Quotable Sherlock

by David W. Barber (Editor)

In Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created two of the most memorable -- and recognizable -- characters ever invented in English literature. The 56 short stories and four novels that make up the Sherlockian "canon" have delighted and intrigued readers all over the world for more than a century, ever since their first publication, in Victorian London. The great consulting detective and his faithful narrator and sidekick were later immortalized on stage and screen by a wide variety of actors. Although the Great Detective was a serious fellow, the stories have both a droll sense of humor and, at times, a profound insight into the human condition. Many of their phrases and expressions -- "Elementary, Watson," "The game's afoot!" and others -- have entered the lexicon of everyday speech. In Quotable Sherlock , David W. Barber brings together the best and most memorable of Conan Doyle's expressions from the Sherlock Holmes stories. There is also a selection of the famous illustrations Sidney Paget and others created for the original editions.

130 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2001

About the author

David W. Barber is a journalist and musician and the author of more than a dozen books of music (including Accidentals on Purpose; Bach, Beethoven and the Boys; When the Fat Lady Sings; and Getting a Handel on Messiah) and literature (including Quotable Sherlock, Quotable Alice and Atonement and other stories). Formerly a writer and entertainment editor of The Kingston Whig-Standard, editor of Broadcast Week magazine at the Toronto Globe and Mail and the assistant editor of arts and life for Postmedia newspapers, he is currently a freelance writer, editor, musician and composer. As a composer, his works include two symphonies, a jazz mass based on the music of Dave Brubeck, a Requiem, several short choral and chamber works and various vocal-jazz songs and arrangements. He sings with the Toronto Chamber Choir and various other choirs on occasion. In a varied career, among his more interesting jobs have been short stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a publicist for Prince Rainier of Monaco and a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

Learn about his other books at IndentPublishing.com