“It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own.”
– Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Born on May 22, 1859, Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle’s name is synonymous with Sherlock Holmes. Ever since he came up with the tall detective with the sharp intellect in 1888, Doyle’s name became irrevocably intertwined with Holmes. After all, it was Holmes who shot his name to fame. Doyle himself had complicated feelings about the detective and his savvy assistant. Despite being a prolific author with over 300 works of fiction and more than 1200 nonfiction books in his repertoire, Doyle could not escape the towering shadow of Sherlock Holmes. He even tried to kill off Holmes in The Final Problem, though he had to bring him back at the behest of millions of fans.
Let us take a moment to admire some of Sir Arthus Ignatius Conan Doyle’s works that are beyond Sherlock Holmes.
Table of Contents
Book: The Mystery of Cloomber
Published in: 1889
The Mystery of Cloomber was published in the Pall Mall Gazette in 1889. Interestingly, though the book was written before Holmes crafted the character of Sherlock Holmes, it was released after the publication of A Study in Scarlet, the first Holmes story. Narrated by John Fothergill West, The Mystery of Cloomber revolves around the shenanigans in the mysterious Cloomber Hall. After moving from Edinburgh to Wightwonshire, John Fothergill West becomes neighbors with General John Berthier Heatherstone, an Indian Army veteran who lives in Cloomber Hall. The General suffers from paranoia and is particularly agitated in October. With the arrival of three Buddhist priests in India, the General’s colonial past comes back to haunt him. The Mystery of Cloomber is a perfect book for all Sherlock Holmes fans who wish to give Doyle’s other books a try.
Book: The White Company
Published in: 1892
Published in 1892, The White Company is the novel that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself deemed to be his best work. Set in the 14th century, the historical novel takes place during the Hundred Years’ War that was waged between England and France. The book starts off with Alleyne, a young man who sets out to explore the world. He is joined by John of Hordle at the Pied Merlin Inn, where they are recruited in the White Company of mercenaries by Sam Aylward. From there, they all travel to Christchurch to meet up with their band’s leader Sir Nigel Loring. Sir Nigel Loring and his band of mercenaries then make their way to France. Along the way, they find themselves embroiled in many adventures. A dash of romance sweetens the tale of heroism and adventure. Doyle’s use of Chaucerian humor makes the book a true masterpiece.
Book: The Stark Munro Letters
Published in: 1895
The Stark Munro Letters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is an epistolary novel first published in 1895 by Longmans, Green & Co. The book takes the form of twelve letters penned by J. Stark Munro to Herbert Swanborough of Lowell, Massachusetts between March 1881 and November 1884. In the letters, Munro talks about his experiences of starting his own medical practice and working with his new partner. It is interesting to note that the novel, though fictional, has autobiographical tinges and portrays Doyle’s relationship with his parents and his burgeoning interest in spirituality.
Book: The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard
Published in: 1896
Published in 1896, The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard showcases Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s brilliant sense of humor. Collected in two volumes, the book follows Brigadier Gerard, a French army man who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. Despite being an Englishman crafting a French character in the 19th century, Doyle manages to make Brigadier Gerard lovable despite his self-aggrandizement.
Book: Rodney Stone
Published in: 1896
Rodney Stone is a mystery and boxing novel published in 1896. The book revolves around the titular character, Rodney Stone, and his friend, Jim Harrison. Always fascinated with everything dark and mysterious, Rodney and Jim sneak into Cliffe Royale, a deserted mansion where a gruesome murder took place. When they come across a ghostly figure wandering the deserted mansion, they are both super-thrilled. Before they can do anything about the apparition, Rodney becomes embroiled in his uncle’s machinations and finds himself taking part in a boxing match with life-changing consequences.
Book: Sir Nigel
Published in: 1906
Published in 1906, Sir Nigel is the prequel of The White Company. Interestingly, the novel was published serially over a decade after the publication of The White Company. Set in the earlier years of the Hundred Years War, the story follows the brave Sir Nigel Loring as he vows to prove his love to Lady Mary by performing three noble deeds under the shadow of the Black Death.
Book: The Lost World
Published in: 1912
The Lost World is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s greatest piece of science fiction. The first in the trilogy featuring Professor Challenger, the novel interestingly serves as the inspiration for the world-renowned film, Jurassic Park. Published in 1912, The Lost World starts off with Edward Malone, a reporter at the Daily Gazette, visiting a remote plateau in South America where prehistoric animals still roam around, in his bid to impress his lady love Gladys. He joins the enigmatic Professor Challenger, Professor Summerlee, and Lord John Roxton in their adventures in the land of dinosaurs. The Lost World is definitely a must-read for all adventure story fans and science fiction aficionados.
Book: The Maracot Deep
Published in: 1929
Published in 1929, The Maracot Deepis one of Sir Arthur Doyle’s last works published during his lifetime. The book follows Professor Maracot, Cyrus Headly, and Bill Scanlan as they set out on a quest to discover the lost city of Atlantis. The Maracot Deep is an intriguing tale that gives us a glimpse into Doyle’s spiritualistic side.
Conclusion
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was undoubtedly a talented author who penned numerous adventure tales, historical novels, horror books, detective stories, and science fiction. Though the exploits of Sherlock Holmes will forever hold a special place in our hearts, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s other works are masterpieces in their own right.
Do comment and let me know your thoughts about Doyle’s non-Holmes works.
(Photo credit: Walter Benington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
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[…] Beyond Sherlock Holmes: Best Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle […]
It’s kind of sad that what we consider to be someone’s masterpiece they found stifling. I’m interested in “The White Company”, since he considered it his best work.
I love the first quote, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Sherlock Holmes much better than I ever have! 🌿🌸🕵️♂️