Jacksonville Public Library

Strange studies from life and other narratives : the complete true crime writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, selected and edited by Jack Tracy ; introduction by Peter Ruber ; illustrated by Sidney Paget

eng

illustrations

no index present

non fiction

Strange studies from life and other narratives : the complete true crime writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

19087289

selected and edited by Jack Tracy ; introduction by Peter Ruber ; illustrated by Sidney Paget

The name of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is inextricably associated with that of Sherlock Holmes. But the same mind that invented Holmes's cases was also fascinated, perhaps inspired, by factual accounts of crime. For the first time, the aficionado can find all of this master storyteller's writings on true crime, most of which have been unknown and unavailable, collected into a single volume. In his familiar narrative style, Sir Arthur relates tales that range from the grim recounting of heinous murders to a diverting history of the French duel. There are stories of young men who fatally betrayed their lovers, of a bloody mutiny at sea, and of the lingering doubts in a case in which the convincing circumstantial evidence condemned a man who tenaciously proclaimed his innocence. The three 'Strange Studies from Life' begin this literary treasure, and are all Doyle completed of twelve such pieces intended for the Strand magazine. He addresses issues of criminal motivation, public reaction to violent crime, and their effects on trial judges' objectivity. The final essay in the volume reflects the author's Spiritualist belief in the power of dreams and psychics to solve crimes, and in it he provides historical accounts to support his stance. Dreams as source of inspiration for writers introduce the book, and, appropriately, dreams that solve actual crimes conclude this unique collection of Conan Doyle's writings on motive and murder in real life

Strange studies from life: The holocaust of Manor Place -- The love affair of George Vincent Parker -- The debatable case of Mrs. Emsley -- The bravoes of Market-Drayton -- The voyage of the "Flowery Land" -- The duello in France -- A new light on old crimes