Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
 |
Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish author renowned for creating the iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes. His works spanned various genres, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Doyle's literary legacy endures through his captivating storytelling and the enduring popularity of Holmes.
Doyle's vivid storytelling and the brilliant deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes made him a literary giant. Beyond Holmes, his Professor Challenger series and historical novels showcased his versatility. His life was marked by exploration, advocacy, and spiritual pursuits, making him a fascinating figure in both literature and history. Arthur Conan Doyle's legacy endures as a master of storytelling and a creator of enduring characters.
Biography[edit]
Arthur Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the son of Charles Altamont Doyle, a chronic alcoholic, and Mary Doyle. Arthur developed a love for storytelling at a young age, inspired by the stories his mother told him.
He attended the Jesuit preparatory school, Hodder Place, and later Stonyhurst College, where he excelled academically. After finishing school, Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and eventually started his medical practice in 1882. Although he had a successful medical career, his true passion lied in writing.
Doyle's first published work was a medical journal article, but his breakthrough came in 1887 with the publication of his first Sherlock Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet. The character instantly became a sensation, capturing the imagination of readers around the world. Holmes, a detective known for his logical reasoning and observation skills, became one of the most famous fictional characters of all time.
Conan Doyle went on to write three more novels and fifty-six short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes. However, feeling constrained by the character's popularity, he famously killed off Holmes in The Final Problem in 1893. There was such an outcry from fans that Conan Doyle eventually revived Holmes in 1901 with The Hound of the Baskervilles and continued to write more stories until 1927.
Aside from the Sherlock Holmes series, Conan Doyle wrote numerous other works, including historical novels, science fiction, plays, and non-fiction books. He was a prolific writer and also delved into politics, campaigning for various causes such as justice reform, the Boer War, and the preservation of the Arctic.
Conan Doyle's personal life was marked by several significant events. In 1885, he married Louisa Hawkins, with whom he had two children. Sadly, Louisa died of tuberculosis in 1906. Later, Conan Doyle married Jean Leckie, who provided support during his grief. They had three children together.
In addition to his writing, Conan Doyle had an avid interest in spiritualism. He believed in the existence of spirits and spent a significant amount of time attending séances and investigating paranormal phenomena.
Arthur Conan Doyle passed away on July 7, 1930, at the age of 71 due to a heart attack. Throughout his life, he left an indelible imprint on literature, particularly through his creation of Sherlock Holmes, who remains an iconic and beloved character to this day.
Beliefs[edit]
To be added
