Julian Symons offers a succinct exploration of Arthur Conan Doyle, whose vibrant life and diverse body of work have often been eclipsed by the legendary escapades of Sherlock Holmes. Symons dedicates the opening chapter to what he terms "Holmesiana," delving into the inspirations behind Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, the landscape of 1890s crime fiction, and the enduring fascination with Holmes. Following this, Symons embarks on a chronological account of Doyle's life, occasionally pausing to evaluate his literary contributions.

Symons is particularly taken by Doyle's resilience in the face of familial difficulties and professional setbacks. He meticulously charts Doyle's ascent to prominence as a writer who could discourse on legal, military, spiritual, and literary matters with equal authority. Symons ultimately portrays Doyle as "the ideal representative of the Victorian era." Particularly fascinating is Symons’ exploration of how Doyle, the mind behind the supremely logical Holmes, later fell prey to the deceptions of spiritualism.

Symons' biography boasts several strengths. It is notably concise, just under 150 pages, and enriched with eighty-seven period photographs and drawings that vividly capture the essence of the Victorian period Doyle so vividly embodies. A straightforward bibliography serves as a handy checklist, and the chronology provides a quick reference guide to key events in Doyle's life and career.

However, the study is not without its shortcomings. While Symons' title evokes James Joyce’s profound exploration of artistic temperament, it fails to delve deeply into Doyle's creative processes. Symons characterizes Doyle as a competent storyteller rather than an artist of notable depth. This straightforward assessment renders the title somewhat misleading and overly ambitious. Additionally, the book reproduces a 1979 British edition without updates reflecting recent scholarship.

Despite these critiques, Symons' work remains a compelling and accessible resource for beginning students, casual readers, or devoted fans of Baker Street. It presents an engaging, informative introduction to one of literature's most enduring figures, offering a window into the life of a man whose creations continue to captivate imaginations worldwide.