DOYLE ARTHUR CONAN: (1859-1930)

DOYLE ARTHUR CONAN: (1859-1930)

Doyle provides an insight into his new novel –

 

‘I think I have done it in such a way that it is picturesque and not offensive,
though I have two big fights in the book’

 

DOYLE ARTHUR CONAN: (1859-1930) Scottish author, creator of Sherlock Holmes. A very fine A.L.S., A Conan Doyle, four pages, 8vo, Maloja Hotel, Maloja [Switzerland], 1^st August 1895, to [James] Payn. Doyle's unusually lengthy letter begins in a social vein, 'How I wish I could waft you up here, for it is a very charming place, but decidedly inaccessible to any man who is not very robust….I see from the Illustrated that your wit and cheeriness never fail you, but I know that in your case that is no proof of health or strength', before continuing on the subject of his present literary endeavours, 'I have been very busy on the…..prize fighter book of which, I think, I said something to you. I think it will work out fairly well, but I dare not be too sanguine. I remember that you were disposed to think that I was dealing with an unsavoury subject in the prize ring……But I hope that it may justify itself. I think I have done it in such a way that it is picturesque and not offensive, though I have two big fights in the book. It has never yet been done, as far as I know, and yet the Ring is the one typical Anglo Saxon sport which has never existed outside English speaking countries, and which has now, I believe, a very deep hold of the people - in spite of the unspeakable state to which it has been reduced. In the old days it stood for chivalry, gallantry & fair play, and I am sure I would rather fight in the lists with lance and sword than stand up to a good man for a hundred rounds, as far as the bravery & endurance which is needed goes. I hope when it comes your way that you may think I have made it interesting.' The author returns to his social and sporting activities, 'Our chief amusement here is to play golf, but as the grass is very thick & long the game gives you a lot of fresh air with very little exertion, for at your first drive you lose your ball, and then you spend your day, with intervals for meals, in walking round in circles and looking for it. [John] Hare is here and I believe [Squire] Bancroft & [Arthur Wing] Pinero are expected, so we feel that we are quite a dramatic centre', and also comments on his holiday reading, 'Of course you have read Morrison's “Mean Streets”. It seemed to me to be very good indeed. I have just finished “The Honour of Savelli” but did not care for that so much….Books are the great difficulty out here, for the hotel library has only got as far as Bulwer Lytton'. In concluding Doyle refers to the health of his wife ('very well & bright') and their plans to have their own house built by the end of the next summer, 'I bought the land, but the Tyndalls now claim that there is a right of way through it. I recall a painful story I read somewhere of a man who had actually finished his house when such a claim was made & proved. As a result he had the whole parish continually passing in at his back door and out at the front one. Warned by it I shall settle this matter before I build - and I have no doubt we shall arrange it all right'. A letter of excellent content, not least for its rich literary references to Doyle's novel Rodney Stone. Some light overall age wear, minor creasing and a few small, neat tears to the edges of some folds, about VG

James Payn (1830-1898) English novelist and editor of periodicals including Chambers's Journal and the Cornhill Magazine.

John Hare (1844-1921) English actor and theatre manager.

Squire Bancroft (1841-1926) English actor and theatre manager.

Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934) English playwright.

Doyle's Gothic mystery and boxing novel Rodney Stone was first published in The Strand Magazine from January to December 1896. As well as the author's depictions of prize fighting and the famous bare-knuckle boxers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Rodney Stone also includes narratives of thuggery, gambling, cheating and of dangerous horse-drawn chases. The work was adapted into a stage play, The House of Temperley, in 1909 and into a silent movie in 1913.