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Sherlock Holmes: Inspiring Lives
This miscellany explores the fascinating and enigmatic world of Sherlock Holmes, his place in literary history and how he has become the iconic, timeless character who is loved by millions. Contains facts, trivia and quotes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary stories, the reader can also explore the often weird and wonderful characters who graced Conan Doyle's pages. Do you know the difference between a Penang Lawyer and a Tide-Waiter? And if you think a 'life preserver' is a cork-filled flotation device, how does Wilson Kemp fit one into the sleeve of his jacket? The Sherlock Holmes Miscellany is light-hearted and highly informative, and perfect for both the Sherlock aficionado and those new to the world of 221B Baker Street.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2012
This book could have been called The Sherlockian Miscellany, as it has more to say about the study of Holmes and those who study him than it does about the Great Detective himself.
There are chapters on Holmes's appearances in film, TV, comics, graphic novels, on the stage, in the pastiches and parodies of other writers, in marketing and in merchandising. There are also quite a number of lists like the one I've just made, which are often without further commentary and so not particularly useful.
Much is made of the origins of the various Sherlock Holmes societies and, in the cases of the Baker Street Irregulars (USA) and the Sherlock Holmes Society of London (UK), a fair amount of detail regarding their membership and customs. Interesting, perhaps (or not, depending on how much information you want about these clubs), but about Sherlockians, rather than Holmes himself. I'm not sure what the purpose is in listing the websites of the various societies in different countries as, if you're that interested and have access to the internet, a quick search will find them for you. Perhaps they could have been listed at the back, if anywhere, as a further appendix rather than within the body of the text.
There are, however, very good chapters on some of those words, artefacts and customs that were commonplace in Doyle's time and which have become less well-known in the century or so since, and also on "Frequently Asked Questions". If there had been more like this, directly about Holmes and his world, then I, for one, would have been better pleased.
So, slightly disappointing and a squandered opportunity which does not live up to Gyles Brandreth's breathless comment in his foreword that, "It is the one book that has been missing from the shelf of the true Sherlockian," but ultimately enough of interest to make it worth the cover price.
One final peeve, though a thoroughly parochial one, is that of the authors' use the term "Sherlockian" throughout, which is the American usage, while I prefer the term "Holmesian", the British usage. Well, I am British, so that partly accounts for that. But also, Mr Holmes was himself British and a gentleman and, frankly, I do not think he would be best pleased with his first name being used with such undue familiarity.
There are chapters on Holmes's appearances in film, TV, comics, graphic novels, on the stage, in the pastiches and parodies of other writers, in marketing and in merchandising. There are also quite a number of lists like the one I've just made, which are often without further commentary and so not particularly useful.
Much is made of the origins of the various Sherlock Holmes societies and, in the cases of the Baker Street Irregulars (USA) and the Sherlock Holmes Society of London (UK), a fair amount of detail regarding their membership and customs. Interesting, perhaps (or not, depending on how much information you want about these clubs), but about Sherlockians, rather than Holmes himself. I'm not sure what the purpose is in listing the websites of the various societies in different countries as, if you're that interested and have access to the internet, a quick search will find them for you. Perhaps they could have been listed at the back, if anywhere, as a further appendix rather than within the body of the text.
There are, however, very good chapters on some of those words, artefacts and customs that were commonplace in Doyle's time and which have become less well-known in the century or so since, and also on "Frequently Asked Questions". If there had been more like this, directly about Holmes and his world, then I, for one, would have been better pleased.
So, slightly disappointing and a squandered opportunity which does not live up to Gyles Brandreth's breathless comment in his foreword that, "It is the one book that has been missing from the shelf of the true Sherlockian," but ultimately enough of interest to make it worth the cover price.
One final peeve, though a thoroughly parochial one, is that of the authors' use the term "Sherlockian" throughout, which is the American usage, while I prefer the term "Holmesian", the British usage. Well, I am British, so that partly accounts for that. But also, Mr Holmes was himself British and a gentleman and, frankly, I do not think he would be best pleased with his first name being used with such undue familiarity.
