Arthur Conan Doyle: The Man Behind Sherlock Holmes

Most people know of Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective who solved countless cases armed only with his brilliant mind and loyal companion, Dr. John Watson. But fewer people know about the real-life creator of this iconic character, Arthur Conan Doyle.

Who was Arthur Conan Doyle, and how did he come to create one of the most famous and enduring characters in literary history? This blog post aims to uncover some of the mysteries surrounding the man and his work, as well as explore some of his lesser-known endeavors.

The Early Years

Arthur Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic schools, moving on to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Conan Doyle first began writing stories, primarily as a way to earn money.

Medical Career

After completing his studies, Conan Doyle served as a ship’s doctor on various vessels before eventually setting up his own medical practice in Portsmouth, England. His practice initially struggled, which left him with ample time to write. Soon, he decided to pursue writing more seriously.

The Creation of Sherlock Holmes

Conan Doyle is believed to have modeled the character of Sherlock Holmes on one of his professors at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Joseph Bell. Dr. Bell was known for his incredible powers of observation and deduction, as well as his insistence on relying on evidence rather than speculation.

The first Sherlock Holmes story, “A Study in Scarlet,” was published in 1887. This was followed by a series of short stories featuring the detective in “The Strand Magazine” in the 1890s.

Although the Sherlock Holmes stories were initially met with modest success, their popularity soared when they were published in book form. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” (1892) and “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes” (1894) became Conan Doyle’s most famous works.

However, Conan Doyle soon grew tired of the character and famously killed off Sherlock Holmes in the story “The Final Problem” (1893). This led to an uproar from the public, and Conan Doyle eventually relented, reviving the character in “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1901) and “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” (1904).

Beyond Sherlock Holmes

While he is best known for his detective stories, Conan Doyle was an incredibly prolific writer, producing novels, short stories, plays, and works of non-fiction. Some of his most notable works outside of the Sherlock Holmes stories include:

The Lost World (1912): A science fiction novel that introduced Professor Challenger, another of Conan Doyle’s recurring characters. View on Amazon
The White Company (1891): A historical novel set during the Hundred Years’ War that showcases Conan Doyle’s love of history. View on Amazon
The Great Boer War (1900): A non-fiction account of the Boer War, in which Conan Doyle served as a volunteer physician. View on Amazon

Spiritualism and Personal Life

In his later years, Conan Doyle became an ardent spiritualist, believing in communication with the dead and other paranormal phenomena. He wrote several books on the subject, and even engaged in public debates defending his beliefs.

Arthur Conan Doyle married twice, first to Louisa Hawkins in 1885, with whom he had two children. After her death, he married Jean Leckie in 1907, and they had three children. Conan Doyle died on July 7, 1930, at the age of 71.

Legacy

The character of Sherlock Holmes and his influence on detective fiction cannot be overstated. Conan Doyle’s work has been adapted into countless films, television shows, and other forms of media.

To this day, the character of Sherlock Holmes remains an enduring symbol of logic, observation, and deduction. Arthur Conan Doyle’s work has left a lasting mark on the world of literature, and his influence can still be felt today.

Don’t miss the opportunity to read or listen to the stories that started it all. Dive into the world of Sherlock Holmes by buying Arthur Conan Doyle’s books here.