Arthur Conan Doyle: A Master of Mystery with Flaws

Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of one of the most iconic literary characters of all time - Sherlock Holmes - was a multifaceted figure. As an author, he is celebrated for his brilliant detective stories and historical novellas. As a person, his life story is a blend of curiosity and controversy. This article explores his works and persona, highlighting both his strengths and flaws.

Arthur Conan Doyle as a Writer

As a writer, Doyle excelled in the mystery and detective genres. His most renowned creation, Sherlock Holmes, has captivated readers for generations. Holmes' powers of deduction and keen observations are a marvel of the literary world. One of Doyle's other notable works, 'The Lost World,' showcases his ability to weave a thrilling adventure story, complete with dinosaurs, which captured the public's imagination during a period of great fascination with prehistoric creatures. Doyle's plotting skills and attention to detail are evident in his works, making him a significant figure in the literary world.

While Doyle's contributions to literature are impressive, some critics argue that he did not break as much new ground as other literary geniuses. For example, Miguel Cervantes introduced a humorous dimension to Spanish literature with 'Don Quixote,' Samuel Richardson pioneered the English novel with 'Pamela,' and Daniel Defoe innovated the adventure novel with 'Robinson Crusoe.' Doyle, too, wrote 'Moll Flanders,' one of the first examples of what we now consider pornographic fiction. Charles Dickens' social realism, Edgar Allan Poe's detective stories, and Walt Whitman's free verse were revolutionary in their own rights.

Arthur Conan Doyle as a Person

Beyond his literary achievements, Doyle's personal life was marked by both successes and controversies. He was a doctor by profession, and he had a profound interest in history. However, his career and personal life were occasionally marred by flawed decisions and beliefs. Doyle's primary project was the Sherlock Holmes series, but he often resented the character's immense popularity, which overshadowed his attempts to write about other topics. Doyle's interest in the occult and his belief in supernatural phenomena, such as spiritualism and the paranormal, further highlighted his unconventional views.

Merlin Csomós, a prolific author, recounts a humorous anecdote about Doyle's storytelling: 'He loved his work, but one could speak about his flaws all day, his characters were often named as Violet or James, and he could not keep track of Watson’s war wound or use common sense when it came to factual details. One notable instance was when he wrote a story set during the time when Sherlock was supposedly dead, clearly lacking in common sense.'

Doyle's beliefs were also controversial, as he famously believed in magic and insisted that Harry Houdini's acts were real magic. He was duped by the disputed photography of fairies, captured by two teenage girls, which is a testament to his sometimes gullible nature. Despite his professional degree in medicine, it appears that his common sense was not always in use.

In conclusion, Arthur Conan Doyle was a complex individual, both celebrated for his literary genius and criticized for his unorthodox beliefs and character decisions. His legacy is a mix of brilliance and flaws, making him a fascinating figure in literary history.