The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of the crime novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes. Originally serialized in The Strand Magazine from August 1901 to April 1902, it is set largely on Dartmoor in Devon in England's West Country and tells the story of an attempted murder inspired by the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound of supernatural origin. Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson investigate the case. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his intended death in "The Final Problem", and the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles led to the character's eventual revival. In 2003, the book was listed as number 128 of 200 on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's "best-loved novel." In 1999, it was listed as the top Holmes novel, with a perfect rating from Sherlockian scholars of 100...

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Author 

The Creator of Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a prominent British writer and physician. He is best known for creating the iconic character Sherlock Holmes in 1887, who became the central figure in four novels and fifty-six short stories, revolutionizing the crime fiction genre.

Early Life: Doyle's early life was marked by family struggles due to his father's alcoholism. After scattered living arrangements, he studied at various schools, including Newington Academy. Supported by relatives, he moved to England for education at the Jesuit preparatory school Hodder Place and later Stonyhurst College.

Despite finding the academic system challenging, he excelled and developed an ambivalent attitude towards his educational experiences. During his time in Austria at Stella Matutina, he drifted away from Catholicism and later embraced agnosticism and spiritualism.

Medical Career: From 1876 to 1881, Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. His medical career included stints in Aston, Sheffield, and Ruyton-XI-Towns. He also sailed on the Greenland whaler Hope and earned degrees in medicine. However, his true passion lay in writing, and he often turned to fiction while waiting for patients in his medical practice.

Literary Career: Doyle struggled initially to find a publisher for his works, but his breakthrough came with "A Study in Scarlet" in 1887. Sherlock Holmes became a cultural phenomenon, and despite Doyle's attempt to "kill" Holmes in "The Final Problem," public demand led to Holmes's resurrection in "The Hound of the Baskervilles."

Apart from Holmes, Doyle wrote historical novels, short stories, and plays. Notable works include "The Lost World," featuring Professor Challenger, and historical novels like "The White Company." He also delved into sports, excelling in cricket, boxing, and golf.

Later Years and Death: In his later years, Doyle continued writing and exploring various interests. He passed away on July 7, 1930, at Windlesham Manor in Crowborough, Sussex, at the age of 71. Doyle's legacy endures through his contributions to literature, especially the Sherlock Holmes stories, which remain timeless classics. He was buried in Minstead churchyard in the New Forest, Hampshire, alongside his wife.

Legacy: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's impact on literature, particularly in the detective fiction genre, is immeasurable. Sherlock Holmes remains one of the most beloved and enduring fictional characters, and Doyle's diverse body of work reflects his versatility as a storyteller and his keen interest in various fields beyond literature.

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