Author

Arthur Conan Doyle

1859-1930

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

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Subjects

Books by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories first published in 1892. These twelve tales feature the legendary consulting detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson, narrated from Watson's perspective. Each mystery explores social injustices while showcasing Holmes's brilliant deductive methods and unconventional approach to justice. The stories introduce memorable characters and cases that have captivated readers for over a century, establishing Holmes as one of literature's most enduring detectives.

A Study in Scarlet

"A Study in Scarlet" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a detective novel published in 1887. This groundbreaking work introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a mysterious murder in London. When a man is found dead with the word "RACHE" written in blood, Holmes must unravel the scarlet thread of murder running through the case. The investigation leads to a dramatic tale of revenge spanning two continents, connecting a London crime scene to events in Utah's Salt Lake Valley decades earlier.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a crime novel serialized from 1901 to 1902. Sherlock Holmes and Watson investigate a centuries-old legend of a demonic hound haunting the Baskerville family on the desolate moors of Dartmoor. When Sir Charles Baskerville dies under mysterious circumstances, his heir Sir Henry arrives from Canada to claim his inheritance—only to face strange threats and supernatural dangers. Holmes must determine whether the curse is real or if a cunning murderer lurks behind the legend.

The Sign of the Four

"The Sign of the Four" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a detective novel published in 1890. When Mary Morstan seeks Sherlock Holmes's help regarding her missing father and mysterious annual gifts of pearls, the investigation leads to a buried treasure, a vengeful one-legged man, and murder. Holmes and Watson must pursue suspects through London, unraveling a decades-old conspiracy that stretches from India's colonial past to the Thames. The case tests both Holmes's deductive powers and Watson's loyalty to their intriguing client.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

"The Return of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of 13 stories published in 1905. After Holmes's apparent death in 1893's "The Final Problem," Doyle faced intense pressure to revive his famous detective. This collection marks Holmes's dramatic return to London, explaining his mysterious absence from 1891 to 1894. The stories follow Holmes and Watson through new cases involving cryptic codes, missing persons, and dangerous criminals across Victorian England.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

"The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories first published in 1893. This second collection features twelve cases of the consulting detective, originally appearing in The Strand Magazine. Doyle intended these to be Holmes's final adventures, culminating in "The Final Problem," where he planned to kill off his famous detective. However, overwhelming reader demand eventually prompted the character's return. The stories showcase Holmes at work solving mysteries ranging from missing racehorses to naval treaties, cementing his place in literary history.

The Valley of Fear

"The Valley of Fear" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a novel first published in 1915. In this fourth Sherlock Holmes mystery, the detective receives a coded warning about a plot against a country gentleman named Douglas. When Holmes arrives to investigate, he discovers Douglas has been murdered at his moated manor house. The case leads to dark secrets involving American coal miners, a corrupt trade union, and the dangerous Professor Moriarty. Holmes must unravel a mystery that spans two continents and threatens more lives.

His last bow : $b Some later reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes

"His last bow : Some later reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection published in 1917. This volume gathers eight previously published Sherlock Holmes stories, spanning cases from 1893 to 1917. The collection includes a preface assuring readers that Holmes, though long retired and battling rheumatism, remains alive and well. The final story serves as an epilogue about Holmes' war service, bringing together adventures that showcase the detective's enduring brilliance across different eras of his remarkable career.

Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Illustrated

"Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories published in 1892. Originally appearing in The Strand Magazine, these twelve tales feature consulting detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson confronting social injustices and mysteries across Victorian England. Narrated by Watson, the stories showcase Holmes's revolutionary methods of detection—from royal scandals to peculiar crimes—offering fresh justice in a world of incompetence and privilege. The collection boosted the magazine's circulation and established Holmes as an enduring literary icon.

The case-book of Sherlock Holmes

"The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of twelve short stories published between 1921 and 1927. This final set of Holmes mysteries marks the detective's last adventures, featuring cases narrated by Watson, Holmes himself, and even a third-person perspective. Set against the changing world of the 1920s, these stories experiment with new narrative styles as Doyle returned one final time to his legendary creation, though some critics consider them a lesser entry in the Holmes canon.

