If there's a man who has captured the imagination of generations since 1887, it's Sherlock Holmes. The detective who thrives on the most complex of mysteries is the brainchild of one of the most illustrious writers in history--Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. When Holmes first hit the detective fiction scene with A Study In Scarlet, Conan Doyle catapulted to fame only few others have seen.

While you might point out that Sherlock Holmes wasn't this author's only famous work, you just have to admit that no other creation has appealed to the world's audiences (or inspired as many other detective stories) as Holmes has. It's really about the intriguing plots, the twists, and the utter victory of logic that still manages to attract readers of every age.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the popular detective, Sherlock Holmes. Picture courtesy: blog.bookstellyouwhy.com Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the popular detective, Sherlock Holmes. Picture courtesy: blog.bookstellyouwhy.com

But here's something you probably didn't know about Conan Doyle. He was just as mysterious and intriguing in real life as his fiction stories were. Some of the facts about his life are so mind-boggling that every Holmes fan should know them. So, on his 158th birth anniversary, take a look at some of the little details that made the man behind Sherlock Holmes tick.

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1. Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on 22 May 1859, but Conan was not his surname. He added it as a surname after graduating from school, and has been known as Conan Doyle ever since.

2. Conan Doyle wanted to become a soldier and fight in the Boer War in the 1880s. He failed to enlist in the army because he was considered too fat to fight! Instead, he became a ship's doctor and sailed to Africa during the crisis. He tried to enlist again during the First World War, at the age of 55. He was rejected once again.

3. This author was actually a trained physician--an ophthalmologist, to be precise--with a practice set up in London. Conan Doyle's practice never took off, and he dedicated all his time to writing.

Conan Doyle led a very interesting life. Picture for representation purpose. Picture courtesy:waldina.com Conan Doyle led a very interesting life. Picture for representation purpose. Picture courtesy:waldina.com

4. Conan Doyle held an amateur status in sports like golf, boxing, hockey, cricket, and football under the pseudonym of A.C Smith. His dedication towards the winter sports of skiing actually led to its rise in popularity.

5. The Sherlock Holmes-creator didn't just write fiction, but also believed in a number of fantastic things. He believed that fairies existed, especially after the Cottingley Fairy photographs of 1917 became a rage. When the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was opened in 1922 by Howard Carter's team, rumours of a curse gained popularity. Conan Doyle actually fueled media interest in the rumours by linking the mysterious deaths of Lord Carnarvon to the pharaoh's curse.

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6. Conan Doyle was so interested in magic, spiritualism and the paranormal that he befriended Harry Houdini. The friendship turned sour when Houdini started debunking spiritualists and psychics.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to enlist in the British army twice. Picture for representation purpose. Picture courtesy:sirarthurconandoyle.com Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tried to enlist in the British army twice. Picture for representation purpose. Picture courtesy:sirarthurconandoyle.com

7. Despite his attraction towards 'the unexplained' mysteries, Conan Doyle was a man of science, especially where crime-fighting was involved. His books include forensic techniques like finger-printing, ciphers, and handwriting analysis way ahead of their practical implementation by investigators around the world.

8. Conan Doyle died rather dramatically on 7 July 1930: He collapsed in his garden while holding a flower in one hand, clutching his heart with the other, and whispered the words 'You are wonderful' to his wife. While others have memorial services, Conan Doyle was given a sort of send off with a seance at the Royal Albert Hall. Though there is no tangible proof that he made an appearance, many people present on the occasion claim that they felt his presence.