition, first printing. Published by George Newnes Limited in London, 1892. This is a very good copy. The true first issue, with the street sign blank on the front cover, the misspelling of 'Cocaine' ('Cucaine') on page 133 and 'Miss Violet Hunter' ('Violent') on page 317. The boards are generally bright and presentable, but the gilt titling and black 'Strand Library' stamp are faded. The spine is moderately tight, but suffers from rubbing at the top and tail, fading again to the 'Strand Library' stamp and the gilt titling. There is a small tear at the tail end of the spine. The corners are sharp, but slightly frayed. The gilt text side text block is bright…

"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.