What do the stories, written and published over a period of some 35 years; tell us about changes that were taking place in English society and lifestyles?.
Conan Doyle studied medicine and practised until 1890 when he became a full time writer. From then on he created some of the most well known fictional detective stories. The first of which "A Study in Scarlet" published in 1888 first appeared in "The Strand" a popular magazine of the time. This was also the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes. Conan Doyle died in 1930 but his books still live on. Various books have now been translated into fifty different languages and have been published worldwide. They have also been made into plays, films, television series, cartoons and even ballet. .
Through writing these stories Conan Doyle created two very original characters. The first being Sherlock Holmes an amateur detective. Holmes is tall and thin with black hair, grey eyes and a "hawk like nose". At first Holmes seems to be an un-loving person but after reading many of the stories I found that it was just his characteristics and mannerisms. He is extremely clever, very fascinating, mysterious and possesses superior mental powers. He cares deeply about his friends and is especially concerned for Watson who is his loyal friend. The stories are usually perceived through the eyes of Watson, simply because he can express and describe Holmes in a better way than Holmes can himself. Therefore Holmes does not give the impression of being arrogant. .
Watson is short and stout, the extreme opposite of Holmes. Watson is a Doctor; I think the reason behind this is that it is one of the most trusted professions and therefore the general public will believe him. The two are very well matched in many ways. One of the main reasons is that Watson is a very good listener. "You have the grand gift of silence Watson" .
("The Man with the Twisted Lip").
Conan Doyle's inspiration for his books often came from other writers.