Wednesday 28 September 2011

Arthur Conan Doyle's first novel hits shops

Arthur Conan Doyle's first novel hits shops

I wrote last year about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary "debut" - a signed copy of A Study In Scarlet from 1887 - but now it is possible to walk into your local book shop and purchase a copy of an even earlier example of his work, his very first novel no less!

It seems that even the creator of Sherlock Holmes encountered problems with the postal system, leading to his first foray into fiction being lost in the aether (I wonder where it is now?).  Luckily (and despite his later self-deprecating dismissiveness of it) he kept his original notes which are now in the possession of the British Library, who have been allowed by the Conan Doyle estate to publish it.

It sounds quite interesting - a simple narrative yet it will no doubt contain thoughts and opinions that likely reflect those of Doyle, not to mention giving an insight into the politics and social aspects of the period.

I shall keep an eye out for this book the next time I am in my local booksellers.

6 comments:

  1. I wonder why it took this long to get it published? I do hope he put in a claim for the missing work, he wouldn't get the postage cost back, or an apology for that matter! (see, this is why no one should ever mention the post office in my presence!) x

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  2. I am ashamed to say I have never read a Conan Doyle book in my life *hangs head*

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  3. LG - This would be a good one to start with, then! ;-)

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  4. Ladngirl - I've just got Sherlock Holmes on my iBooks, it was free and keeps me entertained in doctors waiting rooms, car journeys and other places where carrying a book is complicated!

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  5. Hello, Bruce! I haven't had a chance to say it, but I'm so glad that you are well and back to blogging. Also, I hope you don't mind, but I have given your blog an award. Come check it out at http://nabbysvintagelife.blogspot.com/2011/10/altered-knits-easy-miss-lemon-inspired.html

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  6. Oh I say, thanks Nabs; that really is jolly kind of you - not just the award but your very lovely wishes too. I feel incredibly bucked to think that there are people out there like you who appreciate my writings and are glad to see me biffing about the place again. ;-)

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