Arthur Conan Doyle

Oxford Portraits

by Janet B. Pascal

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) is best known for his Sherlock Holmes stories and novels, yet he considered them only a small part of his literary output. He expected to be remembered for his historical fiction, especially The White Company . He also wrote science fiction novels, short stories, and horror tales. He was knighted for a pamphlet he wrote justifying England's actions during the Boer War, in which he served as a physician in a field hospital. After one of his sons was killed during World War I, he turned to spiritualism for comfort. He became a prominent spiritualist, lecturing and writing frequently on the subject. This book--the first biography of Arthur Conan Doyle written for young adults--provides a lively account of the writer's fascinating life. Pascal considers the overlaps between the fictional Holmes and Watson and their creator, and draws a memorable picture of late Victorian society. Sidebars containing excerpts from Doyle's writings, and numerous
photographs and illustrations invigorate the captivating narrative.

Oxford Portraits is a new series of biographies for young adults. Written by prominent writers and historians, each of these titles is designed to supplement the core texts of the middle and high school curriculum with intriguing, thoroughly informative and insightful accounts of the lives and work of the notable men and women who helped shape history. Each book is illustrated with numerous graphics, photographs, and documents. A unique feature is the inclusion of sidebars containing primary source material, mostly excerpts from the subject's writings. A chronology, further reading list, and index rounds out every volume.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2000

About the author

Janet Pascal, author of many YA biographies and Viking’s senior copy-editor, lives in New York, New York.

Reviews

[Rex Libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tipping the proverbial scale at 152 pages this biography of Conan Doyle is just the right length to get a good understanding of his life, and how it affected his writings. Important details are discussed that might otherwise be lost in an encyclopedia article, but one is also not loaded down with an excess of minutia.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read. I learned some interesting facts. Made ACD seem like a genuinely likeable person with whom you would want to be friends. I had no idea he was such a spiritualist which just looks silly through today's lens. Fascinating fellow.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the man and his accomplishments. Written for older children so it is not a long book but coveres a lot of information that was new to me. Well written and VERY interesting.