The Sign of the Four has been a crucial part of the Sherlock Holmes canon since its publication in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. It explores theft, betrayal, and murder in the larger context of the British Empire at a time of national upheaval. We follow Sherlock Holmes as he solves various mysteries in London, but the novel's flashbacks to India during the 'Mutiny' and its aftermath call into question the consequences of that imperial venture.
Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer best known for creating the iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes. Born in 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Doyle studied medicine before turning to writing. His most notable works include the Sherlock Holmes series, featuring novels such as "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles." Doyle's writing style is characterized by intricate plots, attention to detail, and sharp deductive reasoning. His contributions to literature include popularizing the detective genre and creating one of the most enduring and beloved characters in literary history. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is considered his most famous work and continues to captivate readers worldwide. Doyle's impact on the detective genre is immeasurable, and his legacy as a master storyteller lives on to this day.