Doyle, Arthur Conan (1892, 1894) ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ & ‘The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes’, UK first editions with an original handwritten and signed letter

Arthur Conan Doyle (1892 and 1894) ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes‘ (1892); and ‘The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes‘ (1894), UK first editions, first printings and first state respectively, published by Newnes. ‘Adventures’ first state with no name on the street sign in The Strand Library device on front board; with Southampton Street at the bottom of the spine; and with the first state uncorrected text “cucaine” for “cocaine” on page 133, and the misprint Miss “Violent” Hunter on page 317. as called for. Together with an original handwritten and signed Arthur Conan Doyle letter (see beow for details). Both books are housed in one custom made solander box with the titles, author’s name and date on the double spine. Quarter bound in leather and cloth. The solander box is at least five decades old and protects the books well.

Condition of the books: very good considering the age of both volumes. There are no previous owners’ inscriptions, no bookplates and no stamps in both volumes. Some typical foxing spots on the pages as common and as shown in our images. Boards with usual shelf and handling wear inclusing rubbbing to edges. The more valuable ‘Adventures’ volume generally in nicer shape than the more common ‘Memoirs’ volume. ‘Memoirs’ has the page 10 sheet loose.

The letter: in near fine condition. On imprinted letterhead ‘Reform Club | Pall Mall S.W., (Doyle was a member of the club since 1892) One page, dated May 2nd 1896. In full: “Dear Sci | I have been in Egypt and should have | acknowledged the receipt of the book you sent me. | I thought it was excellent – few [sceent?] books | have moved me so much. | Wishing you all success | Yours faithfully | A Conan Doyle”

Sherlock Holmes is one of the best literary inventions of all time which has entered popular culture with countless adaptations for stage, film and TV. A landmark set of books which will always hold its value.