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History of Sherlock Holmes Timeline
(1887 - Present)Sherlock Holmes is the fictional detective created by Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. First appearing in 1887's 'A Study in Scarlet,' Holmes became one of the most iconic literary figures in history, known for his brilliant deductive reasoning, his loyal companion Dr. John Watson, and his residence at 221B Baker Street in London. More Less
Original Publications
A Study in Scarlet published in Beeton's Christmas Annual
Nov 1887
Arthur Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual 1887. It introduced the consulting detective and his companion Dr. Watson, establishing the detective's methods of deduction and the famous Baker Street setting.
Image source: A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four published in Lippincott's Magazine
Feb 1890
Doyle's second Holmes novel was published in Lippincott's Magazine after meeting editor J.M. Stoddart at a dinner with Oscar Wilde. It introduced Mary Morstan, who later becomes Watson's wife, and deepened Holmes's characterization.
Image source: The Sign of the Four
First Holmes short stories appear in The Strand Magazine
Jul 1891
'A Scandal in Bohemia' opened the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, featuring Irene Adler, the woman who 'beat' Holmes. The monthly stories made the magazine a sensation and turned Holmes into a household name.
Image source: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes collection published
Dec 1893
This collection of eleven stories included 'Silver Blaze,' 'The Greek Interpreter,' which introduced Mycroft Holmes, and 'The Final Problem.' It closed with Holmes's apparent death, concluding the first phase of the canon.
Image source: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
The Hound of the Baskervilles serialized in The Strand Magazine
Aug 1901 - Apr 1902
Public demand led Doyle to revive Holmes in this Gothic novel set on Dartmoor. Serialized in The Strand with Sidney Paget illustrations, it was an enormous success and remains one of the most celebrated works of crime fiction ever written.
Image source: The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Valley of Fear serialized
Sep 1914 - Nov 1914
Doyle's final Holmes novel, inspired by the Molly Maguires case, was serialized in The Strand Magazine. It features a murder at Birlstone Manor and an extended flashback to an American mining feud involving Professor Moriarty.
Image source: The Valley of Fear
His Last Bow collection published
Oct 1917
This collection gathered eight previously published stories, including the title story set on the eve of World War I, in which Holmes comes out of retirement to catch a German spy, serving as wartime propaganda for British morale.
Image source: His Last Bow
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes published
Jun 1927
Doyle's final collection of twelve Holmes stories concluded the official canon. Written late in his life, some stories experimented with narration styles, including one told in third person and another from Holmes's own perspective.
Image source: The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes
Canon Development
Sidney Paget's Strand illustrations define Holmes's look
Jul 1891 - 1904
Sidney Paget illustrated most of the Holmes stories in The Strand Magazine, creating the iconic images of the deerstalker cap, Inverness cape, and curved meerschaum pipe that have defined Holmes's visual identity ever since.
Image source: Sidney Paget
Holmes apparently dies at Reichenbach Falls in 'The Final Problem'
Dec 1893
In a story set in May 1891, Holmes grapples with Professor Moriarty at Reichenbach Falls and seemingly plunges to his death. Doyle had grown weary of the character, but public outrage over the death was intense, with fans reportedly wearing black armbands.
Image source: The Final Problem
Key Facts
- Sherlock Holmes first appeared in the 1887 novel 'A Study in Scarlet,' published in Beeton's Christmas Annual.
- Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 4 novels and 56 short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes between 1887 and 1927.
- 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' (1901-1902) was written during the period after Doyle had supposedly killed Holmes in 'The Final Problem' (1893).
- Doyle killed off Holmes in 1893 but was forced by popular demand to resurrect him in 'The Adventure of the Empty House' (1903).
- Sherlock Holmes has been adapted into countless films, television shows, radio programs, and stage productions, including the BBC's 'Sherlock' (2010-2017) starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Source
This History of Sherlock Holmes timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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