Books

[Literary Magazine] FIRST APPEARANCES. Six volumes. Large octavo (24 x 18 x 25cm). Illustrated throughout. Original magazine parts bound in half-yearly volumes. Publisher's cyan cloth with titles in black and gilt to spines, and in black with the 'Strand' street scene to uppers. All edges speckled red, except volumes III and VI, which are gilt. Light occasional spotting throughout. Fly-leaves cancelled to volume V. Moderate general wear to cloth, with some pencil doodles to fly-leaves. Occasional proud or slightly loose gatherings. Very good. Contains the first appearance of the above mentioned Sherlock Holmes stories, plus 'The Adventure of the Cardboard Box' (volume V, 1893) which was not published in book form until 'His Last Bow' (1917). Several of these Holmes stories feature far more illustrations (notably by Sidney Paget) than in book form, and in some (such as 'Cardboard Box ') the illustrations are exclusive to 'The Strand'. In addition, the set includes science fiction from Jules Verne; 'Dr Trifulgas' (volume IV, 1893).

"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.