The Sign of Four

6b Arthur Conan Doyle. London: George Newnes, 1893. Third Edition.

Notes

The Sign of the Four, first published in 1890, is the second novel featuring Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The story begins when a young woman, Mary Morstan, seeks Holmes’s help in solving the mystery of her father’s disappearance and a series of strange annual gifts of pearls. What follows is a complex tale involving hidden treasure, betrayal, and a long-buried pact among four conspirators, leading Holmes and Dr. Watson through the streets of London and along the River Thames. Blending detective fiction with elements of adventure and imperial intrigue, the novel showcases Holmes’s powers of deduction while further developing the character of Dr. Watson, including the beginnings of his personal life beyond their investigations.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish writer and physician best known for creating Sherlock Holmes, one of the most enduring figures in detective fiction. Drawing on his medical training and keen observational skills, Doyle crafted stories that emphasized logic, reasoning, and forensic detail. The Sign of the Four helped solidify Holmes’s popularity following the earlier A Study in Scarlet, and the character would go on to appear in numerous short stories and novels. Today, the work remains a key part of the Holmes canon, admired for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and lasting influence on the detective genre.

Description

Red canvas binding with illustration to upper board and spine. Slight cocking and sun fading to spine. Softening to head and foot of spine. Minimal fraying to points. Fine conditions.