Happy 162nd Birthday, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born in Edinburgh on the 22nd of May 1859, is most famous for his legendary detective series: Sherlock Holmes.
Conan Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh where he met Dr Joseph Bell: a teacher with exceptional deductive abilities. It is thought that Bell inspired Conan Doyle’s character, Sherlock Holmes. Conan Doyle’s work was highly influenced by his favourite authors, Edgar Allan Poe and Bret Harte. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was published in The Strand Magazine.
After graduating from university, Conan Doyle moved to London to begin his new job as a doctor. In 1887 when A Study in Scarlet was published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual, Conan Doyle closed his medical practice and dedicating his time to writing.
The Sherlock Holmes series became hugely popular, but Conan Doyle had other plans. In 1893, Doyle published The Final Problem and killed off the famous detective so he could focus more on his other historical stories. However, the public was outraged and more than 20,000 readers cancelled their subscription to The Strand Magazine. The losses were so great that the magazine barely survived: it was known as the ‘dreadful event.’
Fans sent letters to Conan Doyle to express their anger, and he was left with no choice but to revive the Holmes in The Adventure of the Empty House.
The mysteries of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes continue to be popular to this day, with multiple literary works, TV series and film adaptations for all ages. There are many fun ways to get children involved in the world of Sherlock and Watson! Reading to them will not only benefit their literacy skills but will ensure they are introduced to the richness of the literary classic detective stories.
Play detective!
Ever wondered who is stealing from your not-so-secret sweety jar? Who keeps ‘borrowing’ your favourite jumper? Well, here’s your chance! Put yourself in the shoes of Mr Holmes and solve the mystery. A dress code is not essential but trench coats and magnifying glasses are highly appreciated…
Visit the famous locations!
Is your child a Sherlock Holmes fan? With summer coming up, now is the perfect time to embark on a journey and get these off your bucket list! In the heart of London lies a walking tour that lasts for two hours, starting from the Savini & Criterion Restaurant at Piccadilly to Somerset House on The Strand! The fun doesn’t stop there; make your way to The Sherlock Holmes Museum and don’t forget to grab a photo next to Holme’s silhouette in Baker Street station!
Read the classics!
This year, we’re celebrating Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 162nd birthday! Kids can join in with the celebration and enjoy a huge collection of Sherlock Holmes children’s stories …
A Study in Scarlet
An illustrated and adapted edition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery!
Body thought to be that of E.J. Drebber discovered last night in empty London house. No obvious cause of death. Address given as Cleveland, Ohio. Any information would be appreciated.
After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world’s best amateur detective is asked to investigate. With Dr Watson at his side, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.
The Blue Carbuncle
An illustrated and adapted edition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery!
Body thought to be that of E.J. Drebber discovered last night in empty London house. No obvious cause of death. Address given as Cleveland, Ohio. Any information would be appreciated.
After a mysterious murder leaves the police baffled, the world’s best amateur detective is asked to investigate. With Dr Watson at his side, Sherlock Holmes sets about uncovering a quest for revenge that runs far deeper than anybody suspected.
The Final Problem
An illustrated adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes mystery – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! Also includes a QR code for the free audiobook!
‘This is not danger. It is definite destruction. Even with all your cleverness, you do not realise it. You must stand clear, Mr Holmes, or you will be crushed underfoot.’
Holmes is facing a problem – a big one. He’s on the tail of his most dangerous criminal to date, Professor Moriarty. But it seems that the professor is one step ahead. Can the detective unwind Moriarty’s web of crime before it’s too late? Or could this really be Holmes’ last case?
The Hound of the Baskervilles
An illustrated adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Holmes mystery – at an easy-to-read level for readers of all ages! Also includes a QR code for the free audiobook!
I shall now reveal the truth of the legend behind the hound of the Baskervilles … No Baskerville should ever cross the moor at night.
With a deadly phantom hound on the loose and a mysterious man living on the moor, Devon is a dangerous place to be. But Holmes and Watson must put their fears aside. The country’s favourite crime-fighting duo need to unravel the strange case of Sir Charles Baskerville’s murder before his nephew meets the same fate.