Books

London: George Newnes Ltd, 1894. First editions. Very Good. Original blue publisher's cloth bindings stamped in gilt and black. All edges gilt. Handsome, Very Good copies overall. Inner hinges expertly tightened in both volumes. Adventures with all first edition points including blank sign on the front board, and "Miss Violent" uncorrected on page 317. Crease running up the spine of Adventures and a contemporary owner's name on the half-title. Light to moderate foxing in both volumes. Containing the earliest twelve stories in a series that would make author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his investigator character infamous. Told from the perspective of Sherlock Holmes' loyal side-kick Mr. Watson, the stories fit within the field of Victorian literature that used fiction to comment on social injustice. Relying unflappably on logic to uncover the truth at the base of each case he confronts, Sherlock Holmes encourages readers to think past their own biases and prejudices when assigning…

"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.