This article is about the collection of short stories. For the individual short story, see His Last Bow (story) His Last Bow (also known as The Reminiscence of Sherlock Holmes) contains a total of seven stories published between 1908 – 1917. American editions often have "The Adventure of the Cardboard Box" in this collection instead of in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
Also of note is John Watson's statement in the last story of the cycle that Sherlock Holmes has retired, and forbids him to publish any more stories.
Preface[]
The book contains a short preface that reads as follows:
- The friends of Mr Sherlock Holmes will be glad to learn that he is still alive and well, though somewhat crippled by occasional attacks of rheumatism. He has, for many years, lived in a small farm upon the downs five miles from Eastbourne, where his time is divided between philosophy and agriculture. During this period of rest he has refused the most princely offers to take up various cases, having determined that his retirement was a permanent one. The approach of the German war caused him, however, to lay his remarkable combination of intellectual and practical activity at the disposal of the government, with historical results which are recounted in His Last Bow. Several previous experiences which have lain long in my portfolio have been added to His Last Bow so as to complete the volume.
- John H. Watson, M. D.
Stories in the Book[]
- "The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge"[note 1]
- "The Adventure of the Cardboard Box"[note 2]
- "The Adventure of the Red Circle"
- "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" (Mycroft appears)
- "The Adventure of the Dying Detective"
- "The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax"
- "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot"
- "His Last Bow" (told in third-person)
See also[]
Notes[]
| Sherlock Holmes Canon |
|---|
| Sherlock Holmes • John Watson • Mycroft Holmes • Professor Moriarty • Inspector Lestrade • Irene Adler |
| Secondary Characters |
| Mary Watson • Mrs Hudson • Tobias Gregson • Athelney Jones • Sebastian Moran |
| Novels |
| A Study in Scarlet • The Sign of the Four • The Hound of the Baskervilles • The Valley of Fear |
| Short story collections |
| The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes • The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes • The Return of Sherlock Holmes His Last Bow • The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes |
| Behind the scenes |
| Arthur Conan Doyle • The Strand Magazine • Sidney Paget • Chronology of Sherlock Holmes Cases |