Return of Sherlock Holmes

The book was first published in 1905 and was the first Holmes collection since 1893, when Holmes had "e;died"e; in "e;The Final Problem"e;. Having published The Hound of the Baskervilles in 1901-1902, which was set before Holmes' "e;death"e;, Doyle came under intense pressure to revive his famous character. The first story is set in 1894 and has Holmes returning in London and explaining the period from 1891-1894, a period called "e;The Great Hiatus"e; by Sherlockian enthusiasts. Also of note is Watson's statement in the last story of the cycle that Holmes has retired, and forbids him to publish any more stories.