A passionate lifelong fan of the Sherlock Holmes
adventures, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Michael Dirda
is a member of The Baker Street Irregulars - the most
famous and romantic of all Sherlockian groups. Combining
memoir and appreciation, ''On Conan Doyle'' is a highly
engaging personal introduction to Holmes' creator, as
well as a rare insider's account of the curiously
delightful activities and playful scholarship of The
Baker Street Irregulars. Because Arthur Conan Doyle
wrote far more than the mysteries involving Holmes, this
book also introduces readers to the author's
lesser-known but fascinating writings in an astounding
range of other genres. A prolific professional writer,
Conan Doyle was among the most important Victorian
masters of the supernatural short story, an early
practitioner of science fiction, a major exponent of
historical fiction, a charming essayist and memoirist,
and an outspoken public figure who attacked racial
injustice in the Congo, campaigned for more liberal
divorce laws, and defended wrongly convicted
prisoners.He also wrote novels about both domestic life
and contemporary events (including one set in the Middle
East during an Islamic uprising), as well as a history
of World War I, and, in his final years, controversial
tracts in defense of spiritualism. On Conan Doyle
describes all of these achievements and activities,
uniquely combining skillful criticism with the story of
Dirda's deep and enduring affection for Conan Doyle and
his work. This is a book for everyone who already loves
Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and the world of 221B Baker
Street, or for anyone who would like to know more about
them, but it is also a much-needed celebration of Arthur
Conan Doyle's genius for every kind of
storytelling. |
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