Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Coming of the Fairies is a non-fiction work written in the early 20th century that delves into the controversial subject of the Cottingley Fairy photographs. These photos, taken by two young girls, Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths, were claimed to depict real fairies. Doyle meticulously investigates the circumstances surrounding the photographs to determine their authenticity, while also exploring the broader implications of their existence on humanity’s understanding of nature and the supernatural.
The opening of the work sets the stage for an intriguing narrative, blending skepticism and hope about the existence of fairies. Doyle recounts how he first came to know about the photographs through conversations, particularly with a man named Edward Gardner, who shared the story with him. Elsie and Frances, the girls who took the photos, claimed to have encountered fairies in the woods near their home, leading to an in-depth exploration of their experiences and the reactions of those who scrutinized the photographs.
This text lays the groundwork for examining the authenticity of the evidence, the individuals involved, and the enchanting, mysterious world of fairies that has the potential to challenge and reshape perceptions of reality.
