On 4 March 1886, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle began writing what would become one of the most iconic detective stories of all time: A Study in Scarlet, the first novel featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. This marked the beginning of a literary phenomenon that would shape the detective genre and captivate generations of readers.
Arthur Conan Doyle: The man behind Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle was born on 22 May 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where he encountered Dr Joseph Bell, a professor known for his keen powers of observation. Bell’s analytical approach to diagnosing patients inspired the character of Sherlock Holmes, whose deductive reasoning and forensic skills would become his defining traits.
Although Doyle worked as a physician, he soon realised that his true passion lay in writing. His early attempts at fiction saw limited success, but in 1886, he began crafting a detective story that introduced a brilliant, eccentric investigator—Sherlock Holmes, alongside his loyal companion, Dr John Watson.
Sherlock Holmes and A Study in Scarlet
Published in 1887 in Beeton’s Christmas Annual, A Study in Scarlet introduced Sherlock Holmes to the world. The novel, which explores Holmes and Watson’s first meeting and their investigation of a mysterious murder, laid the foundation for one of literature’s most enduring partnerships. Although the book initially received modest recognition, it established Holmes as a new kind of detective, combining scientific methods, forensic examination, and logical deduction.
Encouraged by its eventual success, Doyle continued to write Holmes stories, solidifying the detective’s reputation with the second novel, The Sign of Four (1890), followed by short stories published in The Strand Magazine, including A Scandal in Bohemia (1891) and The Adventure of the Speckled Band (1892).
The impact and legacy of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes quickly became a cultural icon. Readers were fascinated by his cold logic, sharp intellect, and unique investigative methods. His residence at 221B Baker Street became synonymous with detective fiction, and his character transcended literature, influencing real-world forensic science and inspiring generations of detectives in fiction, film, and television.
However, Doyle himself grew weary of Holmes’ dominance over his literary career. In 1893, he attempted to kill off the detective in The Final Problem, where Holmes confronts his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, at the Reichenbach Falls. The public outcry was immense, with fans mourning Holmes as if he were a real person. Under pressure, Doyle resurrected Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) and later continued the series with The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905).
Beyond Sherlock Holmes: Other works and later life
Although best known for Holmes, Doyle wrote extensively across different genres, including:
- Historical novels, such as The White Company (1891)
- Science fiction, including The Lost World (1912), introducing Professor Challenger
- Horror and supernatural tales, such as Lot No. 249 (1892)
In his later years, Doyle became a devoted spiritualist, believing in the supernatural and advocating for spirit communication. Despite this shift in focus, his Sherlock Holmes stories remained his greatest legacy.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle passed away on 7 July 1930, but his influence endures, with Sherlock Holmes remaining one of the most beloved fictional characters of all time.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Literary icon John Steinbeck is born (1902)
