Sherlock Holmes.

Reading PragueDiary of a Monk

24 novels recommended by book-loving monks - a quick look at recommended works at each level from introductory to advanced!

In this article, we will introduce novels that we highly recommend for each level of readers, from beginners to advanced readers.

Basically, the books introduced here are all great books that I recommend with confidence. All of them are extremely interesting works, so please take a look at the linked pages for the books that interest you, regardless of whether they are categorized as introductory or advanced.

Valley of FearBritish and German Literature, History and Culture

Conan Doyle's "Valley of Fear" Synopsis and Comments - My favorite in the Sherlock Holmes series!

As I mentioned in the title, this work, "The Valley of Fear," is my favorite in the Sherlock Holmes series.

In the commentary at the end of the book, it is written, "Some reviewers seem to be more attached to this work than to 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' which is generally regarded as Doyle's masterpiece," and I am one of them.

It is true that "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is probably better known and more popular. Until I read "The Valley of Fear," I too thought of Holmes as "The Baskervilles.

But after reading "Valley of Fear," I was completely hooked on the fun of this work, and that is exactly why I read it over and over again.

Hound of the BaskervillesBritish and German Literature, History and Culture

Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" Synopsis and Thoughts - The best of the best mystery novels! One of the most popular Holmes series!

Although "The Hound of the Baskervilles" was written more than 100 years ago, it remains a favorite of many fans and is Holmes' most acclaimed full-length novel.

First of all, the title of the book is good to begin with. The title of the book is "The Hound of the Baskervilles," which is both mysterious and catchy.

And from the very beginning of the story, the mystery is a mystery, and even Holmes has a tough time with it. The enemy is quite skilled enough to smoke out that Holmes.

The setting of the story is also excellent. It is an eerie space where something is about to happen. The terrifying setting, in which the natural environment and mankind are intertwined, keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat.

This is a definite masterpiece to read.

The Adventures of Sherlock HolmesBritish and German Literature, History and Culture

Conan Doyle's "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" - The first short story collection with gems such as "The Ugly Tales of Bohemia" and "The Red Hair Guild".

The current "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" will be the first short story in the Sherlock Holmes series, which was a big hit with "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Four Signatures".

Although this is the first collection of short stories, the quality is unmistakable. I am sure that there will be many more short stories to come, but this one is so interesting that I think it is the best of them all.

My favorite case among them is still "The Ugly of Bohemia". First of all, the title is ridiculously stylish. I take my hat off to the translator's sense of word choice.

You can read the book at a leisurely pace, one a day, or read it all at once, and enjoy it in different ways.

This is a great collection of short stories that I can confidently recommend to beginning readers. Why not pick up a copy?

Four SignaturesBritish and German Literature, History and Culture

Conan Doyle's "The Four Signatures" Synopsis and Comments - The Great Thames Chase! The second film that defined the Holmes series serial!

The Sherlock Holmes series was paved the way for serialization with the creation of this "Four Signatures" series.

Like the previous film, this one also features Holmes' brilliant deductions, but this time the action scenes are even more entertaining. The chase scene in the Thames River, which is a direct confrontation with the killer, is full of realism and visual enjoyment. The chase on the river is a powerful homage to the famous scene in Dickens' "The Great Inheritance," which is also famous in the UK.

The Four Signatures, which inspired the Holmes series serialization, is an entertaining masterpiece. We highly recommend this book as well.

A Study in ScarletBritish and German Literature, History and Culture

Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet" Synopsis and Comments - The memorable first novel in the Sherlock Holmes series!

Recently, I have been asked more and more often, "I don't usually read books, but are there any interesting novels that are easy to read even for me?

In particular, "A Study in Scarlet" is the first in the series and is a work that will lead to the next in the series. I would be more than happy if this work would be your entry point to the Sherlock Holmes series and mysteries. This work is the best way to learn about the fun of mystery novels.

The Industrial Revolution and British and European Society

A. Warner, "Victorian London and Sherlock Holmes in Photographs" - A recommended book to learn the secrets of Holmes' popularity and historical background!

This book explains everything about Sherlock Holmes and why he became so popular. The book is easy to read and visualize as it is explained with many photos and documents.

I originally picked up this book to learn about the historical background of Marx's life, and as I had hoped, it was also very useful in learning about the social situation in late Victorian England.

I would highly recommend this work!

Improve your observation skillsDiary of a Monk

Overview and Impressions of "Sharpening Your Observational Skills: Reading Famous Paintings" - If you change the way you look at things, you can change the world! A great book that I highly recommend students to read!

In this book, you will complete a number of practices through various paintings and works of art.

The practice through that famous Vermeer is extremely stimulating and interesting.

The details that can never be noticed by just looking at it casually. What is actually depicted in these paintings? This book will make you understand how we cannot see anything. Please read this book first to try it out. You will be shocked at how vague your view of the world is.

I was shocked at how big a difference there was between "seeing" and "watching.

This is an important skill for study, for work, and even for all of life. This is an amazing program that I hope many people will experience.

Kafka's City of Prague and Czech Literature

Summary and Impressions of Chapek's "England Day by Day" - Travels in England by the Czech Genius Writer

This is a travelogue of England by the genius Prague writer best known for "Robot" and "The Prickly War."

As a Czech, he visits the hegemonic nation of England and introduces England as seen from a foreigner's perspective with his characteristic humor.

He visited that Baker Street. I felt that Chapek also loved Holmes. It's nice to know this side of him in a travelogue.