Scottish author (1859–1930) whose stories featuring fictional detective Sherlock Holmes revolutionized the genre of crime fiction. Holmes himself would eventually earn a place among the most familiar and durable characters in the annals of English literature, and his exploits would inspire countless incarnations on stage and screen. ALS signed “A. Conan Doyle,” one page, 4.25 x 7, personal letterhead, no date [circa 1896]. Doyle writes to muckraking journalist Samuel Sidney McClure (1857–1944), editor of the influential McClure’s magazine. In full: “We thought the Certificate came from Walt and acknowledged it to him. Many thanks, it arrived all right. I have done one of these studies which I will forward tonight so that you may have some idea what sort of thing I mean. Of course the Holmes stories are all criminal studies, and your brother was very keen on my doing them. If on seeing this he determines however that he would rather have pure fiction he shall have them—but it will throw back the date of them, as I feel at present rather drawn toward these….” A touch of mild soiling and edge toning, and a faint rusty paperclip mark to top edge, otherwise fine, bright condition.
In many ways, Sherlock Holmes can be considered the father of criminal science investigations, as his new way of thinking began to be employed in real life situations between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. Any Doyle correspondence with a direct reference to his famous detective is highly desirable. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
