Michael Dirda Book Event: "On Conan Doyle"

Author and Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post book critic Michael Dirda will discuss his latest book, "On Conan Doyle: Or, The Whole Art of Storytelling," at 7:00 pm Monday, Dec. 12, in the Bloomberg Room.

"On Conan Doyle" offers a spirited account of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life and work. Best known now as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Doyle was also a master of the supernatural short story and a pioneer of science fiction. He wrote historical fiction, essays, and memoirs; spoke out on social causes from imperialism and racial injustice to more liberal divorce laws, defended wrongly convicted prisoners and even dabbled in tracts on spiritualism.

Reservations are required for this event and may be made at [email protected] or by calling 202-662-7523. There is a $5.00 charge for non-National-Press-Club members.

Combining memoir and appreciation, "On Conan Doyle" is a highly engaging personal introduction to Holmes's creator, as well as a rare insider's account of the curiously delightful activities and playful scholarship of The Baker Street Irregulars.

Michael Dirda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and longtime book columnist for the Washington Post. He is the author of four collections of essays, "Readings," "Bound to Please," "Book by Book," and "Classics for Pleasure," as well as the memoir "An Open Book." A lifelong Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle fan, he was inducted into The Baker Street Irregulars in 2002.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Proceeds benefit the National Press Club Journalism Institute. No outside books will be permitted.

This event is cosponsored by the Club’s Book & Author and Young Members Committees.