# The Sign of Four

> novel by Arthur Conan Doyle

**Wikidata**: [Q500688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q500688)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sign_of_the_Four)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-sign-of-four

## Summary
*The Sign of the Four* is the second novel in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's *Sherlock Holmes* series, published in February 1890. It is a detective fiction novel featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson, as they investigate a series of murders linked to a mysterious criminal organization.

## Key Facts
- **Publication date**: February 1, 1890
- **Author**: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- **Genre**: Detective fiction, crime fiction
- **Part of**: The *canon of Sherlock Holmes*, which includes 56 short stories and four novels by Doyle
- **Preceded by**: *A Study in Scarlet* (1887), the first Sherlock Holmes novel
- **Succeeded by**: *The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes* (1892), a collection of short stories
- **First published in**: *Lippincott's Monthly Magazine* (1868–present)
- **Country of origin**: United Kingdom (inception: April 12, 1927, under the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927)
- **Wikipedia title**: *The Sign of the Four*
- **Wikidata description**: Novel by Arthur Conan Doyle
- **Sitelink count**: 47 (indicating its prominence in online references)

## FAQs
**What is *The Sign of the Four*?**
*The Sign of the Four* is the second novel in Arthur Conan Doyle's *Sherlock Holmes* series, published in 1890. It follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate a series of murders linked to a criminal organization.

**Who are the main characters in *The Sign of the Four*?**
The main characters are Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, and Inspector Gregson, who assist in solving the case involving the criminal organization.

**What genre does *The Sign of the Four* belong to?**
It is a detective fiction and crime fiction novel, part of the broader *Sherlock Holmes* canon.

**Where was *The Sign of the Four* first published?**
It was first published in *Lippincott's Monthly Magazine*, a literary magazine established in 1868.

**What is the significance of *The Sign of the Four* in the *Sherlock Holmes* series?**
It is the second novel in the series, following *A Study in Scarlet* and preceding *The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes*. It introduces key themes and characters that define the series.

## Why It Matters
*The Sign of the Four* is significant as it establishes key elements of the *Sherlock Holmes* series, including the dynamic between Holmes and Watson, the introduction of Inspector Gregson, and the exploration of criminal organizations. Its publication in 1890 marked a pivotal moment in the development of detective fiction, influencing later works in the genre. The novel's themes of deduction, justice, and the interplay between law enforcement and private investigators remain relevant in modern crime storytelling.

## Notable For
- Being the second novel in the *Sherlock Holmes* series, following *A Study in Scarlet*
- Introducing Inspector Gregson, a recurring character in the series
- Establishing the dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson
- Exploring themes of criminal organizations and their operations
- Being part of the *canon of Sherlock Holmes*, which includes 56 short stories and four novels

## Body
### Overview
*The Sign of the Four* is the second novel in Arthur Conan Doyle's *Sherlock Holmes* series, published in February 1890. The novel follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they investigate a series of murders linked to a criminal organization. The story is set in London and features key characters such as Inspector Gregson, who assists in the investigation.

### Publication and Context
The novel was first published in *Lippincott's Monthly Magazine*, a literary magazine established in 1868. It was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a British author known for his contributions to detective fiction. The novel is part of the *canon of Sherlock Holmes*, which includes 56 short stories and four novels by Doyle.

### Genre and Influence
*The Sign of the Four* is classified as detective fiction and crime fiction, genres that focus on crime investigations. The novel's themes and characters have influenced later works in the genre, contributing to its lasting impact on literature.

### Preceding and Succeeding Works
*The Sign of the Four* is preceded by *A Study in Scarlet*, the first Sherlock Holmes novel, and succeeded by *The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes*, a collection of short stories. These works are part of the broader *Sherlock Holmes* series, which has been adapted into various forms of media.

### Related Entities
The novel is connected to several other entities, including *The Sign of Three*, an episode of the BBC's *Sherlock* directed by Colm McCarthy. Additionally, it is part of the *canon of Sherlock Holmes*, which includes other works by Doyle.

### Significance and Legacy
*The Sign of the Four* is notable for its establishment of key elements in the *Sherlock Holmes* series, including the dynamic between Holmes and Watson, the introduction of Inspector Gregson, and the exploration of criminal organizations. Its publication in 1890 marked a significant moment in the development of detective fiction, influencing later works in the genre. The novel's themes of deduction, justice, and the interplay between law enforcement and private investigators remain relevant in modern crime storytelling.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL262438W/The_Sign_of_Four?edition=key%3A/books/OL13492734M)
4. BBC Things
5. Quora