The Complete Annotated Sherlock Holmes

The Complete Annotated Sherlock Holmes is a definitive two-volume scholarly edition of the entire Sherlock Holmes canon by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Compiled and edited by noted Sherlockian Leslie S. Klinger, the set presents all four novels and fifty-six short stories with extensive explanatory notes, historical context, and critical commentary. Published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2005, it is considered an essential reference for both serious scholars and dedicated fans of the Baker Street detective. The work builds upon the tradition of earlier annotators like William S. Baring-Gould and incorporates decades of Sherlockian scholarship.

Publication history

The project was conceived by editor Leslie S. Klinger following his successful work on *The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes*. Klinger sought to create a more comprehensive and accessible edition for a broad audience. After extensive research and collaboration with the global Sherlockian community, the volumes were published simultaneously in 2005 by W. W. Norton & Company, a renowned publisher of authoritative reference works. The publication was timed to capitalize on enduring interest in Sherlock Holmes and coincided with a resurgence in popularity driven by new adaptations. The set was immediately hailed as a major event in the world of Detective fiction scholarship.

Content and annotations

The contents are arranged chronologically according to the internal timeline of Sherlock Holmes's career, rather than by original publication date. It includes the novels *A Study in Scarlet*, *The Sign of the Four*, *The Hound of the Baskervilles*, and *The Valley of Fear*, alongside all stories from *The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes* through *The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes*. Klinger's annotations clarify Victorian and Edwardian era references, from obscure London locations like The Diogenes Club to historical figures such as Pope Leo XIII. The notes also explore literary allusions, parse inconsistencies in the canon, and summarize famous scholarly debates from publications like *The Baker Street Journal*.

Editors and contributors

The primary editor is Leslie S. Klinger, a preeminent American Sherlockian and author of numerous works on Victorian literature and Detective fiction. Klinger served as the series editor for the Sherlock Holmes Library for W. W. Norton & Company. The volumes feature an introduction by John le Carré, the acclaimed author of Espionage fiction. While Klinger is the sole annotator, the work synthesizes the contributions of generations of Sherlockians, including scholars like Edgar W. Smith and Christopher Morley, founders of The Baker Street Irregulars. The design and reproduction of the original illustrations by artists such as Sidney Paget and Frederic Dorr Steele were overseen by the publisher's production team.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, the set received widespread critical acclaim. *The New York Times* praised its depth and accessibility, while publications like *The Washington Post* highlighted its value to both academics and general readers. It won the Anthony Award for Best Critical/Non-Fiction Work and has since become a standard text in studies of Arthur Conan Doyle. The annotated format has influenced subsequent projects, including Klinger's own *The New Annotated Dracula* and *The New Annotated Frankenstein*. It solidified Leslie S. Klinger's reputation as a leading authority and helped structure modern Sherlockian study.

Editions and formats

The work was first released as a two-volume hardcover boxed set by W. W. Norton & Company in 2005. Later, a compact two-volume paperback set was issued for the general market. The text has been consistently kept in print due to steady demand. While there is no official digital edition, the publication set a high standard for comprehensive literary annotation that has been emulated in other fields. The physical design, featuring classic cover art and high-quality paper, makes it a centerpiece for collectors of Mystery fiction and British literature.

Category:Sherlock Holmes books Category:Annotated books Category:2005 non-fiction books