The Creator of Sherlock Holmes: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Mastermind Behind Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish physician and writer, renowned for his creation of the legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes. Born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Doyle’s works have left an indelible mark on literature, particularly the genre of crime fiction. His talent extended beyond detective stories, as he authored various forms of literature, including science fiction, historical novels, and poetry.

The Real Author Behind the Mystery

While the Sherlock Holmes stories often present themselves as if penned by Dr. John H. Watson, the character Watson is known as 'Dr. Watson' in many works, it is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who is the true author. He authored the original canon of Sherlock Holmes, which includes 4 novels and 56 short stories. Most of these works were published in esteemed magazines like The Strand Magazine and Colliers Magazine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Development of the Holmes Character

The inspiration for Sherlock Holmes came from Doyle’s teacher, Dr. Joseph Bell. Initially, the character was to be named Sherrinford, a name of a cricket player during Conan Doyle's time. However, Doyle decided against using this name. The evolution of the name itself can be traced to various sources, yet the definitive creator remains Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Impact and Enduring Popularity

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories are considered milestones in the realm of crime fiction. Since his death in 1930, many of his unpublished works, including plays, poems, and essays, have been edited and later included in the canon. The popularity of Sherlock Holmes has endured over a century and continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Where to Read the Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Many of the original Sherlock Holmes books are available online and at places like MyPustak, an online platform that offers second-hand books at affordable prices. While these books are free of cost, customers must cover the shipping and handling charges.

Keywords: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, Crime Fiction