Tales of Terror and Mystery

"Tales of Terror and Mystery" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The book delves into supernatural and mysterious themes, showcasing a range of tales that evoke both intrigue and horror. Each story explores human fears and the unknown, offering readers a blend of psychological insight and thrilling suspense. The opening of the book begins with "The Horror of the Heights," where the narrative focuses on an aviator, Joyce-Armstrong, who discovers a terrifying phenomenon while attempting to break altitude records in his aeroplane. The story unfolds through the fragmented notes of Joyce-Armstrong, detailing his ominous encounters high in the atmosphere and culminating in a chilling exploration of unseen dangers that lurk in the skies. His investigation into the mysterious disappearances of fellow aviators serves as the backdrop for the tension that builds as he prepares for a fateful flight. The vivid descriptions of his thoughts and experiences effectively set the tone for the eerie and unsettling themes present throughout the collection.

The Lost World

"The Lost World" by Arthur Conan Doyle is an adventure and science fiction novel published in 1912. When journalist Edward Malone seeks a dangerous assignment to prove himself, he joins the formidable Professor Challenger on an expedition to a remote South American plateau. There, the team encounters living dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and hostile ape-men in a hidden world lost to time. Stranded by treachery and facing unknown dangers, the explorers must survive in this extraordinary land where ancient life still thrives.

The White Company

"The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel published in 1891. Set during the Hundred Years' War in 1366-1367, it follows young Alleyne as he leaves his sheltered abbey life to discover the world. Joining a band of English archers called the White Company, he becomes squire to the valiant Sir Nigel Loring and falls in love with his daughter Maude. Their journey takes them through England, France, and Spain in a campaign to restore a king, leading to battles, captures, and tests of courage.

The Great Boer War

"The Great Boer War" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a non-fiction work published in 1900. Written while the conflict was still unfolding, Doyle chronicles the battles, sieges, and military campaigns between British forces and Boer nations in South Africa. Drawing from conversations with soldiers and Boers alike, he documented major engagements from Talana Hill to the guerilla warfare that followed. The book underwent sixteen editions by war's end in 1902, with Doyle constantly revising his account as events continued to unfold beyond his initial expectations.

Memories and Adventures

"Memories and Adventures" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The narrative encapsulates the author's reflections on his own life experiences, ranging from his childhood to his various adventures as a young man, detailing both personal and professional milestones. The book offers insights into his upbringing, education, and initial forays into medicine, as well as fascinating accounts of his travels, including whaling expeditions in the Arctic and journeys to West Africa. At the start of "Memories and Adventures," the author introduces himself and provides a glimpse into his family background, particularly focusing on his artistic lineage and the challenges faced by his parents. He recounts his early recollections, including significant moments of his childhood in Edinburgh, with lively anecdotes about schooling and formative experiences that shaped his character. The opening chapters set a reflective tone, illustrating Conan Doyle's narrative style and hinting at the blend of humor, nostalgia, and adventure that characterize his memoir throughout.

Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Arthur Conan Doyle

"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Arthur Conan Doyle" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a comprehensive compilation that encompasses various genres, including detective fiction, adventure tales, and other narratives, written primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book serves as an index to Doyle's extensive body of work, which reflects a focus on themes such as mystery, the supernatural, and historical narratives. This index includes notable titles such as the iconic Sherlock Holmes series, including "A Study in Scarlet," "The Hound of the Baskervilles," and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," which feature the famous detective solving complex cases alongside Dr. John Watson. It also highlights works outside of the detective genre, such as "The Lost World," where explorers encounter prehistoric creatures, and "The White Company," a historical novel set during the Hundred Years' War. The index does not delve into the narratives themselves but presents an organized list of Doyle's works, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in exploring his literary contributions.

The Poison Belt

"The Poison Belt" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a science fiction novel written in 1913. Professor Challenger summons his companions to his Sussex home with urgent instructions to bring oxygen. He has discovered that Earth is moving into a belt of poisonous ether that threatens to suffocate all life. Sealed in a single room with oxygen cylinders, the group watches helplessly as the world outside succumbs to the deadly phenomenon, leaving them to face an uncertain fate.

