Through the Magic Door (Paperback)

Arthur Conan Doyle

ISBN 10: 1108044050 / ISBN 13: 9781108044059

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2012

About this Item

Paperback. Best known now for his Sherlock Holmes stories, Arthur Conan Doyle (18591930) was also an astute and entertaining critic. In this collection of essays first published in 1907, he takes the reader on a tour of his own bookshelf and explores an eccentric range of topics, from the unreasonable opinions of Samuel Johnson to the deficiencies of Ivanhoe and the fascination of Treasure Island. While the importance of deep, intellectual reading is emphasised throughout, across an impressive scope of scientific and literary subjects, Conan Doyle is also firm in his belief that popular fiction is vital and that creativity should not be restricted by strict fact. Including sixteen illustrations, twelve essays and a full index, this book presents reading as a form of unlimited escape, a stance still at the heart of literary debate today, and will interest students of literary theory and the general reader alike. Arthur Conan Doyle (18591930) takes the reader on a tour of his own bookshelf in this entertaining collection of essays, first published in 1907. Stressing the importance of reading, poetic licence and above all a pragmatic approach, this book is a glimpse into the mind that created Sherlock Holmes. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781108044059

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Through the Magic Door (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108044050
• ISBN 13: 9781108044059
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Best known now for his Sherlock Holmes stories, Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was also an astute and entertaining critic. In this collection of essays first published in 1907, he takes the reader on a tour of his own bookshelf and explores an eccentric range of topics, from the unreasonable opinions of Samuel Johnson to the deficiencies of Ivanhoe and the fascination of Treasure Island. While the importance of deep, intellectual reading is emphasised throughout, across an impressive scope of scientific and literary subjects, Conan Doyle is also firm in his belief that popular fiction is vital and that creativity should not be restricted by strict fact. Including sixteen illustrations, twelve essays and a full index, this book presents reading as a form of unlimited escape, a stance still at the heart of literary debate today, and will interest students of literary theory and the general reader alike.

Book Description

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) takes the reader on a tour of his own bookshelf in this entertaining collection of essays, first published in 1907. Stressing the importance of reading, poetic licence and above all a pragmatic approach, this book is a glimpse into the mind that created Sherlock Holmes.