The First Book of Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet

When exploring the genesis of the legendary detective, it's natural to ask, Which is the first book in the Sherlock Holmes series? The answer lies in A Study in Scarlet, a novella published in 1887. This essay delves into the creation, context, and evolution of this pivotal work.

Publishing History and Stories

The first story featuring Sherlock Holmes, and the first part of the series, was actually a serialized novella. A Study in Scarlet was initially published in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 before being collected in book form the following year. It stands as the first full-length work published separately and was often referred to as a novel, though by modern standards, it is closer to a novelette or a novella. This story was a significant landmark, introducing readers to the world of Sherlock Holmes and Watson.

The Last of the Doyle-Authored Stories

The journey of Sherlock Holmes continued until the release of The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, a collection of stories published in 1927, which included the last Doyle-authored story, "The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier." This marked the conclusion of Doyle's contributions to the series, a period spanning nearly four decades.

Linking Holmes to the Strand Magazine

Douglas Fairbank Jr.'s assertion in his "Tales From Sherlock Holmes" offers an interesting perspective. Despite the first Sherlock Holmes story appearing in Beeton's Christmas Annual, the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have become intricately linked to The Strand Magazine, the monthly publication where most of the Holmes stories were first serialized. The success of A Study in Scarlet spurred further publications, making The Strand a classic in its own right.

The Publication Process

Doyle wrote A Study in Scarlet in 1886 during a period of relative downtime at his practice. He sold the rights for ￡25, a substantial sum at the time, with the hope of greater success to follow. The novella was first published in 1887 in 168 pages of Beeton's Christmas Annual, alongside other stories and plays. The publication was a success, receiving favourable reviews though not sensational ones. The title was later changed to its more familiar name.

The novel was officially published as a book in July 1888 by Ward Lock Co., with illustrations by Charles Doyle, Sir Arthur's father. The book, with its short chapter titles, introduced the world to the extraordinary detective and the first case study of his method.

In conclusion, A Study in Scarlet remains a seminal work in the Sherlock Holmes literary universe. Its journey from serialization to publication highlights the historical context and the evolution of a literary phenomenon.