Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Stark Munro Letters is a collection of twelve letters written in the late 19th century (1880s). These letters, addressed by the young doctor J. Stark Munro to his friend Herbert Swanborough, offer a candid portrayal of the struggles encountered at the start of a professional career, as well as insights into personal relationships and existential reflections. The work reveals Munro’s exploration of life through themes of friendship, career aspirations, and philosophical musings.
At the beginning of the letters, Munro expresses his deep affection for his friend Bertie and shares memories of their university days, with a particular focus on their mutual acquaintance, James Cullingworth. Cullingworth is depicted as a highly imaginative and inventive individual with a bold yet tumultuous personality. Through vivid anecdotes, Munro explores themes of ambition, the nature of talent and genius, and the contrast between ordinary lives and extraordinary characters. He also reflects on his own uncertainties regarding faith and purpose, setting an introspective tone that carries through the subsequent letters.

I. HOME. 30th March, 1881.
II. HOME, 10th April, 1881.
III. HOME, 15th October, 1881.
IV. HOME, 1st December, 1881.
V. MERTON ON THE MOORS, 5th March, 1882.
VI. THE PARADE, BRADFIELD, 7th March, 1882.
VII. THE PARADE, BRADFIELD, 9th March, 1882.
VIII. THE PARADE, BRADFIELD, 6th April, 1882.
IX. THE PARADE, BRADFIELD, 23rd April, 1882.
X. CADOGAN TERRACE, BIRCHESPOOL, 21st May, 1882.
XI. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 29th May, 1882.
XII. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 5th June, 1882.
XIII. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 12th June, 1882.
XIV. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 15th January, 1883.
XV. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 3rd August, 1883.
XVI. OAKLEY VILLAS, BIRCHESPOOL, 4th November, 1884.