This collection investigates the lifelong intellectual and emotional bond between Arthur Conan Doyle and his mother, Mary Foley Doyle, through their extensive correspondence. Daniel Stashower, an award-winning biographer and expert on the life of Conan Doyle, curates these letters to provide a primary-source window into the formative influences on the creator of Sherlock Holmes. By organizing these documents chronologically from 1867 to 1921, the book illustrates how the author's professional ambitions and personal beliefs were shaped by his mother's consistent guidance and critique. The work serves as a foundational text for understanding the private life behind the public literary persona.

This volume is regarded as a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts seeking an intimate look at the private motivations of a major literary figure. The editorial framing provides a clear, accessible path through the dense collection of personal documents.