“This outstanding biography by Hesketh Pearson (and wonderfully narrated by Tim Pigott-Smith) reveals Doyle’s many accomplishments. A true “rags to riches” tale, Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life is a technically flawless production with musical interludes and cues that is a “must” for anyone who has ever thrilled at one of his immortal stories.”

“This abridgement leaves out none of the important details of the physician/author’s life. Pigott-Smith reads Doyle’s story with style and verve. He uses his considerable talents as an actor to bring to life one of England’s most famous authors.”

“If there’s a formula for short biography, this recording embodies it: rich in anecdotes, witty and entertaining throughout. Of course, Arthur Conan Doyle is a deep mine of subject matter - not just the creator of one of the most popular characters in literature, but a man who spent time as a surgeon, a correspondent in the Boer War, and an avid spiritualist. Pearson strives to be objective, praising the Holmes stories and criticizing the forays into historical fiction, despite Doyle’s own admiration for this latter body of work. Tim Pigott-Smith handles everything beautifully, using accents judiciously and capturing all of the writer’s playfulness.”