The Captain of the Polestar, and Other Tales

"The Captain of the 'Polestar' and Other Tales" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story focuses on a whaling expedition to the Arctic, narrated by John M'Alister Ray, a medical student on board a ship named the Polestar, captained by the enigmatic Nicholas Craigie. As they navigate through treacherous icy waters, tension builds not only from the perilous circumstances of their surroundings but also from the psychological complexities of the captain and the crew's growing discontent. At the start of "The Captain of the 'Polestar'," we are introduced to the dire conditions faced by the crew as they become trapped among massive ice fields, with dwindling supplies and approaching storms. The narrator details his observations of Captain Craigie's unpredictable behavior, oscillating between moments of commanding authority and deep personal turmoil. Through entries in his journal, Ray reveals the superstitions and fears affecting the crew, alongside the uncanny events that transpire, including the captain's fixation on an elusive vision he claims to see in the ice. As tensions rise, the narrative foreshadows a tragic conclusion, heightening the suspense that intertwines psychological horror with the harsh realities of Arctic exploration.

Micah Clarke
 His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734

"Micah Clarke" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel published in 1889. Set during the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, it follows young Micah Clarke as he transforms from a naive boy seeking adventure into a hardened soldier of fortune. Fighting for the Protestant cause against Catholic King James II, Micah experiences the Battle of Sedgemoor, witnesses brutal aftermath hangings, faces the infamous Judge Jeffreys in the Bloody Assizes, and narrowly escapes slavery. Through harrowing trials, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with religious extremism, ultimately embracing toleration over fanaticism.

The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans

"The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a short story published in 1908. When Mycroft Holmes arrives through London's thick fog with urgent news, Sherlock faces a matter of national security: secret submarine plans have been stolen, and a young government clerk lies dead beside Underground tracks. With only seven of ten plans recovered and no clear explanation for the victim's final movements, Holmes must unravel how a body appeared on the railway and who possesses the missing documents before Britain's naval secrets fall into enemy hands.

The Wanderings of a Spiritualist

"The Wanderings of a Spiritualist" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is an autobiographical account of the author's experiences as a spiritualist, likely written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles Doyle's journey as he travels from Britain to Australia, sharing his insights and personal encounters related to spiritualism. In this exploration, he interacts with various communities, addressing questions about life after death and the evidence of spiritual communication. At the start of the narrative, the author reflects on the profound impact of a séance he attended in Wales, which ignited his determination to spread the teachings of spiritualism. As he prepares for his journey to Australia, he expresses both excitement and trepidation about the undertaking. Doyle describes the preparations, including a farewell luncheon attended by significant figures in the spiritualist community. He conveys a sense of urgency to carry his message of comfort and truth to those who have been affected by loss, buoyed by previous positive experiences and a desire to reach those who still seek answers about the afterlife.

Sir Nigel

"Sir Nigel" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical novel published in 1905–06. Set during the opening years of the Hundred Years' War, it follows young Nigel Loring, a knight serving King Edward III, as he seeks to prove his honor and win his lady's hand. To earn her favor, Nigel vows to complete three heroic deeds, leading him through dangerous missions, sea battles, and castle sieges across England, France, and Brittany. The novel serves as a prequel to Doyle's earlier work "The White Company."

The Stark Munro Letters
 Being series of twelve letters written by J. Stark Munro, M.B., to his friend and former fellow-student, Herbert Swanborough, of Lowell, Massachusetts, during the years 1881-1884

"The Stark Munro Letters" by Arthur Conan Doyle is an epistolary novel published in 1895. Written shortly after killing off Sherlock Holmes, Conan Doyle crafted this deeply autobiographical work to pursue a more literary direction. Through twelve letters spanning 1881 to 1884, young medical graduate J. Stark Munro writes to his American friend, detailing his struggles to establish a practice alongside the brilliant but eccentric James Cullingworth. The novel explores themes of faith, family relationships, and the author's journey from Catholicism toward spiritualism.

The Adventure of the Dying Detective

"The Adventure of the Dying Detective" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a short story published in 1913. Dr. Watson rushes to Baker Street after learning that Sherlock Holmes is apparently dying from a rare tropical disease. The detective refuses Watson's medical help and behaves strangely, insisting instead on a visit from Culverton Smith, a man connected to a suspicious death. As Watson watches events unfold, he discovers that nothing is quite as it seems in this tale of deception and murder.