I just received this and the second voume from Amazon. I was amazed to get these books so cheaply. I got them for around 7.99 each. They are beautiful hardback volumes with annotations that reveal insights into the world of Doyle as well as Holmes. I am going to order the 3rd volume. It's not as cheaply priced but is still a bargain. Anyone who is a Sherlock Holmes fan should have this collection. I can't wait to re-read these stories!

I've been longing for these books ever since I saw them at the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London, about 2 years ago. However I kept putting them off as I already have all the stories (in another volume but not nearly as nice as this) and I just couldn't bring myself to shell out the money. When I saw this on Amazon for $7.99 I knew it had to be a mistake. There was no way they could possibly be selling this book for 7.99. But I am happy to report, it ISN'T a mistake. It is the exact same book and it is 7.99. And yes it is a hardcover. If you are a Holmes fan you simply can't pass this one up!

I think it's pretty indisputable that this material is classic and great fun to read. The annotated edition is helpful in understanding issues of Victorian London that might slip by you otherwise. But mostly, the commentary is just plain entertaining as it showcases the insanity of Holmes enthusiasts. Many of the footnotes include the wacky theories of these fanatics and while pointing out Doyle's many inconsistencies from story to story as well as the often uninformed ideas behind the plot points, do their damnedest to justify them as if these stories were all fact and we simply need to work out our own misunderstandings.