Scottish author of the legendary Sherlock Holmes detective novels. He also created the lesser- known character, Professor Challenger, and in addition to detective stories, wrote poetry, plays, and science-fiction works.
He attended a Jesuit school in Austria in his youth and later studied Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Following his graduation, he held the position of ship surgeon on several whaling and naval vessels.
In 1893, he attempted to kill off his most beloved character in order to create some free time for himself.
His parents were named Mary Foley and Charles Doyle. He was married twice-- to Louisa Hawkins and, following her death, to Jean Elizabeth Leckie-- and fathered two daughters and three sons.
His Sherlock Holmes series was adapted into a film starring Robert Downey Jr.
