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The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Illustrated)
Book (2014)
Sherlock Holmes (/ˈʃɜrlɒk ˈhoʊmz/) is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School. A London-based "consulting detective" whose abilities border on the fantastic, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to adopt almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases.
Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914.
All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") and two others are written in the third person ("The Mazarin Stone" and "His Last Bow"). In two stories ("The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Gloria Scott"), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson.
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
The Return Of Sherlock Holmes
The Valley of Fear
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Final Problem
Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914.
All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") and two others are written in the third person ("The Mazarin Stone" and "His Last Bow"). In two stories ("The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Gloria Scott"), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson.
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
The Return Of Sherlock Holmes
The Valley of Fear
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Final Problem
Book (2014)
Sherlock Holmes (/ˈʃɜrlɒk ˈhoʊmz/) is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School. A London-based "consulting detective" whose abilities border on the fantastic, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to adopt almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases.
Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914.
All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") and two others are written in the third person ("The Mazarin Stone" and "His Last Bow"). In two stories ("The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Gloria Scott"), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson.
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
The Return Of Sherlock Holmes
The Valley of Fear
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Final Problem
Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914.
All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself ("The Blanched Soldier" and "The Lion's Mane") and two others are written in the third person ("The Mazarin Stone" and "His Last Bow"). In two stories ("The Musgrave Ritual" and "The Gloria Scott"), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson.
The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
The Return Of Sherlock Holmes
The Valley of Fear
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Final Problem
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Content at a glance
More filled segments mean stronger content.
Sex & Nudity
The stories contain occasional mentions of romantic dalliances or illicit affairs, but they remain subtle and are not sexually explicit. There is very little physical intimacy described beyond brief references to Victorian-era social conventions.
Violence & Gore
As detective stories, these narratives feature frequent descriptions of murders, physical altercations, and stabbings. While the prose is generally not gratuitous, the subject matter involves death and bodily harm that can be intense for younger readers.
Profanity
The language is largely period-appropriate and clean, though very mild archaic expletives such as "d*mn" or "h*ll" appear infrequently in the context of Victorian-era dialogue.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Sherlock Holmes is frequently depicted using tobacco in pipes and cigarettes, and he famously utilizes cocaine and morphine injections to cope with boredom in several stories. Alcohol consumption is also a common social activity among characters in the 19th-century setting.
Frightening Scenes
Several stories, particularly 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' contain atmospheric horror, suspense, and psychological tension that may be disturbing. The focus on dark crimes, eerie settings, and menacing villains provides a level of intensity typical of classic mystery literature.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
These mysteries include murder, drug use and dated racist portrayals. In The Sign of the Four, included in this edition, the Andamanese character Tonga is described in dehumanising terms.
Content Warnings
Substance use
Violence
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
These mysteries include murder, drug use and dated racist portrayals. In The Sign of the Four, included in this edition, the Andamanese character Tonga is described in dehumanising terms.
What Kids Can Learn
Readers gain an appreciation for forensic science methods and the value of objective, evidence-based problem solving.
Key Topics Discussed
Deductive reasoning
Victorian history
Forensic science
Why Parents Might Like It
It serves as a foundational literary work that promotes cognitive engagement and sophisticated analytical thinking.
Positives & learning
More filled segments mean stronger positive content or learning value.
Positive messages
Emphasizes the power of observation, logical deduction, and the pursuit of justice through intellect rather than brute force.
Role models
Sherlock Holmes demonstrates unparalleled dedication to his craft, while Dr. Watson embodies loyalty, compassion, and grounded morality.
Representation
An included story, The Sign of the Four, uses colonial stereotypes and dehumanising descriptions of Tonga and Andaman Islanders.
Learning
Sharpens critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills while providing historical context for the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
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