Do you want to learn more about how the great literary detective Sherlock Holmes was born and how Arthur Conan Doyle came to create him, but don’t have time to listen to huge, long biographies? Then let The History Journals take you on an hourly history tour of his life.

There are few literary characters as romantically enigmatic as the great detective, and the mere suggestion of a smoking pipe, deer stalker hat, and all-seeing magnifying glass will immediately conjure up the persona of the mighty sleuth. In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that Sherlock Holmes still actually exists, living in fine apartments at 221B Baker Street in the heart of Victorian London.

The modern-day occupants of 221 Baker Street receive thousands of letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes every year, proving the timeless, lasting popularity and staying power of this remarkable character, probably the world’s best loved fictional detective.

Sherlock Holmes is certainly one to the greatest detectives ever created and his stories continue to be brought to life today in Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows. Actors jump at the chance to portray the great detective, whether it be Basil Rathbone, Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch or even Will Ferrell - Sherlock Holmes is a must-see.

Now fascinating as Sherlock Holmes undoubtedly is, and this journal will certainly take you on a journey of discovery following in the great man’s footsteps, there’s another story here, most certainly worthy of your attention. The creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was an equally remarkable and enigmatic character, and to stand any chance of revealing the mystery and magic of Sherlock Holmes, you need to first uncover the identity of the real man responsible for bringing the legendary detective to life.

You will learn about:

• Arthur Conan Doyle - His life beginning to the end
• How Doyle’s training as a doctor and interest in forensics helped him create The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - true crime stories
• How the tale of “Burke and Hare” - the notorious Edinburgh Body Snatchers - might have inspired him
• How the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet was published in the Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887
• How the original illustrations of Sherlock Holmes by Sidney Paget established his Sherlock’s looks
• How Spiritualism became an important part of Doyle’s life

The History Journals

We create enlightening history books for people looking to learn about topics in a quick study guide format. Our books won’t take you days to read (or listen to) - but can be enjoyed over a cup of coffee and an hour or so of your time. They are the perfect starter to see if you’d like to delve deeper into any specific subject.