This thesis gives a detailed look at the life and writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, one of the most important writers of the late 1800s and early 1900s in Britain

Аннотация

This thesis gives a detailed look at the life and writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, one of the most important writers of the late 1800s and early 1900s in Britain. He is most famous for creating the detective Sherlock Holmes, but he also wrote many other types of stories, including historical novels, science fiction, plays, poems, and works about spiritualism. This study shows how Doyle’s background, education, and the society he lived in influenced his writing. It looks not only at Sherlock Holmes but also at his lesser-known works and his deep interest in spiritualism later in life. The thesis argues that Doyle’s writing both reflected and shaped the ideas and culture of his time.1 Keywords: Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, detective stories, historical fiction, spiritualism, British literature, Victorian writers. Introduction. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) is most well-known for his detective stories, especially those featuring Sherlock Holmes. However, he was much more than just a detective writer. Born in Edinburgh, he studied to become a doctor, and at first, he wrote only as a side job. But his talent quickly showed—especially after A Study in Scarlet was published in 1887 and introduced Sherlock Holmes to the world. His writings reflect the big changes happening in Britain at the time, like the growth of science, the British Empire, and people’s changing beliefs after World War I. This paper will look at Doyle’s life, his most important works, and the themes that appear throughout his writing. Methods. This study uses a qualitative method focused on historical and literary analysis. It looks at Conan Doyle’s own writings—like his autobiography (Memories and Adventures, 1924), Holmes stories, historical novels, and spiritualist writings. It also uses books and articles written by other scholars about Doyle and his work. The research is organized by time periods and themes, connecting events in Doyle’s life to the books he wrote. It also compares different parts of his writing to show how his style and ideas changed over time. Results. Arthur Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh to a poor Irish- Catholic family. His father, Charles Doyle, was an artist but struggled with alcoholism and mental illness, which caused money problems for the family. Doyle went to Jesuit schools like 1 1.Doyle, A. C. (1924). Memories and Adventures. London: Hodder & Stoughton. 57 ILM-FAN VA INNOVATSIYA ILMIY-AMALIY KONFERENSIYASI in-academy.uz/index.php/si Stonyhurst College, which taught him discipline and 2made him question strict religious teachings. Later, he moved away from Catholic beliefs. In 1876, Doyle began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Arthur Conan Doyle came under the influence of Dr. Joseph Bell, a surgeon renowned for his sharp observational skills—traits that would later inspire the 3creation of Sherlock Holmes. During his student years, Doyle began publishing fiction, with his early short story “The Mystery of Sasassa Valley” (1879) marking his entry into the literary world. Doyle achieved literary fame with A Study in Scarlet (1887), followed by The Sign of the Four (1890), and a popular series of Holmes short stories in The Strand Magazine beginning in 1891. Sherlock Holmes, known for his precise logic, analytical mind, and peculiar habits, quickly became a symbol of Victorian scientific thinking. His companion, Dr. John Watson, portrayed as a former army doctor, reflected aspects of Doyle’s own biography. Despite Holmes’s growing popularity, Doyle felt confined by the detective genre and viewed it as less intellectually fulfilling. In an effort to move on, he "killed" Holmes in “The Final Problem” (1893), only to later revive him due to overwhelming public demand, notably in The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) and later collections. Holmes became a foundational figure in detective fiction, and Doyle established many of the genre’s enduring elements, including forensic logic and the indispensable assistant character. Even as the Sherlock Holmes stories brought Doyle widespread fame, he longed for recognition as a serious novelist. He turned to historical fiction, producing works like Micah Clarke (1889), The White Company (1891), and Sir Nigel (1906), all of which reflect his fascination with England’s past and his idealization of knightly virtues. These books typically explored themes such as bravery, loyalty, and moral integrity. Doyle’s interest in science and adventure also led him to write The Lost World (1912), a science fiction novel featuring the bold Professor Challenger. In this story, an expedition discovers a hidden plateau teeming with prehistoric creatures. The novel resonated with contemporary audiences captivated by evolution, exploration, and scientific advancement. In addition to his writing, Doyle was deeply involved in public life. He used his investigative skills to advocate for justice, notably helping to exonerate George Edalji and Oscar S