Memories and Adventures Cambridge Library Collection - Literary Studies Series

Known as 'the great northern diver' to his crewmates, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859?1930) fell into the Arctic Ocean on three occasions during his voyage as doctor on a whaler, before becoming part of the harpooning crew. This adventure sets the scene for the remarkable variety of his later life. In his autobiography, first published in 1923, he details everything from that first voyage to his literary success, his collaboration with playwright J. M. Barrie (whose Sherlock Holmes parody is included), and his involvement in the setting up of volunteer groups during the First World War. He describes how the methods of Sherlock Holmes helped him solve several real-life mysteries and, in a touching counterpoint to this scientific approach, closes with a chapter on his belief in spiritualism. Characteristically astute and entertaining, this book will appeal to students of early twentieth-century history, Holmes fans and the curious general reader alike.

Preface; 1. Early recollections; 2. Under the Jesuits; 3. Recollections of a student; 4. Whaling in the Arctic Ocean; 5. My voyage to West Africa; 6. My first experiences in practice; 7. My start at Southsea; 8. My first literary success; 9. Pulling up the anchor; 10. The great break; 11. Sidelights on Sherlock Holmes; 12. Norwood and Switzerland; 13. Egypt in 1896; 14. On the edge of a storm; 15. An interlude of peace; 16. The start for South Africa; 17. Days with the army; 18. Final experiences in South Africa; 19. An appeal to the world's opinion; 20. My political adventures; 21. The years between the wars; 22. The years between the wars (contd.); 23. Some notable people; 24. Some recollections of sport; 25. To the Rocky Mountains in 1914; 26. The eve of war; 27. A remembrance of the dark years; 28. Experiences on the British Front; 29. Experiences on the Italian Front; 30. Experiences on the French Front; 31. Breaking the Hindenburg Line; 32. The psychic quest.