Books

London, George Newnes Jan-Dec.1906. The complete Puck in parts; FIRST APPEARANCE, preceeding the edition in book-form. Original magazine issues; 10 separate parts. Illustrated throughout. Bound in publisher's light blue pictorial wrappers. Some minor chips as expected, some adsverts excised from Feb. and June issues, but generally a very clean, attractive set. Housed in a leather box. Also contains a Sherlockian article, plus pieces by Doyle, Max Pemberton, P.G.Wodehouse, Richard Marsh and E.Nesbit. Kipling's popular series of tales set in different historical eras, including Roman Britain, Anglo-Saxon England, The Norman Conquest, The Middle Ages and the Tudor Period. The stories are all told to two children living near Pevensey, East Sussex, by characters magically plucked out of history by 'Puck'. Traditionally the term 'Puck' referred to a malicious spirit or demon of popular superstition, and from the 16th century the name of a mischevious goblin (or Hobgoblin), similar to that…

"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.