To celebration the start of National Novel Writing Month, Modern Graphic History Library presents illustrations from the novels (and short stories) featuring the great detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes in 1887. He wrote four novels and 56 short stories. 50 of these stories are in the public domain. The stories and two of the novels appeared in both English and American magazines.
by Frederic Dorr Steele, for The Adventure of the Six Napoleons, Collier's, April 30, 1904
Collier's was one of the magazines which featured the Sherlock stories. Illustrator Frederic Dorr Steele is best known for his Sherlock illustrations. The artist was asked by Collier's to illustrate a Sherlock story in 1903 and continued to illustrated the detective for the rest of his career.
by Frederic Dorr Steele, American, December 1911
Steele illustrated Sherlock for other magazines besides Collier's. American magazine also hired Steele to create the detective for its stories.
by Frederic Dorr Steele, from The Disappearence of Lady Carfax, American, December 1911
For American magazine, Steele would not only illustrate covers but also scenes from the story to appear on individual pages. Most of the two-page spreads had a Steele illustration.
Other illustrators would also get the chance to draw the iconic detective for the many magazines that published the popular stories. At one point, it was believed that Sherlock stories were more popular in America than in England.
by Robert Fawcett, for The Adventure of the Gold Hunter, Collier's, May 1953.
After Conan Doyle died, his youngest son Adrian continued to write Sherlock stories.
Artist Robert Fawcett illustrated these stories for Collier's.
by Robert Fawcett, 1948, publication unknown
To see more Sherlock illustrations for short stories, paperback novels, comic books, and advertisements, come to the Sherlock-inspired First Friday at the St. Louis Science Center, this Friday, November 7.
by Robert Fawcett, for The Adventure of the Black Baronet, Collier's, May 23, 1953.
All images are from the Walt Reed Illustration Archive.
Information about Sherlock Holmes is from:
Frederic Dorr Steele. Wikipedia, no date.
Sherlock Holmes. Wikipedia, no date.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Biography. Sherlock Holmes Online.org, no date.