Eliminate the Impossible

by Formerly Reader in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Alistair Duncan, Steve Emecz (Editor)

The book begins with a brief examination of the effect that the stories have had on modern crime literature. It goes on to examine the origins of the character of Holmes himself from his appearance to his drug use and supposed dislike of women. We then move onto a mini-biography of some of the significant characters in the series. Each of the original stories by Conan Doyle is examined in an effort to explain some of the more esoteric aspects and an examination is made of the attempts to form a proper chronology for the stories - as Doyle did not write the stories in strict chronological order. The second half of the book focuses on Holmes's career on the screen. There is a brief examination of some of the more notable actors to have portrayed Holmes and the films in which they appeared. Finally we look at the possible requirements for a definitive screen portrayal of the canon.

Genres: Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Karl Øen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alistair Duncans fine effort deserves to be a part of every Sherlockian/Holmesian collection. The canonical section with notes to the stories compares well to Dakin. I also found the section of portrayals on film both enlightening and entertaining.
The main weakness is that the honey is spread too thin. The reader, (this reader,at least) wants more. Duncan has a vast knowledge of all things Sherlockian and Holmesian (as well as at that Doyle stuff), but only a small part of it is conveyed to the public. I share the frustration of Cumberbatch' Sherlock, when crouching over a body in A Study in Pink drily tells Watson, (after Watson has stated the obvious: Erm ...she is dead) - I was hoping we could go deeper...

[Paul Stuart Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliminate the Impossible is a very enjoyable book, and a well-researched one at that. It offers a wealth of information that would interest both novices and well-versed Sherlockians alike.
As the author mentions in the book, it is better if the original books are read first, but only a passing knowledge is really needed (you could probably even get by if you’ve watched the Jeremy Brett television adaptations).
I feel it is the perfect companion to Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive review of all the Sherlock Holmes stories and a very honest, and sometimes quite tough review of the actors that have played the main characters.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I'm pretty sure I'd have liked it more if I hadn't previously listen to David McGregor's Sherlock Holmes: The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Volume One and Sherlock Holmes: The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Volume Two.

There is a lot of information about different incarnations of the Great Detective and there is also an attempt of dating the stories from the canon using the different annotated editions. It's really interesting reading/listening about it, particularly when it comes to authors who are playing 'The Game'. I love that, I love the playfulness of it and how much effort they put into it :D

All in all, a good book for those who are immersing themselves into the vast world of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable litany and Homes quick research topics..loved it

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's no secret that I am a Sherlock Holmes fanboy (you just have to look at my reading list to see that) but once I decided to re-read every story I had this book right by the side of me. It is a handy cross reference detailing the synopsis, themes and potential theories behind each tale, plus the editorial error and inaccuracies that plagued them. - it really doesn't mince words.

A lot of groundwork is covered in the Sherlock Holmes universe but reading this gave me a number of ways in which the long category of adventures could be interpreted, in fact there was many things I hadn't noticed before until I read it.

There's also a nice little appendix listing all of the screen portrayals from the beginning to the very latest (at the time it was written) which has broadened my interest in his movie exploits.

It really made the reading experience sweeter and that much more familiar to me and I would certainly recommend it to fans and scholars like myself.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever title, interesting cover, cursory look at the background and major characters, evaluation of some major actors who have played Holmes (up to 2008, so no Miller, Cumberbatch or Downey) and a look at what is problematic with each of the 60 stories adds up to a fun but not very meaty book. I would have preferred a more complete critique of each story and more thorough coverage of the actors and productions.