Doyle'S World - Lost & Found

Doyle's World is no ordinary book. It is instead a work that deciphers the cryptic origins andactual scientifi c methods used by fi ction's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes-andprovides a detailed look into the psyche and working life of Holmes' creator, Sir Arthur ConanDoyle. Revealed here for the fi rst time-by son-father writing team Daniel Friedman, MD, andEugene Friedman, MD-are the inspirations behind the physical, emotional, and intellectualcharacteristics that Doyle wove together so deftly to bring his legendary sleuth to life. The authors o er research-based answers to such intriguing questions as: ■ From whom did Sherlock Holmes actuallylearn the art of detective work. ■ Why did Doyle kill off Sherlock Holmes-and how did the country of Japan inspirehow he brought his famous detective backto life after nearly a decade. ■ What story elements did Doyle borrow fromRobert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. ■ How did Doyle apply his fervent belief inSpiritualism to a variety of Holmes stories. ■ Who inspired Doyle to write about civilrights after a steamship journey in 1882. ■ How did the women in Doyle's life come toinfluence the relationships with women thatboth Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson haveacross sixty written adventures. The book is divided into three sections. The fi rst is dedicated to the elements-both goodand bad-that comprised Doyle's childhood and early adult years, and how an assemblageof persons and places and things from his life found their way into his literature. Thesecond section emphasizes the complex themes and plots present in the Sherlock Holmesadventures, while it also examines some of Doyle's strengths-and weaknesses-as a publicfi gure of his time. And in the book's concluding part, the authors o er two "lost" stories theyuncovered that were written by Doyle under a pseudonym. Doyle's World is a work of rich detail and in-depth scholarship that should win overestablished fans of Doyle and devoted "Sherlockians" everywhere-and which shouldengage, and entertain, all others who enter this intriguing hall of literary mirrors.