A Study in Scarlet
- London: Ward, Lock and Co, 1888
London: Ward, Lock and Co, 1888. First edition, second printing. First edition in book form of the first Sherlock Holmes story (preceded only by the story’s appearance in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887). Second impression with mis-spelling “youuger” for younger in the second paragraph of the publisher’s preface. A fine copy. Octavo (7 1/4 x 4 3/4 inches; 185 x 121 mm.). [iii] title; [iv] blank; [v] publisher’s preface (with paragraph 2, line 3: youuger); [vi] blank; [vii] contents; [viii] blank [1]- [169]; [170] blank; advertisements; [171- 182] pp. With six line drawings within the text by Charles Doyle, the author’s father, on pp. 32, 57, 64, 98, 124, 158. The title-page has been very neatly repaired at the edges and pp. 75-78 with very slight fore marginal loss not affecting text. Bound without the leaf of advertisements preceding the title-page and the last leaf of advertisements at the end (pp. 183/4). Handsomely rebound in late nineteenth century style full red polished calf, covers double-ruled in gilt, spine with five raised bands decoratively tooled and lettered in gilt in compartments, gilt decorated board edges and turn-ins, cockerel endpapers, all edges uncut.
A Study in Scarlet was Doyle’s first published work and the first story featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Doyle’s detective duo inspired countless stories and multiple film and TV adaptations.The story, which is told in two parts, first follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the murders of two Americans before shifting location to Utah to reveal why the men were killed. Some have critiqued Doyle’s harsh views on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed in the text. Interestingly it was also the first mystery story to include a magnifying glass! Doyle began writing the story in 1886, but faced multiple rejections before it was published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual for 1887 and then produced in book form the following year. Charles Doyle, Conan Doyle’s father, produced the illustrations for this version. A rarity and keystone book for any collector of either Detective Fiction, Modern Literature or indeed for any collector of high spots.
Green and Gibson A1a.i.; De Waal 417.
A Study in Scarlet was Doyle’s first published work and the first story featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Doyle’s detective duo inspired countless stories and multiple film and TV adaptations.The story, which is told in two parts, first follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the murders of two Americans before shifting location to Utah to reveal why the men were killed. Some have critiqued Doyle’s harsh views on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed in the text. Interestingly it was also the first mystery story to include a magnifying glass! Doyle began writing the story in 1886, but faced multiple rejections before it was published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual for 1887 and then produced in book form the following year. Charles Doyle, Conan Doyle’s father, produced the illustrations for this version. A rarity and keystone book for any collector of either Detective Fiction, Modern Literature or indeed for any collector of high spots.
Green and Gibson A1a.i.; De Waal 417.