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Andrew Lycett
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Book
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Publisher | Phoenix | ||
ISBN | 9780753824283 | ||
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Reviewer
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Wendy
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Synopsis
Though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's name is recognised the world over, for decades he was overshadowed by his creation, Sherlock Holmes - one of literature's most enduring characters. Conan Doyle was a man of many contradictions. Romantic, energetic, idealistic and upstanding, he could also be selfish and foolhardy. Lycett assembles the many threads of Conan Doyle's life, including the lasting impact of his domineering mother and his alcoholic father; his affair with a younger woman while his wife lay dying; and his fanatical pursuit of scientific data to prove and explain various supernatural phenomena. Lycett combines access to new material with assiduous research and penetrating insight to offer the most comprehensive, lucid and sympathetic portrait yet of Conan Doyle's personal journey from student to doctor, from world-famous author to ardent spiritualist.
Review
This is one of the most fascinating Biographies that I have ever read. The author brilliantly brings to life the
intelligent and complex man who is Arthur Conan Doyle.
Orginally Conan Doyle trained as a Doctor while starting his writing career, which helped to supplement his income. The Sherlock Holmes books were just a small part of his large output of published material. There was something about the character of Sherlock Holmes that captured the public's imagination and we are still fascinated by him today.
I like the way the author explores the contradictory elements in Arthur's character and his belief in Spiritualism, which seemed to me to be at odds with his Medical Training, and his interest in the Sciences, and his crisis of conscience over the love of his mistress and the duty to his tubercular wife.
I enjoyed this book very much becouse it is not only a biography of an extraordinary man it is an insight into a changing world of the late Victorian Era.
Highly recommended.
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