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The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes are overshadowed by the event with which they close - the meeting of the great detective and Moriarty, the Napoleon of Crime. Their struggle, seemingly to the death, was to leave many readers desolate at the loss of Holmes, but was also to lead to his immortality as a literary figure. However illogical as a detective story, `The final Problem' has proved itself an unforgettable tale. The stories that precede it included two narratives from Holmes himself, on a mutiny at sea and a treasure hunt in a Sussex country house, as well as a meeting with his brilliant brother Mycroft, of whom Holmes says, `If the art of the detective began and ended in reasoning from any armchair, my brother would be the greatest criminal agent that ever lived.' ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Sherlock Holmes faces his most formidable adversary, Professor Moriarty, in a final confrontation that threatens to end his career and life. Dr. John Watson chronicles these cases, which range from domestic mysteries to high-stakes criminal investigations. Holmes utilizes his signature deductive reasoning to navigate complex social and legal puzzles, often relying on his brother Mycroft or his own observations to resolve seemingly impossible situations. The narrative framework remains consistent with the established Watson-as-narrator perspective, providing a grounded view of the detective's analytical process.
Readers frequently highlight the shift in tone as the collection moves toward the inevitable final showdown between Holmes and Moriarty. Discussion often centers on the technical brilliance of the deduction scenes and the expansion of the Holmesian universe through the introduction of Mycroft. Critics often note that while some plots prioritize atmosphere over strict logical consistency, the character dynamics remain the primary draw for audiences. The collection is widely recognized for cementing the detective's status in popular culture through its iconic conclusion.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
1993-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191506079
ISBN-13:
9780191506079
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