From the foggy streets of Victorian London to the heights of the Reichenbach Falls, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes continues to captivate readers more than a century after his first appearance.
The Timeless World of The Immortal Detective
As both a literary phenomenon and a cultural icon, the great detective’s adventures represent some of the most influential works in crime fiction. This article delves into Arthur Conan Doyle's extensive body of work, including the rich collection of Holmes stories and novels that have enthralled generations of readers worldwide.
The Birth of a Legend: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and His Creation
Born in Edinburgh in 1859, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a physician whose true legacy would be found not in medicine but in literature. Though Doyle was a prolific writer who produced science fiction, historical novels, and poetry, it was his creation of a brilliant detective and his loyal companion that would secure his place in literary history.
Conan Doyle's broader contributions to literature began with the world first meeting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in “A Study in Scarlet” (1887), a novel that introduced readers to 221B Baker Street and Holmes’s remarkable deductive abilities. This was followed by “The Sign of Four” (1890), which brought the character of Mary Morstan into Watson’s life while showcasing Holmes’s forensic science techniques that were revolutionary for their time.
The Short Stories: Where Holmes Truly Flourished
While the novels established Holmes, it was in the short stories published in The Strand Magazine where the detective truly came to life. Beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891, which introduced the only woman to ever outwit Holmes—Irene Adler—Doyle crafted a series of cases that demonstrated the detective's extraordinary talents.
"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1892) collected the first twelve short stories, including classics like "The Red-Headed League" and "The Speckled Band." These tales solidified the character's popularity, with Sidney Paget's illustrations giving readers their first visual impression of the detective.
"The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (1893) followed with more complex cases and introduced two significant characters: Holmes's brother Mycroft and his nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. The collection concluded with "The Final Problem," where Holmes apparently plunged to his death at the Reichenbach Falls alongside Moriarty.
Resurrection and Later Cases
Public demand led Doyle to resurrect his character in “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1901-1902), a novel set before Holmes’s apparent death. The success of this tale of mystery on the moors convinced Doyle to bring Holmes back permanently in “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” (1903-1904), explaining that the detective had faked his death to fool his enemies.
The Sherlock Holmes stories continued with “His Last Bow” (1908-1917), a collection that includes Holmes’s patriotic service before the First World War. The final authorized collection, “The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes” (1921-1927), completed the canon with twelve additional stories, including “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” and “The Adventure of the Three Gables.”
The Holmes Legacy in Chronological Order
For those wishing to follow Holmes’s career from beginning to end, a recommended reading order might differ from publication dates. Starting with “A Study in Scarlet” and “The Sign of Four,” readers can then proceed through the short story collections. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “The Valley of Fear,” though published later, actually take place earlier in Holmes’s timeline.
While the canonical works are essential, there are also numerous other stories written by different authors that explore Holmes' character in various ways.
The Cultural Impact
The influence of Sherlock Holmes extends far beyond the four novels and 56 short stories written by Doyle. The character has appeared in countless adaptations for film, television, and other media, with each generation discovering new aspects of the detective's appeal.
Holmes's methods revolutionized crime fiction, establishing tropes and techniques that authors still employ today. His application of observation and deduction to solve seemingly impossible cases demonstrated the power of rational thinking in an era that was still embracing the scientific method.
Why Holmes Endures
What makes these stories continue to resonate with modern readers? Beyond the compelling mysteries, it's the relationship between Holmes and Watson that provides the emotional core of the tales. Their friendship—the brilliant, sometimes difficult detective and his loyal, pragmatic companion—offers a dynamic that feels as authentic today as it did in Victorian London.
Furthermore, the stories present a world where order can be restored through intellect and perseverance—where even the most baffling crimes can be solved by a great mind. In an increasingly complex world, there's comfort in following Holmes as he untangles each mystery with his remarkable powers of observation.
For those who have yet to discover the original Sherlock Holmes books, an extraordinary literary adventure awaits. From the mysterious hound haunting the Baskervilles to the twisted schemes of Professor Moriarty, these tales continue to set the standard for detective fiction and remain as engaging today as when they first emerged from the imagination of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherlock Holmes Books
What is the best Sherlock Holmes book to read first?
For newcomers to Sherlock Holmes, "A Study in Scarlet" is the ideal starting point as it introduces both Holmes and Watson and establishes their relationship. Alternatively, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" collection provides an excellent introduction through shorter, more accessible stories like "A Scandal in Bohemia" and "The Red-Headed League."
How many Sherlock Holmes books did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle write?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a total of 60 Sherlock Holmes stories: 4 novels and 56 short stories. The novels are "A Study in Scarlet," "The Sign of Four," "The Hound of the Baskervilles," and "The Valley of Fear." The short stories were published in five collections.
In what order should I read the Sherlock Holmes books?
While you can enjoy the stories in any order, many readers prefer to follow publication order, starting with "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Sign of Four," followed by the short story collections: "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes," "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," "His Last Bow," and "The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes."
Did Sherlock Holmes actually die at Reichenbach Falls?
No, although Doyle initially intended to kill off Holmes in "The Final Problem" (1893) at the Reichenbach Falls, he later resurrected the character due to public demand. In "The Adventure of the Empty House," Holmes reveals he survived the confrontation with Moriarty and had been traveling the world in secret.
Who is Professor Moriarty?
Professor James Moriarty is Holmes's archenemy, described by Holmes as the "Napoleon of crime." Despite only appearing directly in two stories ("The Final Problem" and "The Valley of Fear"), Moriarty's influence looms large in the Holmes canon as the criminal mastermind who nearly defeats the great detective.
Who is Irene Adler and why is she important?
Irene Adler appears in just one story, "A Scandal in Bohemia," but she makes a lasting impression as the only woman who ever outwitted Holmes. He refers to her simply as "the woman," and her intelligence and cunning earn his profound respect, making her one of the most memorable characters in the series.
What are the most famous Sherlock Holmes stories?
Among the most celebrated Sherlock Holmes stories are "The Hound of the Baskervilles," "A Scandal in Bohemia," "The Speckled Band," "The Red-Headed League," and "The Final Problem." "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is often considered Doyle's masterpiece in the Holmes canon.
Why did Conan Doyle try to kill off Sherlock Holmes?
Doyle attempted to kill off Holmes because he felt the character was overshadowing his other literary work, which he considered more significant. He once remarked that Holmes "takes my mind from better things," as he wished to focus on his historical novels. The public outcry was so great, however, that he eventually relented and brought Holmes back.
What is the significance of 221B Baker Street?
221B Baker Street is the famous London address where Holmes and Watson live and where Holmes conducts his consulting detective practice. It has become one of the most famous fictional addresses in literature and is now home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London, despite not being a real address when Doyle was writing.
How did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's medical background influence the Holmes stories?
Doyle's training as a physician significantly influenced the Holmes stories. Watson is portrayed as a medical doctor, and Holmes's scientific methods of observation, deduction, and forensic techniques were revolutionary for fiction of that era. Doyle's medical mentor, Dr. Joseph Bell, is widely considered to be the inspiration for Holmes's observational skills.
