The collection commences with Holmes' return to London after being presumed killed at the Reichenbach Falls, and explains the period from 1891–94, or 'The Great Hiatus' as it is known amongst Sherlock devotees. The last story in the work features Watson's statement that Holmes has retired and forbade him to publish any more stories.

First English edition; 8vo (185 x 125 mm); 16 plates by Sidney Paget, including frontispiece with tissue-guard, 4pp advertisements to rear, occasional light spots throughout, not affecting legibility of text, mark to upper margin of p.366, bleeding into leaf on either side, small closed tear to inner margin of the first page of advertisements (approx. 2 cm), else clean internally; modern full blue morocco by Bayntun-Riviere, double-line gilt panelled back, all edges gilt, rather splendid; 304pp, [4]pp.

Green & Gibson A29a.