Title: The Sign of Four
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
First published February 1, 1890
129 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Immerse yourself in the foggy streets of London where Sherlock Holmes is stuck in a drug-induced haze at 221B Baker Street. However, his melancholy is interrupted by Mary Morstan, a young woman in distress whose father disappeared ten years ago.
She has been receiving a gift every year, a lustrous pearl, and has now received an invitation to meet her benefactor. She seeks the help of Holmes and Watson to accompany her.
Together, they embark on an investigation that involves a wronged woman, a stolen hoard of Indian treasure, a wooden-legged ruffian, a helpful dog, and a love affair. Even the jaded Holmes is moved to exclaim, “Isn’t it splendid!” Join the thrilling journey of The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle.
About the Author
Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on May 22, 1859. He was one of ten siblings, and his father, Charles Altamont Doyle, was an English illustrator of Irish descent, while his mother, Mary Foley, was Irish.
They wed in 1855.
Interestingly, the compound surname “Conan Doyle” is of uncertain origin, and the registration of his baptism at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh lists his name as “Arthur Ignatius Conan” with “Doyle” as his surname. Michael Conan is also listed as his godfather.
At nine years old, Conan Doyle was sent to the Roman Catholic Jesuit preparatory school, Hodder Place, Stonyhurst. He then continued his education at Stonyhurst College, leaving in 1875.
Conan Doyle pursued medicine at the University of Edinburgh from 1876 to 1881, during which he provided medical assistance in Aston and Sheffield. It was during this time that he began writing short stories, with his first published work appearing before he reached 20 years old.
After graduating, he worked as a ship’s doctor on the SS Mayumba during a trip to the West African coast. He completed his doctorate on the subject of tabes dorsalis in 1885.
In 1885, Conan Doyle wed Louisa Hawkins, also known as “Touie,” who unfortunately suffered from tuberculosis and passed away on July 4, 1906. The following year, he married Jean Elizabeth Leckie, whom he had fallen in love with in 1897.
He had maintained a purely platonic relationship with Jean while his first wife was alive. Jean passed away in London on June 27, 1940.
Conan Doyle had a total of five children, two with his first wife and three with his second. He passed away on July 7, 1930, at the age of 71, found clutching his chest in the hall of his house in Crowborough, East Sussex.
His last words were directed towards his wife, telling her “You are wonderful.” His gravestone in the churchyard at Minstead in the New Forest, Hampshire bears the epitaph “STEEL TRUE, BLADE STRAIGHT, ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE, KNIGHT, PATRIOT, PHYSICIAN & MAN OF LETTERS.”
Undershaw, Conan Doyle’s former residence in Hindhead, south of London, had been a hotel and restaurant between 1924 and 2004. It now stands empty, with conservationists and Conan Doyle fans fighting to preserve it.
A statue of Conan Doyle can be found at Crowborough Cross in Crowborough, where he lived for 23 years, and there is also a statue of Sherlock Holmes in Picardy Place, Edinburgh, near where Conan Doyle was born.
Editoral Review
The Sign of Four, written by Arthur Conan Doyle and first published in 1890, is a novel that has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of the detective genre. Doyle, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest mystery writers in history, is best known for creating the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes, who makes his second appearance in this novel.
The Sign of Four is an essential read for fans of the detective genre and for those who appreciate a well-crafted plot and engaging characters.
Set in London in the late 19th century, The Sign of Four follows the adventures of Holmes and his faithful companion, Dr. John Watson, as they are hired by a young woman named Mary Morstan to investigate the disappearance of her father. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and greed that leads them on a dangerous journey through the streets of London and beyond.
The novel is expertly crafted, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Doyle’s writing is crisp and precise, and he has a talent for building tension and suspense that is unmatched in the genre.
The characters are well-drawn and memorable, with Holmes and Watson in particular standing out as two of the most iconic figures in literature.
One of the novel’s strengths is its attention to detail, both in terms of the setting and the characters. Doyle paints a vivid picture of Victorian London, with its foggy streets, bustling crowds, and seedy underbelly.
He also takes care to give each character their own distinct voice and personality, making them feel like real people rather than caricatures.
The Sign of Four also has a historical and cultural significance that cannot be ignored. It was written during a time of great change in British society, as the country was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization.
The novel reflects this changing landscape, depicting a society that is both fascinated and repelled by the forces of modernity.
In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the novel’s portrayal of women and people of color to be dated and problematic. However, it is important to remember that the novel was written over a century ago and should be viewed through the lens of its time.
Overall, The Sign of Four is a masterful work of detective fiction that deserves its place among the classics of the genre. It is a must-read for fans of Sherlock Holmes and for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted mystery.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its strong plot, engaging characters, and historical significance.
