A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes, #1) (Rollercoasters) (Baker Street Readers)

by Arthur Conan Doyle

Iain Sinclair (Introduction) and Ed Glinert (Notes)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet is the literary debut of the world's most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, introduced by Iain Sinclair with notes by Ed Glinert in Penguin Classics.

Convalescing in London after a disastrous experience of war in Afghanistan, Dr John Watson finds himself sharing rooms with his enigmatic new acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes. But their quiet bachelor life at 221B Baker Street is soon interrupted by the grisly discovery of a dead man in a grimy 'ill-omened' house in south-east London, his face contorted by an expression of horror and hatred such as Watson has never seen before. On the wall, the word rache - German for 'revenge' - is written in blood, yet there are no wounds on the victim or signs of a struggle. Watson's head is in a whirl, but the formidable Holmes relishes this challenge to his deductive powers, and so begins their famous investigative partnership.

In his introduction, Iain Sinclair discusses the links between Sherlock Holmes mysteries and the Jack the Ripper murders, Conan Doyle's narrative style and his depiction of London. This edition also includes further reading, a chronology and notes.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Edinburgh where he qualified as a doctor, but it was his writing which brought him fame, with the creation of Sherlock Holmes, the first scientific detective. He was also a social reformer who used his investigative skills to prove the innocence of individuals.

Iain Sinclair is the author of Downriver (winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Encore Award), and his latest book Ghost Milk: Calling Time on the Grand Project is published by Penguin.

Ed Glinert writes a regular column for Time Out magazine, and is the author of The Literary Guide to London. Glinert's latest book, The London Compendium, is published by Penguin.

If you liked A Study in Scarlet you might enjoy The Hound of the Baskervilles, also available in Penguin Classics.

• ISBN10: 0140439080
• ISBN13: 9780140439083
• Publish Date: 5 July 2001 (first published July 1979)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• Imprint: Penguin Classics
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 176
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780140439083

Reviews

[inlibrisveritas]

3.5 Stars

Quite enjoyable! I loved getting to see Sherlock and Watson become acquainted, and I especially love all the sass and arrogance on Sherlock's part. The mystery itself is fairly quickly paced and gets to the point rather quickly...but then sort of stalls out with the way it presents "Why" of the case. Then of course there is the problematic way Mormons are represented, which is really unfortunate and from my understanding Doyle came to regret the way he wrote that portion.
Despite that it's still a good read. It's quick and easy, and I'm looking forward to the second one!

[Michael @ Knowledge Lost]

The book that started the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson was A Study in Scarlet. The book is split into two separate but linked stories; Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John Watson, M.D., Late of the Army Medical Department & The Country of the Saints. The first part tells the story of Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes meeting and their first case. The Second is the background to the case and the reasons why it lead to murder. A Study in Scarlet was a very easy and enjoyable book to read and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has a beautiful way of writing.