Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a renowned British author, is widely known for creating one of the most beloved literary characters of all time - Sherlock Holmes. He was born on 22 May 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland and his works continue to be adapted into various forms of media today. On 7 July 1930, he passed away and was laid to rest in All Saints Churchyard, Minstead.
Doyle came from an Irish Catholic family, with his father Charles Altamont Doyle being a political cartoonist. Due to his father's struggles with alcoholism, the family lived apart for a period of time in Edinburgh. They later reunited in 1867, but lived in poor conditions until Charles' death in 1893.
At the age of 9, Doyle was sent to a Catholic school in Lancashire, England by his wealthy uncles. He went on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh Medical School from 1876 to 1881. During this time, he began writing short stories and published his first one, "The Mystery of Sasassa Valley," in Chambers's Edinburgh Journal in 1879. He also contributed academic articles, with his first being published in the British Medical Journal in 1879.
Doyle's career took a turn when he studied ophthalmology in Vienna in 1891. However, he faced difficulties with understanding German medical terms and had to discontinue. He then traveled to Milan, Venice, and Paris, which greatly influenced his writing.
At the age of 27, Doyle published his first novel featuring Sherlock Holmes, "A Study in Scarlet," in 1887. It introduced the iconic duo of Holmes and Dr. John Watson, with Holmes being inspired by one of Doyle's former university teachers. The book was later accepted for publication by Ward Lock & Co in 1886.
Doyle's most renowned series, the Sherlock Holmes series, consists of six books in the following order:
Aside from the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote in various genres such as plays, non-fiction, romances, and historical novels. He was also awarded a knighthood in 1902 for his work in a field hospital during the Boer War and wrote an informational pamphlet justifying British action in the war.
Doyle's legacy lives on through his iconic characters and captivating storytelling, making him one of the most beloved British authors of all time.
Sherlock Holmes, with his sharp intellect and remarkable detective skills, has become a household name through Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's series of novels and short stories. Let's take a look at some of the most intriguing cases solved by the famous duo of Holmes and Watson.
In this case, Holmes and Watson assist a young woman named Mary Morstan in finding her missing father. As they investigate, they uncover a dark history involving a hidden treasure, a murdered man, and a deceitful son. With Mary's help, they bring justice to her father's memory and solve the case.
Following the success of his previous cases, Sherlock Holmes receives a message from his informant, Fred Porlock, warning about the safety of John Douglas, a wealthy man residing in Birlstone Manor. But before Holmes can act on the information, Douglas is found dead in his home. As Holmes and Watson dive into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of deception, betrayal, and a cunning adversary always one step ahead. Will Holmes be able to outwit his greatest enemy and bring justice to the Douglas family?
The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905) marked the revival of the beloved detective after his presumed death in "The Adventure of the Final Problem" published in "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (1893-1894). This collection of short stories takes readers on various adventures, from unraveling a murder in a moated manor to recovering a stolen jewel to solving the mystery of a bizarre disappearance.
Through these cases, we witness the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes in action as he unravels seemingly impossible mysteries and brings justice to the innocent. Even today, the Sherlock Holmes series continues to enthrall readers, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the world of detective fiction.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927) marked the end of the Sherlock Holmes series, featuring twelve short stories:
Besides the Sherlock Holmes series, Arthur Conan Doyle's other notable works include The White Company (1892), a detective story he considered his greatest achievement; The Lost World (1912), a novel about prehistoric creatures; and The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard (1896), a fictional book set during the Napoleonic Wars.
In 1902, King Edward VII knighted Arthur Conan Doyle for his contributions as a field hospital doctor during the Boer War and for writing a pamphlet justifying British actions in the conflict. On July 7, 1930, Doyle passed away from a heart attack while in his garden, with his last words to his wife being, "You are wonderful." Doyle considered his greatest work to be The White Company (1892) and had a strong dislike for his education at Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, where he was only taught Euclidean geometry, algebra, rhetoric, and the classics.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927) includes iconic quotes such as:
Other notable quotes by Doyle include:
Arthur Conan Doyle's literary works have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His vivid imagination has spawned some of the most iconic and beloved characters in history, including:
Even today, the Sherlock Holmes series remains incredibly popular, with numerous adaptations in various forms such as TV, film, comic strips, comic books, games, puzzles, and quizzes. One of the most successful adaptations is BBC's Sherlock (2010-2017), which presented a modernized take on the iconic duo of Holmes and Watson. The series, created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson.
Let's take a closer look at some key takeaways about the life of Arthur Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind the Sherlock Holmes series:
Arthur Conan Doyle's claim to fame is undoubtedly his iconic Sherlock Holmes (1887-1927) series and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927).
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle spent his formative years in Scotland and later went to school in England. He also briefly resided in Venice, Milan, and Paris during his lifetime.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is most well-known for his Sherlock Holmes (1887-1927) series and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927). He also wrote other notable works, including The White Company (1892).
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's final resting place is All Saints Churchyard in Minstead.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the renowned Scottish author, was laid to rest in All Saints Churchyard in Minstead, England. He left behind a lasting legacy, with his accomplishments and literary works still celebrated to this day.
In 1902, Doyle was knighted for his selfless service in the Boer War. His bravery and dedication to assisting injured soldiers in a field hospital was acknowledged with the prestigious title of 'Sir'.
Doyle's most recognized contribution to literature is undoubtedly the Sherlock Holmes series. This masterpiece, spanning from 1887 to 1927, has captured the hearts of readers worldwide and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, published in 1927, is another notable work by Doyle. This collection of short stories featuring the famous detective continues to entertain and captivate readers of all ages.
Aside from his literary achievements, Doyle also played a significant role in promoting British actions during the Boer War. He wrote an informational pamphlet, showcasing his unwavering patriotism and dedication to his country.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legacy continues to live on, and his final resting place at All Saints Churchyard is a testament to his remarkable contributions to literature and history, forever etched in the hearts and minds of his admirers.
