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Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930) was a British writer and medical doctor, famed for creating the iconic detective character, Sherlock Holmes. Renowned for injecting the detective fiction genre with intellectual rigor and sharp wit, Doyle's work encompasses more than Sherlock Holmes; his oeuvre includes historical novels, science fiction, plays, romances, poetry, and non-fiction. One of his comprehensive collections, '560 British Mysteries: Detective Novels, True Crime Stories & Whodunit Mysteries (Illustrated),' showcases the breadth of his work in the mystery genre. In his creations, Doyle's storytelling prowess comes to the fore, blending meticulous plotting with an eye for detail and a talent for constructing memorable characters. His most celebrated creation, Sherlock Holmes, first appeared in 'A Study in Scarlet' (1887) and became the template for the analytical, deductive detective, influencing countless literary successors. Doyle's mastery of the short story format is demonstrated in the Sherlock Holmes canon, which includes four novels and fifty-six short stories. An adept and versatile writer, Doyle's literary style is marked by clarity, conciseness, and a powerful narrative drive, present in historical adventures like 'The White Company' and speculative tales such as 'The Lost World.' Doyle's impact on the crime and mystery genre endures, maintaining his status as one of the seminal figures in literary history.
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