On Conan Doyle

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A passionate lifelong fan of Sherlock Holmes, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Michael Dirda is a member of The Baker Street Irregulars, the most renowned Sherlockian group. This engaging personal introduction to Holmes's creator combines memoir and appreciation, offering an insider's view of the delightful activities and playful scholarship of The Baker Street Irregulars. Arthur Conan Doyle's works extend far beyond the mysteries of Holmes, introducing readers to his lesser-known yet fascinating writings across various genres. As a prolific writer, Conan Doyle was a significant Victorian master of supernatural short stories, an early science fiction practitioner, and a major figure in historical fiction. He was also a charming essayist and memoirist, a public advocate against racial injustice in the Congo, a campaigner for liberal divorce laws, and a defender of wrongly convicted individuals. His novels explored domestic life and contemporary events, including one set during an Islamic uprising in the Middle East, alongside a history of World War I and later, controversial tracts supporting spiritualism. This book uniquely combines skillful criticism with Dirda's deep affection for Conan Doyle and his work. It appeals to those who love Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, as well as anyone interested in exploring the genius of Arthur Conan Doyle's storytelling across diverse genres.