Books

1902. London: George Newnes Ltd. 1902. 8vo. Original red cloth, gilt designs to upper cover and spine; upper edge red, pp. viii, 359; a very good copy of a fragile work, slight browning to end paper and a tiny worm hole to back end paper, but otherwise a remarkably well-preserved copy often found rubbed. First edition, this copy with the upper edge stained red, possibly intended for export. A book that needs almost no introduction, the Hound of the Baskervilles is Sherlock Holmes at his most iconic. Produced as a matter of necessity to sate the slavering Victorian public after Conan Doyle killed off the detective at the Reichenbach Falls in 1893 in "The Final Problem", the Hound originally was serialised in the Strand Magazine before finally appearing in this instantly recognisable book form. Battling between themes of the rational and the supernatural, The Hound of the Baskervilles sees Holmes testing his famous intellectual faith in fact as he is called on to investigate a…

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring the iconic duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Set in the eerie and desolate moors of Devonshire, the story revolves around the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the haunting legend of a spectral hound that terrorizes the Baskerville family. Dr. Mortimer, a family friend, seeks Holmes' help to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sir Charles' death. The legend of a curse linked to the Baskerville family history further complicates the case. Holmes sends Watson to Baskerville Hall to protect Sir Henry Baskerville, Sir Charles' heir, who has arrived from Canada to inherit the estate. Upon arriving at the isolated Baskerville Hall, Watson encounters an atmosphere shrouded in superstition and fear. He begins investigating the peculiar events surrounding Sir Charles' demise. Strange occurrences and sightings of a ghostly hound contribute to the atmosphere of dread, seemingly validating the curse's existence. Watson observes the interactions between Sir Henry, the locals, and the household staff, all of whom seem to harbor secrets. His investigations lead him to suspect Stapleton, a neighbor, and his sister, who live nearby and exhibit suspicious behavior. Throughout the narrative, Doyle skillfully builds tension and mystery. Holmes, working behind the scenes, eventually reveals his presence in the area. Employing his astute deductive reasoning, Holmes unravels the truth behind the legend of the hound and the series of events plaguing the Baskervilles. The resolution exposes a tale of greed, jealousy, and revenge, with Stapleton plotting to eliminate the Baskervilles to claim the estate. The supposed spectral hound is revealed to be a trained and vicious dog used to execute Stapleton's nefarious plans. Holmes, with his logical deductions and acute observations, saves Sir Henry from the same fate as his relatives, ultimately thwarting Stapleton's malevolent scheme. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" stands out as a masterful detective story, showcasing Holmes' brilliant intellect and deductive prowess. The novel's atmospheric setting, suspenseful plot, and the interplay between logical deduction and supernatural elements contribute to its status as one of Doyle's most celebrated works in the Sherlock Holmes series.