The miracle of Sherlock Holmes is that for twenty-five pounds in 1887, Conan Doyle created a truly universal and immortal literary figure. Sherlock Holmes is a household word in virtually every country in the world. A few of Shakespeare's characters are nearly that well known, probably Hamlet and Macbeth. Other possible rivals include Robinson Crusoe, Dracula, Tarzan, and James Bond, but beyond that, we have to turn to tradition and folklore. Sherlock Holmes is as instantly recognizable as Robin Hood. King Arthur may be somewhere in the same league. But that's about it. Here are 12 of Sherlock Holmes' most beloved adventures. Prepare to be transported back in time to a gaslit, fog enshrouded London.