A dazzling collection of rare art and documents illuminate the life of Sherlock Holmes who sometimes seems to have a life of his own, one that leaps beyond the pages of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mystery stories. Highlights include leaves from The Hound of the Baskervilles; four short story manuscripts; original artwork by the British and American illustrators who created Sherlock's iconic look for readers; a wealth of holograph letters from Arthur Conan Doyle to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers; a fascinating cache of pirated editions; the only known salesman's dummy for the US Hound; an "idea book" of Conan Doyle's private musings in which he (in)famously penned "Killed Holmes" on his calendar for December 1893; and a handwritten speech - never before displayed - with the author's explanation for killing Holmes: "I have been much blamed for doing that gentleman to death but I hold that it was not murder but justifiable homicide in self defence [sic] since if I had not killed him he would certainly have killed me." Drawing on their private, extensive collection of Holmes-related bibliographic material, the Mirankers bring to light exhibits presented in thematic clusters that highlight their significance to the case at hand. Throughout, they invite readers to share in the collector's enthusiasm for the kinds of rarities and oddities that help decipher the appeal of Sherlock Holmes in ways that transcend what can be found on the page. 'Bibliophiles will drool over the first editions and enjoy the back stories of pirated printings. This collection represents years of painstaking pursuit and leaves the reader wanting to see more.' Deep red cloth bound Grolier quality hardback, 168 pages, 22.9 x 30.5cm.
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