The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)

 

Few fictional characters have worked their way into culture as thoroughly as Sherlock Holmes. Even someone who has never read a Sherlock Holmes story or seen a movie with the character, can describe him and have used the character's first name in conversation. With this in mind it is fascinating to go back and read some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes stories. 

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a 1892 book, that is a collection of short stories starring the famous detective and his partner Dr. Watson. These stories had appeared in The Strand Magazine in 1891 and 1892. 

Despite the sheer number of Sherlock Holmes stories that have come since, these stories hold up remarkably well. While the mysteries are often quite fun and exciting, it is Holmes and Watson that kept me hooked wanting to read more. These two characters are instantly engaging. Holmes is simply fascinating. While he is no doubt the protagonist, he is a surprisingly complex and flawed one. He has a one-track mind that is not only calculating but often cold. His obsession with logic and reason often overrides his emotions and his consideration for others. This can even lead to him being very cynical and even a little egocentric. Even Watson admits to being repelled by Holmes' ego at times. At the same time Holmes is always standing for what is right and will help anyone who needs help. His friendship with Watson is obviously very dear to him, even if he normally doesn't show much need for companionship. Watson is a simpler character but one who is also very appealing. He is a sweet good-hearted man, who also has a taste for adventure. The interaction between the two is fantastic and I greatly enjoyed reading their conversations. Also making these stories worthwhile is Doyle's writing style. Holmes solves mysteries by paying attention to the smallest details that most of us wouldn't notice. Despite the stories being rather short, Doyle describes everything in great detail, encouraging us to do the same as Holmes. We don't only follow the story we become intrigued by small things that most mystery writers wouldn't even call attention to. This piques our curiosity and makes us look at things the way Holmes would. As for the mysteries they are delightful. Some are even quite suspenseful and intense, while others are just fun lighthearted reading. Whatever the case, the conclusions Holmes comes to are always very intelligent and well-written. 

This book is still a pure delight to read today.