Enter the world of Sherlock Holmes, and uncover the myths and reality of the era when the famed detective emerged--a time of great advances in crime analysis, medicine, and technology. Along with background on Holmes's origin, fans can explore the various portrayals of the character through the years, including BBC's Sherlock; Elementary, with its female Watson; and Guy Ritchie's action-packed Sherlock Holmes films.

One of a number of "biographies" of the fictional Holmes character, this one reveals a wealth of unsuspected "facts" about the master sleuth. What was the scandal involving Queen Victoria's son and grandson? Why did Holmes visit the United States, and what did he do for Vanderbilt? Why did he remain silent about the identity of Jack the Ripper? What was the secret of the Vatican cameos? Why did the kings of Denmark, Sweden and Holland, the Sultan of Turkey, the Czar of Russia and the President of the United States confer on Sherlock Holmes their countries' highest decorations?

The Sherlock Holmes Book, the latest in DK's award-winning Big Ideas Simply Explained series, tackles the most "elementary" of subjects--the world of Sherlock Holmes, as told by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sherlock Holmes Book is packed with witty illustrations, clear graphics, and memorable quotes that make it the perfect Sherlock Holmes guide, covering every case of the world's greatest detective, from A Study in Scarlet to The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place, placing the sorties in a wider context. Stories include at-a-glance flowcharts that show how Holmes reaches his conclusions through deductive reasoning, and character guides provide handy reference for readers and an invaluable resource for fans of the Sherlock Holmes films and TV series. The Sherlock Holmes Book holds a magnifying glass to the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective.

Reveals the brilliant mind of the creator of Sherlock Holmes, who was a "consulting detective" when he was not writing fiction

Although millions know of Sherlock Holmes through the chronicles of his exploits written by Dr. Watson, it is now that the full biography and facts of his life can be brought before the public. This volume brings together for the first time every known fact that can be fully authenticated about the life of one of the world's most extraordinary men, and reveals much more about him that has not been heretofore generally known. From twenty years' research into every possible source, the author has written as definitive an account as could ever be assembled.