Born on This Day 166 Years Ago: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, More Than Just Sherlock’s Creator

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may forever be linked with the sharp mind and curved pipe of Sherlock Holmes, but his own life was every bit as remarkable as the adventures he imagined. Born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Doyle was a man of intellect and passion. He was a physician, a writer, and an adventurer.

From Medicine to Mystery: The Making of a Victorian Writer

Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where one of his professors, Dr. Joseph Bell, became the real-life inspiration for Sherlock Holmes. Bell's emphasis on observation and deductive reasoning left an impression on Doyle that would echo throughout his writing.

While working as a ship's doctor and later opening a struggling practice in Portsmouth, Doyle began writing short stories to supplement his income. In 1887, A Study in Scarlet introduced the world to Holmes and Dr. Watson. The detective's fame grew rapidly, and Doyle, although proud of his creation, soon found himself frustrated by Holmes' dominance over his literary reputation.

The Pipe-Smoking Icon of Detective Fiction

Sherlock Holmes is rarely pictured without a pipe, and while the curved calabash pipe became iconic thanks to stage and film portrayals, Doyle himself never described Holmes using this exact shape. Still, the image stuck. Doyle himself was no stranger to pipe smoking; it was a gentlemanly habit of the era and one he embraced. Some accounts suggest Doyle favored a traditional briar pipe and found comfort in its ritual during long hours of writing.

In fact, modern pipe smokers can still connect to this legacy through Peterson of Dublin, one of the oldest pipe makers in the world. Peterson has a special line of Sherlock Holmes series pipes—each one named after a character or theme from the Holmes stories. These pipes have become collector’s favorites and a nod to the enduring influence of Doyle’s detective.

As for what Doyle might have smoked? While exact blends are lost to time, it's likely he enjoyed traditional English or Virginia blends, possibly with a hint of Latakia or Perique—tobaccos common among pipe smokers in Victorian Britain. For the modern smoker hoping to channel that era, Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe, Peterson’s Royal Yacht, or Samuel Gawith’s Squadron Leader would be fitting choices.

As for Holmes himself, with his frequent pipe-smoking habits and long contemplative sessions, one could imagine him enjoying a strong, contemplative mixture—perhaps something like Peterson’s 221B Baker Street blend, rich and smoky with complexity befitting the world’s greatest detective.

Adventures Beyond Baker Street: More Than Sherlock Holmes

Tired of Holmes, Doyle famously killed the detective off in 1893's The Final Problem, only to resurrect him due to public demand. But beyond Holmes, Doyle had a robust literary career. He wrote historical novels, science fiction, and even tales of Professor Challenger, most notably The Lost World.

Doyle also took a turn toward real-world adventures, volunteering as a doctor in the Boer War and receiving a knighthood in 1902 for his service. Later, he passionately supported various causes, including the unjust conviction of George Edalji, contributing to early conversations around forensic science and legal reform.

Legacy of a Literary Giant and Iconic Pipe Smoker

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle died on July 7, 1930, but his work—and the pipe-smoking sleuth he brought to life—continues to inspire readers and writers around the world. His stories helped shape the modern detective genre, and his complex life reminds us that behind every fictional genius is a real human being with curiosities, contradictions, and passions.

So next time you pack a bowl and settle in with a good book, raise your pipe to Doyle—a man who lived as boldly as he wrote.