The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Value Guide

This 1930s Doubleday edition is a landmark in detective fiction, representing the first time all four novels and fifty-six short stories were compiled into a single definitive volume. Its status as the complete canon established during Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's lifetime makes it a foundational piece for any serious literary collection.

What affects the value of The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?

• The presence and condition of the original dust jacket significantly impact the $45-$50 market price.
• Overall structural integrity, specifically the tightness of the binding given the weight of the omnibus format.
• The specific printing year between 1930 and 1940, with earlier printings generally commanding higher interest.
• Minimal foxing or yellowing of the internal pages, which are common in paper stocks from this era.

How to Identify The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?

• Check for the Doubleday, Doran & Company imprint on the title page, which signifies the original U.S. publisher.
• Verify the presence of the 'Preface' by Christopher Morley, a hallmark of these early collected editions.
• Inspect the cloth-bound boards for the specific texture and gilt lettering common to the 1930-1940 production era.
• Confirm the inclusion of all 60 stories, starting with 'A Study in Scarlet' and ending with 'The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place'.

History of The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

First published as a single volume by Doubleday in 1930, this collection brought together all four novels and fifty-six short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The text follows the definitive canon established during the author's lifetime and has remained a cornerstone of detective fiction since its release.