Scottish author (1859–1930) whose stories featuring fictional detective Sherlock Holmes revolutionized the genre of crime fiction. Holmes himself would eventually earn a place among the most familiar and durable characters in the annals of English literature, and his exploits would inspire countless incarnations on stage and screen. ALS signed “A. Conan Doyle,” one page, 4.25 x 7, personal letterhead, no date [circa 1896]. Doyle writes to muckraking journalist Samuel Sidney McClure (1857–1944), editor of the influential McClure’s magazine. In full: “We thought the Certificate came from Walt and acknowledged it to him. Many thanks, it arrived all right. I have done one of these studies which I will forward tonight so that you may have some idea what sort of thing I mean. Of course the Holmes stories are all criminal studies, and your brother was very keen on my doing them. If on seeing this he determines however that he would rather have pure fiction he shall have them—but it will throw back the date of them, as I feel at present rather drawn toward these....” A touch of mild soiling and edge toning, otherwise fine, bright condition. Correspondence related to Doyle’s famous fictional detective is of great scarcity and the highest desirability—and this attractive, beautifully penned example certainly deserves a place of honor in any literary collection! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. From the Jerry Granat collection.
