Navigating the Stories of Sherlock Holmes: The Best Reading Order

Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories have captivated readers for over a century. Are you pondering the optimal way to dive into these tales? This guide will help you determine the best order to read the series and explore some lesser-known details about the publication and author's preferences.

The Canon of Holmes Stories: A Comprehensive Choice

The most direct and comprehensive route involves reading the Canon of Holmes stories as written by Arthur Conan Doyle. This collection comprises all 56 short stories and 4 novellas featuring the iconic detective. While the order isn't mandatory, it is highly recommended to read them in the order in which they were written. This approach allows you to follow the development and evolution of Holmes and Dr. Watson's characters over time.

Author's Favorites: A Personal Note

For those interested in the stories that Doyle himself particularly cherished, there are some noteworthy mentions. According to many sources, The Hound of the Baskervilles stands out as one of his favorites and is considered penultimate in the canon. Other favorites often include A Study in Scarlet and The Sign of the Four.

Publication History: From Magazines to Books

It's important to note that most of the stories were originally published in magazines before they were compiled into books. The order in which the books were published does not exactly reflect the order of original publication. For instance, some short stories in the last two collections were written before the novel The Valley of Fear was completed, and others were written afterward.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

For a more chronological experience, it is generally best to start with A Study in Scarlet and end with His Last Bow. However, other approaches can also be considered, especially for fans of the TV series adaptations. If you're following the TV series order, such as those starring Jeremy Brett, Benedict Cumberbatch, or Douglas Wilmer, it's important to align the viewing order with the original publications, where possible.

Order of the Books

For a detailed list of the books, their publication order, and the stories within them, here is the historical order of publication:

A Study in Scarlet (novel) The Sign of the Four (novel) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (short stories) The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (short stories) The Hound of the Baskervilles (novel) The Return of Sherlock Holmes (short stories) The Valley of Fear (novel) His Last Bow (short stories) The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (short stories)

Remember, while these books offer stories written in chronological order, the individual stories themselves are not always fully chronological. Some stories contain flashbacks, particularly after Holmes' apparent death and resurrection.

The Joy of Discovery

No matter the order you choose to read the stories, the joy lies in discovery. Whether you follow the original publication order or opt for a storytelling evolution, each choice offers a unique perspective on Holmes and his world. After all, as with any great detective, the truth is often more complex than it first appears.

Conclusion

Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories are a treasure trove of literary brilliance and character development. The correct reading order can enhance your experience and help you fully appreciate the growth of the characters and the world they inhabit. Whether you embrace the chronological order or follow another path, each journey through these tales is a rewarding one.