"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes"—The Classic Forever
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is a collection of detective stories created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It spans 40 years, from the publication of the first full-length case, “A Study in Scarlet,” in 1887, to the compilation of twelve short stories in “The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes” in 1927. The collection includes a total of four full-length cases: “A Study in Scarlet” (1887), “The Sign of the Four” (1890), “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1902), and “The Valley of Fear” (1915). Additionally, fifty-six short stories are gathered in five volumes: “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” (1892, 12 stories), “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes” (1894, 11 stories), “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” (1905, 13 stories), “His Last Bow” (1917, 8 stories), and “The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes” (1927, 12 stories), making a total of sixty cases.
Allow me to share a few personal favorites from this remarkable collection:
“A Study in Scarlet”: The Beginning This case is slightly longer compared to the later ones. Its most controversial element is the word “RACHE,” which has different interpretations in various adaptations. In the original German, it means “revenge,” but in the BBC version, it is adapted as “Rachel.”
“A Scandal in Bohemia”: A Tragedy Triggered by a Photograph In this story, Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler engage in an intellectual battle over a photograph. Irene repeatedly evades Holmes’s scrutiny, but he eventually seizes an opportunity by posing as an injured clergyman to locate the photograph. However, things take an unexpected turn when she is discovered, leading to her departure with her husband. Yet, the photograph remains in their possession. Holmes’s victory is both mysterious and amusing.
“His Last Bow”: Who Arranged Whom? Originally, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle intended to conclude Holmes’s stories. In this final case, Holmes and his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, plunge into the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland. However, I refuse to accept this ending! Ultimately, Conan Doyle resurrects Holmes in “The Adventure of the Empty House.”
“The Hound of the Baskervilles”: One of the Most Captivating Full-Length Tales This novel is one of Conan Doyle’s most captivating works. With over a hundred pages and fifteen chapters, it demands patience. Despite controversies surrounding its origins, including allegations of plagiarism, adaptations, and derivative works continue to attest to its enduring brilliance.
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