The first collected edition of 13 Sherlock Holmes stories, commencing with Holmes' return to London after being presumed killed at the Reichenbach Falls, and explaining the period from 1891–94, or 'The Great Hiatus' as it is known amongst Sherlock devotees. The last story in the work features Watson's statement that Holmes has retired and forbade him to publish any more stories - a sentiment later reversed, as two additional collections and a novel would follow.

First English edition, first impression; 8vo; 16 monochrome plates by Sidney Paget, 4pp. advertisements at end, bookplate to half-title, light sporadic foxing endemic to the edition; publisher's blue cloth boards, gilt lettering, joints a little rubbed, spine lightly sunned, some very faint marks to upper board, else in exceptional condition; 403pp.

Green & Gibson A29a