A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The War in South Africa by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: A Desert Drama by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Last of the Legions and Other Tales of Long Ago by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: Danger And Other Stories by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Crime of the Congo by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Dealings of Captain Sharkey and Other Tales of Pirates by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Man From Archangel and Other Tales of Adventure by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Last of the Legions and Other Tales of Long Ago by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The War in South Africa by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: The Great Keinplatz Experiment and Other Tales of Twilight and the Unseen by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: Danger and Other Stories by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: Songs of the Road by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: A Desert Drama by A. Conan Doyle

Reproduction of the original: Songs of the Road by A. Conan Doyle

Synopsis There is an intermediate ground between our knowledge of life and the unknown which is readily conceived as covered by the term mysticism. Mystery stories of high rank often fall under this general classification. They are neither of earth, heaven nor Hades, but may partake of either. In the hands of a master they present at times a rare, if even upon occasion, unduly thrilling - aesthetic charm. The examples which it has been possible to gather within the space of this volume are offered as the best of their type.

The story begins in 1881, when Dr. Watson, having returned to London after serving in the Second Anglo-Afghan War, visits the Criterion Restaurant and runs into an old friend named Stamford, who had been a dresser under him at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Watson confides in Stamford that, due to a shoulder injury that he sustained at the Battle of Maiwand, he has been forced to leave the armed services and is now looking for a place to live. Stamford mentions that an acquaintance of his, Sherlock Holmes, is looking for someone to split the rent at a flat at 221B Baker Street, but he cautions Watson about Holmes's eccentricities. Stamford takes Watson back to St. Bartholomew's where, in a laboratory, they find Holmes experimenting with a reagent, seeking a test to detect human haemoglobin. Holmes explains the significance of bloodstains as evidence in criminal trials. After Stamford introduces Watson to Holmes, Holmes shakes Watson's hand and comments, "You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive." Though Holmes chooses not to explain why he made the comment, Watson raises the subject of their parallel quests for a place to live in London, and Holmes explains that he has found the perfect place in Baker Street. At Holmes's prompting, the two review their various shortcomings to make sure that they can live together. After seeing the rooms at 221B, they move in and grow accustomed to their new situation.

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930) was a British writer best known for his detective fiction featuring the character Sherlock Holmes. Originally a physician, in 1887 he published A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels about Holmes and Dr. Watson. In addition, Doyle wrote over fifty short stories featuring the famous detective. The Sherlock Holmes stories are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction. Doyle was a prolific writer; his non-Sherlockian works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement", helped to popularise the mystery of the Mary Celeste.