Books

3 vols., 8vo., First Edition thus, with numerous illustrations in the text, some light and occasional age-spotting to text; original publisher's binding of pictorial blue cloth, upper boards and backstrips blocked and lettered in gilt and black, expertly recased with hand-made endpapers, backstrips mildly faded (but all gilt wholly legible), a very good, bright, clean, firm set. FIRST APPEARANCE OF 'THE MEMOIRS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES'. The twelve immortal tales comprise: Silver Blaze; The Cardboard Box; The Yellow Face; The Stockbroker's Clerk; The Gloria Scott; The Musgrave Ritual; The Reigate Squires; The Crooked Man; The Resident Patient; The Greek Interpreter; The Naval Treaty; The Final Problem. The Memoirs were collected in book form in December 1893, excepting 'The Cardboard Box' which was not so published until 'His Last Bow' in 1917. Several of Paget's iconic illustrations were omitted from the book version, and those for 'The Cardboard Box' were never reprinted. SCARCE. Green & Gibson, p.73-75.

"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.