Arthur Conan Doyle – Public Domain Collection
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| Arthur Conan Doyle – Public Domain Collection |
Arthur Conan Doyle remains one of the most versatile and enduring voices of late Victorian and Edwardian literature. Best remembered for creating Sherlock Holmes—the world’s most famous detective—Doyle’s imagination stretched far beyond Baker Street. His works traverse genres: from the razor-sharp logic of Holmes’s investigations, to the bold adventures of Professor Challenger in science fiction, to sweeping historical romances and tales of Napoleonic gallantry.
This curated collection brings together Doyle’s most significant public domain works, carefully organized and stripped of duplication. Readers will find the complete Holmes canon alongside the Challenger stories that helped shape modern science fiction. Doyle’s historical novels, such as The White Company and Sir Nigel, reveal his fascination with medieval chivalry, while the Brigadier Gerard tales showcase his gift for humor and satire. His short story collections range from eerie supernatural sketches to patriotic war stories, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of his age. Finally, Doyle’s non-fiction and spiritualist writings illustrate his restless intellect and his lifelong search for meaning beyond the material world.
Taken together, these works offer not only entertainment but also a window into the cultural currents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Doyle was a storyteller of immense range, and this collection invites readers to explore the full scope of his imagination—from the foggy streets of London to prehistoric plateaus, medieval battlefields, and the mysteries of the unseen.
Contents:
Sherlock Holmes Series
- A Study in Scarlet – The debut Holmes novel; introduces Holmes and Watson with a murder mystery tied to Mormon history.
- The Sign of the Four – Jewel theft, betrayal, and colonial legacies; famous for Mary Morstan’s introduction.
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Classic short stories including “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Speckled Band.”
- The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes – Contains “The Final Problem,” where Holmes confronts Moriarty.
- The Hound of the Baskervilles – Gothic atmosphere meets detective logic; Doyle’s most famous Holmes novel.
- The Return of Sherlock Holmes – Holmes resurrected after public demand; includes “The Empty House.”
- His Last Bow – Later stories, with Holmes as elder statesman of detection.
Professor Challenger / Science Fiction
- The Lost World – Dinosaurs on a hidden plateau; precursor to modern adventure sci-fi.
- The Poison Belt – Earth faces cosmic catastrophe; Challenger’s eccentric brilliance shines.
- The Land of Mist – Spiritualist themes dominate; Doyle’s personal beliefs seep into fiction.
Historical Novels
- The White Company – Medieval chivalry and adventure; Doyle’s favorite of his own works.
- Sir Nigel – Prequel to The White Company, focusing on knightly honor.
- Uncle Bernac – Napoleonic intrigue and espionage.
- The Refugees – French Huguenots in exile; blends history with romance.
- The Tragedy of the Korosko – Colonial adventure in Egypt; commentary on imperialism.
- The Great Shadow – Napoleonic wars seen through friendship and rivalry.
Brigadier Gerard Series
- The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard – Comic tales of a vain but brave French officer.
- Adventures of Gerard – Continuation of Gerard’s escapades; satire on military glory.
Short Story Collections
- Danger! and Other Stories – Includes the prophetic “Danger!” about submarine warfare.
- The Green Flag and Other Stories of War and Sport – Patriotic and adventurous tales.
- The Captain of the Pole-Star and Other Tales – Early supernatural and sea stories.
- The Last Galley: Impressions and Tales – Historical sketches and imaginative vignettes.
- The Croxley Master – Boxing novella; Doyle’s interest in sport and grit.
Non-Fiction & Other
- The New Revelation – Spiritualist manifesto; Doyle’s turn toward mysticism.
- The Wanderings of a Spiritualist – Travelogue infused with spiritualist advocacy.
- The Poems of Arthur Conan Doyle – Romantic and patriotic verse; less known but heartfelt.
- Beyond the City – Domestic comedy of suburban life.
- Three of Them – Gentle family sketches inspired by Doyle’s own children.