Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was a prolific letter writer. A number of his letters are published in this book giving an illuminating insight.

A Life in Letters is a compilation of letters sent by Arthur Conan Doyle to his mother Mary Doyle. These span the years from 1867, when as a young boy Arthur Conan Doyle was sent to boarding school to her death in 1920. Over 1000 letters remain in existence and these offer us a privileged look into the life of this extraordinary man.

The Book

These letters provide a snapshot into Arthur Conan Doyle’s life. Unlike any form of biography, memoirs or diary that are subject to edit and review, these letters reflect the feelings of Arthur Conan Doyle on a particular day and time and, as such, bring a unique insight into this amazing man’s life.

Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for his Sherlock Holmes character, although this fact was a great irritation to him. He tried twice to kill off Holmes, but was encouraged to bring him back by public outcry and in later days by money.

The editors of the book are accomplished authors and authorities on Arthur Conan Doyle and his work. Daniel Stashower is an award-winning mystery novelist and author of Teller of Tales, a widely praised biography of Conan Doyle. Jon Lellenberg is the U.S. agent for the Conan Doyle estate and author of The Quest for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Charles Foley is the writer's great-nephew and executor of the estate.

Not Just for Holmes Fans

Arthur Conan Doyle’s life is much more interesting than simply being the creator of Sherlock Holmes. He was a great believer in spiritualism, he resisted being knighted, he was a well regarded war reporter and he also was also deeply in love with another women during much of the latter years of his marriage. The letters published in this book, give us an insight into all of these aspects of his life.

Arthur Conan Doyle was an engaging and interesting writer and this is reflected in the letters to his mother. His letters are of interest and are easy to read. He tells his mother about all the different aspects of life including starting out as a doctor and his struggle getting his writing published. They are peppered with references contemporary to the time in which he lived and worked.

Arthur Conan Doyle wrote to his mother about his love outside of his marriage and this provides the reader with an interesting insight into Victorian morality. It would appear from the letters that his mother was understanding of the situation – unlike his brother in law – E W Horning (author of the Raffles books).

A Life in Letters is a highly engaging book which is different to other biographies and memoirs. It is peppered with additional references to give perspective to the book and provides explanations where needed, therefore the reader does not need to be an expert on Arthur Conan Doyle to enjoy and understand the book. The insight into the Victorian era is also highly illuminating.

Who Should Read This Book?

* This is a definite ‘must read’ for Holmes and Conan Doyle fans. The insight into Arthur Conan Doyle’s thoughts at the time of his writing some of the stories is fasinating.

* This is also an interesting read for anyone interested in the Victorian era. The snippets of information give wonderful insight into life at that time.

Is This Book Suitable for Book Clubs and Reading Groups?

A Life in Letters would be interesting reading for book clubs. The many dimensions of the book make it attractive on different levels. Of course any book club interested in Sherlock Holmes will find it highly relevant. The letters will create much discussion and debate.

A book club may find it interesting to discuss:

* What do these letters say about the attitude to family life and marriage at the time?

* Was Arthur Conan Doyle right to resist and later accept a knighthood? What were the issues surrounding his decision?

* What do we learn about him as a person and his relationship with his character, Sherlock Holmes?

* What does the book tell us about the medical and health care system during the years of Arthur Conan Doyle’s life?

Further Information:

• Arthur Conan Doyle - A Life in Letters (Published in U.S. 1st November 2007)ISBN-13: 978-0007247592
• Available from local book stores and from online retailers such as Amazon.com