The Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) is best known for his creation of the character Sherlock Holmes. Trained as a medical doctor, Doyle - like many Victorian intellectuals - became fascinated by spiritualism and its promise of communication with the afterlife. Doyle was a firm believer in the movement, claiming as evidence 'sign[s] of a purposeful and organized invasion' from the spirit world. In 1926, towards the end of his life, he published this influential two-volume history. Volume 1 covers the background and origins of spiritualism, beginning with Swedenborg before turning to the 'supernatural' events in upstate New York in 1848 that are generally regarded as the beginning of modern spiritualism. It then focuses on key individuals including D. D. Home, and on scientific investigations of spiritualist phenomena. The History provides valuable insights into Victorian and early twentieth-century culture and the controversies generated by spiritualism at that time.
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.
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Penguin Readers Level 4: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (ELT Graded Reader) : Abridged Edition
Sherlock Holmes : A Thrilling Casebook of Villainous Crimes
