The Stark Munro Letters
US publication: 1895
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Detective:
Genre: Novel
Plot
summary and comments: The Stark Munro Letters is a book written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is widely considered to be one of the top 100 greatest books of all time. This great novel will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, The Stark Munro Letters is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Arthur Conan Doyle is highly recommended. Published by Quill Pen Classics and beautifully produced, The Stark Munro Letters would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library.
::READERS REVIEWS::
Turn-of-the-Century Ideas - This book was published first in 1895, and the setting is in various small cities in England of that time. The author believed that the public gave too much attention to the character he created, Sherlock Holmes, and neglected his other works. He undoubtedly was justified in this opinion. This novel is an important work because Doyle has been quoted as saying much of the book is based on his relations with an earlier acquaintance. It is therefore possible that the book is at least semi-autobiographical and may be an indicator of some of Doyle's beliefs and attitudes toward his times. It is an epistolary novel, written in the form of letters, "edited and arranged" by Doyle, according to the title page. An introductory note, ostensibly by the fictional Herbert Swanborough, to whom the letters have been sent, claims the letters are herewith published with the thought that some other young man might benefit from the story, and the views, of John Stark Munro. Each letter contains two elements: one part is the narrative of events in the life of a young medical graduate in his efforts to set up a practice, as his own man, with a very little assistance from anyone else; the other part of each letter is didactic, presented as his friendly arguments with his close friend Swanborough. The didactic portions may be genuine expressions of Doyle's belief about religion, politics, ethics, and society. Munro nevertheless is presented as an interesting character, as well as a person who would have been a benefit to society and the world he lived in. Doyle deserves respect as a serious writer of the turn of the century, and not alone for the "entertainments" of the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Lloyd Beldon Lacy
semi autobiographical tale of Conan Doyle - This is the story of a young Doctor in Victorian Britain. In this collection of letters written to an american friend, Stark Munro tells of the trials and tribulations that face him as he tries to build his practice. This book gives a fascinating insight into lower middle class life in Victorian Society. It is semi autobiographical and Conan Doyle uses the novel to discus his views on Religion.
::AMAZON REVIEWS::
Turn-of-the-Century IdeasThis book was published first in 1895, and the setting is in various small cities in England of that time. The author believed that the public gave too much attention to the character he created, Sherlock Holmes, and neglected his other works. He undoubtedly was justified in this opinion. This novel is an important work because Doyle has been quoted as saying much of the book is based on his relations with an earlier acquaintance. It is therefore possible that the book is at least semi-autobiographical and may be an indicator of some of Doyle's beliefs and attitudes toward his times. It is an epistolary novel, written in the form of letters, "edited and arranged" by Doyle, according to the title page. An introductory note, ostensibly by the fictional Herbert Swanborough, to whom the letters have been sent, claims the letters are herewith published with the thought that some other young man might benefit from the story, and the views, of John Stark Munro. Each letter contains two elements: one part is the narrative of events in the life of a young medical graduate in his efforts to set up a practice, as his own man, with a very little assistance from anyone else; the other part of each letter is didactic, presented as his friendly arguments with his close friend Swanborough. The didactic portions may be genuine expressions of Doyle's belief about religion, politics, ethics, and society. Munro nevertheless is presented as an interesting character, as well as a person who would have been a benefit to society and the world he lived in. Doyle deserves respect as a serious writer of the turn of the century, and not alone for the "entertainments" of the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Lloyd Beldon Lacy
semi autobiographical tale of Conan DoyleThis is the story of a young Doctor in Victorian Britain. In this collection of letters written to an american friend, Stark Munro tells of the trials and tribulations that face him as he tries to build his practice. This book gives a fascinating insight into lower middle class life in Victorian Society. It is semi autobiographical and Conan Doyle uses the novel to discus his views on Religion.