Arthur Conan Doyle
1859 -1930
Arthur Conan Doyle Biography
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a British writer, physician, and the creator of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Doyle was the second of ten children in a creative but financially strained family. He attended Stonyhurst College before pursuing medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his medical studies that he began writing short stories, inspired by his professor Dr. Joseph Bell, whose exceptional observational skills later shaped the character of Holmes.
In 1887, Doyle published A Study in Scarlet, the first novel featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. The success of the Holmes series, including titles like The Hound of the Baskervilles and the short story collections The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, cemented Doyle's reputation as a master of detective fiction. Despite this success, Doyle grew frustrated with Holmes’ popularity, believing it overshadowed his other literary endeavors. He famously killed off Holmes in 1893 but resurrected him in 1903 following public demand.
Beyond Sherlock Holmes, Doyle’s literary contributions spanned genres. He wrote historical novels such as The White Company (1891) and science fiction adventures like The Lost World (1912), which introduced Professor Challenger. He also penned political pamphlets, war writings, and spiritualist works, reflecting his diverse interests and beliefs. Doyle’s support for spiritualism became a defining feature of his later life, leading to extensive lectures and publications on the subject.
Doyle was knighted in 1902 by King Edward VII for his writings in defense of Britain’s actions during the Boer War. He also played a critical role in addressing miscarriages of justice, most notably helping to exonerate George Edalji and Oscar Slater, which showcased his passion for fairness and truth.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle passed away on 7 July 1930 in Crowborough, England, at the age of 71. His legacy endures not only through Sherlock Holmes, whose stories remain some of the most widely read and adapted works in literary history, but also through his influence on detective fiction, science fiction, and the broader literary world.
Trivia About Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Doyle was knighted in 1902 for his service during the Boer War and his influential pamphlet The War in South Africa: Its Cause and Conduct.
- He based Sherlock Holmes on Dr. Joseph Bell, his professor at Edinburgh University, known for his sharp reasoning and observation skills.
- Doyle was an avid sportsman, enjoying cricket, boxing, and even introducing skiing to Switzerland.
- He was a vocal advocate for spiritualism and believed strongly in life after death, which shaped much of his later work.
Famous Quotes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
- “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.”
- “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer and physician, best known for creating the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. He also wrote historical novels, science fiction, and works on spiritualism.
What are some of his notable works?
His notable works include the Sherlock Holmes series, The Lost World, and The White Company.
What was his connection to spiritualism?
Doyle was a prominent advocate of spiritualism, believing strongly in life after death. He wrote extensively on the subject and lectured internationally.
Related Literary Movements
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a leading figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century detective fiction movement, shaping modern mystery and crime literature. He also contributed to science fiction and historical fiction.
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