Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life of Mystery and Intrigue
Full Name and Common Aliases
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is commonly known as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but his fans also refer to him as the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes.
Birth and Death Dates
May 22, 1859 - July 7, 1930
Nationality and Profession(s)
Sir Arthur was a Scottish writer, physician, and Unionist politician. He is best known for his literary works, particularly his novels and short stories featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes.
Early Life and Background
Born to Charles Altamont Doyle and Mary Foley Doyle, Sir Arthur was the third of nine children. His father worked as a civil servant in the British Forestry Commission, while his mother came from an Irish family. The young Arthur spent most of his childhood in Edinburgh, where he developed a passion for storytelling and reading. He attended the Edinburgh University Medical School and later transferred to the Trinity College in Dublin, graduating with a degree in medicine in 1881.
Major Accomplishments
Sir Arthur's literary career began when he started writing short stories while practicing medicine in Southsea. His first published work was "The Mystery of Sasassa Valley" (1879), but it was not until the publication of his novel "A Study in Scarlet" (1887) that he gained widespread recognition. This debut novel introduced readers to Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective created by Sir Arthur, and Dr. John Watson, his trusted sidekick.
Notable Works or Actions
Sir Arthur wrote four novels featuring Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four (1890), The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902), The Valley of Fear (1914), and His Last Bow: Some Later Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes (1917). He also penned numerous short stories, many of which were collected in anthologies such as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1892) and "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (1894).
In addition to his literary achievements, Sir Arthur was an advocate for spiritualism. He believed in the existence of a spirit world and wrote extensively on this subject, including his non-fiction book The History of Spiritualism (1926). During World War I, he also became involved in politics, serving as a Unionist Member of Parliament (MP) from 1908 to 1910.
Impact and Legacy
Sir Arthur's literary contributions have had a profound impact on popular culture. Sherlock Holmes has become an iconic figure, inspiring countless adaptations, films, and stage productions worldwide. The character's influence extends beyond the realm of fiction; he has inspired real-life detectives and forensic scientists with his analytical mind and scientific methods.
As a writer, Sir Arthur was known for his innovative storytelling style, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and social commentary in his works. His use of deductive reasoning as a literary device helped shape the detective genre, influencing authors such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's quotes are often cited for their insight into human nature and the complexities of life. His writings offer timeless advice on observation, deduction, and critical thinking – skills that continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
As a cultural icon, Sir Arthur is remembered not only for his literary masterpieces but also for his advocacy of spiritualism and politics. His legacy extends beyond the realm of literature; he has inspired countless individuals in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, and science.
Sir Arthur's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the complexities of human experience that are woven throughout his works. As a testament to his enduring impact, his quotes continue to inspire readers, offering wisdom and insight into the mysteries of human nature.
Quotes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's insights on:
When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.
Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science, and should be treated in the same cold and unemotional manner. You have attempted to tinge it with romanticism, which produces much the same effect as if you worked a love story or an elopement into the fifth proposition of Euclid.
Just as an octopus may have his den in some ocean cave, and come floating out a silent image of horror to attack a swimmer, so I picture such a spirit lurking in the dark of the house which he curses by his presence, and ready to float out upon all whom he can injure.
There was something awesome in the thought of the solitary mortal standing by the open window and summoning in from the gloom outside the spirits of the nether world.
When a doctor does go wrong he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge.
The charlatan is always the pioneer... The quack of yesterday is the professor of tomorrow.
There is a mystery about this which stimulates the imagination; where there is no imagination there is no horror.
Some facts should be suppressed, or, at least, a just sense of proportion should be observed in treating them.