Collected Short Stories, Volume 1 opens a multi-volume series gathering Arthur Conan Doyle's rich array of short fiction beyond the Sherlock Holmes canon. In this first volume, readers are introduced to Doyle's early storytelling mastery across genres – mystery, adventure, horror, and humor. These tales, written in the 1880s, showcase Doyle's youthful imagination and range: from eerie supernatural pieces set on stormy moors to swashbuckling adventures in far-off lands. Each story brims with Victorian atmosphere and Doyle's gift for suspenseful pacing. Notable early entries might include "The Captain of the Pole-Star," a chilling Arctic ghost story, and "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement," a speculative tale inspired by the Mary Celeste mystery. Volume 1 thus serves as an engaging primer to Doyle's lesser-known works, highlighting the formative themes and narrative flair that would later cement his fame.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish author, physician, and spiritualist best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his storytelling talent began to emerge alongside his scientific education. Though initially practicing as a doctor, Doyle turned to writing to support himself, eventually achieving worldwide fame with the publication of A Study in Scarlet in 1887. Beyond detective fiction, he explored historical novels, science fiction, and supernatural themes, notably in the Professor Challenger series. A passionate advocate for justice, he was involved in several real-life legal investigations. In his later years, Doyle became deeply involved in spiritualism, dedicating much of his time and writings to life after death. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in literary history.