Books

Doyle, Arthur Conan. THE SHERLOCK HOLMES LONG STORIES: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of Four, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Valley of Fear. 4 Volumes in 1. London: John Murray, (1929). First Edition, first impression. A Near Fine copy in bright red original publisher's cloth, rarely seen this nice. Slightly bowed, 1934 gift inscription to the front free endpaper, some light foxing to the edges, rich red topstain unfaded. In a Near Fine or better Original Priced (7/6) Dust Jacket (a few small edge nicks and a tiny, closed edge tear but otherwise superb with no repair and completely unfaded red lettering to the DJ's spine panel. This important omnibus edition was the first collected printing of the four novels together with a new preface by Doyle. And this example is a truly beautiful collector's copy of the Long Stories, with unfaded red cloth and unfaded red lettering to the dust jacket spine. Acquiring this particular copy of THE SHERLOCK LONG STORIES omnibus means getting a book which is likely fifty times rarer in terms of condition, for three-times the retail of the inevitable mediocre copy.

"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.