January 8, 2014
For the Sherlock fanatic like me, this book is perfect. It has tons of information on the beginning of the famous series to the clever adaptions today. The theme of this book is influence. For example, when Sir Doyle killed Holmes in The Final Problem, fans wore black bands in mourning and sent death threats to Doyle. This resulted in The Hound of the Baskervilles and the eventual survival of the detective in The Empty House. Also, if it weren't for influence of J.M. Stoddart, the second installation of the series, The Sign of Four, and all forthcoming stories wouldn't have been written (Also thanks to Mr. Stoddart, we have Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray). I think this kind of influence is important because if not for the people around us influencing us, we wouldn't be who we are.
One highly mistaken symbol for Sherlock Holmes is the deerstalker he supposedly dons. However, this hat isn't mentioned at all in the canon. For this charming chapeau, we have artist S. Paget to thank. The hat has since become a symbol for crime, wit, and a good mystery.
This book has recommended many film, play, and musical adaptions that I shall be delighted to pursue, especially the comedy They Might Be Giants.
One highly mistaken symbol for Sherlock Holmes is the deerstalker he supposedly dons. However, this hat isn't mentioned at all in the canon. For this charming chapeau, we have artist S. Paget to thank. The hat has since become a symbol for crime, wit, and a good mystery.
This book has recommended many film, play, and musical adaptions that I shall be delighted to pursue, especially the comedy They Might Be Giants.
April 16, 2020
Wasn't what I had hoped for. The book, though at times interesting, felt more to me like an invitation to join one of the many Sherlockian/Holmesian fan societies than an actual Miscellany (see other works in the same series). It also lacked focused and had at times too much the touch of a passion project that got the better of the authors. Having just read the Miscellany on Agatha Christie (which I very much enjoyed and which send me running for her books all over again) I probably came to this book with a false notion of what it would be about. Either way it felt flat and more like a list of the cultural productions and facts surrounding these than a Miscellany on the character himself and the world of the stories from which he sprang.
June 8, 2013
This is a comprehensive wee miscellany about all things Sherlock Holmes. For those who only know a little about the character it contains lots of interesting facts about the history of the stories, the author Arthur Conan Doyle, and the creation of the characters. It also goes into details about famous adaptations including plays, radio series, television, and film. Plus the existence of tribute museums, and commemorative statues. Sherlock Holmes fandom has a long history as evidenced by the existence of very long-running fan clubs in England and the USA. This miscellany has been written by two very dedicated fans. A great overview for those wishing to learn more about the iconic Holmes and Watson.
November 28, 2012
I love miscellanies, and that's why I bought this book- a miscellany on one of my favourite characters ever, and with a foreword by Giles Brandreth, whose Oscar Wilde Mysteries I like immensely, sounded too tempting. And I wasn't disappointed. As a Sherlockian, I knew most of the facts in this miscellany, but then again there were a few things that I did not know, and the book is so charmingly written that you don't mind reading again about things you already know. Recommended for Sherlock newbies and a very nice reading for seasoned fans.
October 28, 2012
The book is likable, though not essential, which the blurb makes a would-be reader believe. But beeing a likeable effort, the book contains a list of esstentials, which every serious student of Holmes and Doyle should bring to their shelves. Some of the essentials are rather hard to get hold of, so this volume can be seen as a replacement...
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February 24, 2013Its great, especially when working in the field academically. Its like a glossary, that you can consult for quick facts, and for reference to further work. It's a very good reference book in that respect, and holds many interesting 'did you know..?' style facts for the lay reader. I recommend it to anyone who loves the field.
November 27, 2013
It is difficult to believe that such a compact & small book can carry such an immense wealth of information, observations, tantalising & thought-provoking hints, and yet be so well-written. Recommended to any Sherlockian/Holmesian anywhere in the world in the highest possible manner.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews