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The Mysterious World of Sherlock Holmes
The Illustrated Guide to the Famous Cases, Infamous Adversaries, and Ingenious Methods of the Great Detective. Over a century since his first appearance in print, Sherlock Holmes remains an iconic figure today. This unique companion is a collector's dream, allowing fans to delve into the criminal environment of foggy, gas-lit Victorian London-the world of the all-time greatest detective. The book brings to life the elements of Holmes's success, the crime scene of his day, his history in film and television, and the present-day Holmes legacy. Featured throughout are famous figures such as Holmes's faithful sidekick, Dr. Watson; his nemesis, Professor Moriarity; and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Filled with more than 150 images-many of the works by the great original illustrators of Conan Doyle's stories-this volume presents an excellent mix of information to satisfy legions of Holmes collectors, mystery fans, and historians fascinated by a bygone era. Through detailed text and over 150 specially researched archive illustrations, the unique Documents the greatest mysteries, methods of deduction, and notorious criminals found in the Holmes canon.Brings to startling life the Victorian London crime scene that compromised the detective's fascinating world.Examines the various media manifestations of the stories, including their history in print and film and television adaptations.Invites you to read the tales again with newfound insight.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 28, 2016
This book tells the story of Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle, as a medical doctor, a writer, and at times a crime solver. It has wonderful pictures to accompany the history of Doyle's writing, and era he lived in. It also explained his views on Sherlock down to his pipe, and slippers. There are illustrations of the type of guns that were popular by Holmes, and the good doctor. I am so fascinated how Doyle's grasp of forensic medicine, started many of the practices used today. The same could be said of his laboratory. His study of poisons, insects, tobacco, etc, led to modern changes in technology. Sherlock Holmes has had more stories, books, and movies, than any other fictional character. Doyle may have felt at times that he was the albatross, around his neck, but I have loved his stories of the most famous consulting detective. He was my first detective story, and paved the way for a life long love of the subject. The editing is poor, but a true Holmes fan will still find this book most fascinating.
April 15, 2019
Very interesting compilation of facts and trivia about the world of Arthur Conan Doyle and his fictitious creations. It is an oversize book with lots of illustrations and is the official book of the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street in London. A lot of fascinating facts about Holmes and Watson and their lasting effect on civilization all over the world. It was published just before the newer Sherlock Holmes dramas with Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey, Jr., playing their versions of Sherlock. I'm curious to know what the author thinks of these new television and movie versions.
March 27, 2017
136 - 2017
December 27, 2012
Despite the atrocious job that the editors did in catching typographical errors, the marvelous illustrations made for a great book that looked into the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his literary and medical career. One of the great aspects of this book was that so much of the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson were explored against the actual geographic and historic landscape of that time period. That this character of fiction has been depicted by more actors than any other and that "The Hound of the Baskervilles" has been adapted to stage and screen more than any other work of fiction in history is a testament to the worldwide love and obsession with this fictional character. The last paragraph of the book makes such a powerful statement:
"It is worth remembering that even apocryphal Holmesian "entertainments" owe their existence to Conan Doyle's characters, and the fascination that they continue to exert. It is extraordinary that the literary ensemble he created back in the 1880s remains so instantly recognizable. Incredible too, that Conan Doyle's undisputed contribution to so many cultural forms is enjoyed by millions who will never open one of his published works." - Page 191
"It is worth remembering that even apocryphal Holmesian "entertainments" owe their existence to Conan Doyle's characters, and the fascination that they continue to exert. It is extraordinary that the literary ensemble he created back in the 1880s remains so instantly recognizable. Incredible too, that Conan Doyle's undisputed contribution to so many cultural forms is enjoyed by millions who will never open one of his published works." - Page 191
February 11, 2025
This well-illustrated, large format book is a companion volume to both Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, for the author covers both fact and fiction in great detail.
Bruce Wexler begins with a very good, and lengthy, look at Conan Doyle's life and in particular how, via his medical school tutor Dr Joseph Bell he developed some of Holmes' characteristics. He covers his medical career, his Boer War service, his subsequent path into spirituality and, of course, his writing. While mentioning his historical work in this field, he does concentrate, understandably, on his Sherlock Holmes canon. And he gives the background to the resurrection, as it were, of Holmes following his supposed death at the Reichenbach Falls.
The author then moves on to Homes' life in print, with suitable illustrations, which to any bibliophile is a most interesting subject. Then in 'Sherlock Holmes in "The Great Wilderness" he covers his life in London, setting it against the Victorian times in the metropolis, before taking a look at the medical and forensic science employed in the Holmes stories, using examples from his works to demonstrate the relevant points.
Holmes relationship with Scotland Yard, good old Lestrade for instance, is examined in 'Sherlock Holmes and the Law' before there is a look at 'Sherlock Holmes' Women', using the telling quotation from 'The Valley of Fear', 'I am not a whole-souled admirer of woman kind' - Irene Adler perhaps the one exception! And then it is 'The Travelling Detective', which sees Holmes as a user of trains in travelling around Britain but also having an interest in the American continent, particularly in 'His Last Bow' when he lets us know that he had spent time in Buffalo and Chicago. He also travelled widely on the continent where he visited many of the places popularised by the wealthy gentlemen travellers of the time.
The almost cult following that Holmes has is examined in 'Sherlock Holmes Today' when editor of the 'Sherlock Holmes Review' Stephen T. Doyle's comment, 'While Sherlock Holmes might not be real', the impact and influence he has nevertheless had on the lives of many are very real, indeed'. And this includes the many writers who have produced studies of Holmes and also the huge numbers who have written pastiches in his wake.
Then, all the memorabilia and London locations are discussed with copious illustrations of the various equipment and personal effects that he used. And the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the 'Sherlock Holmes' public house are great locations where much of this can viewed.
And finally a most interesting chapter on Holmes 'on Stage, Screen, and Radio' in which readers have the chance to select their own particular favourite actor who has played Holmes. Undoubtedly for me it is Basil Rathbone, as I grew up with him as the personification of the great detective, followed very, very closely by Jeremy Brett. What I had never known was that Rathbone, who rather like Holmes' creator, tired of the character, had later revived Holmes in a play written by his wife Ouida. However, the play was a complete flop and ran for only three performances!
Overall it is a splendid book but one that does have a couple of disappointing mistakes in it. Early on in the Conan Doyle biographical part, Robert Louis Stevenson is mentioned twice but on each occasion his surname is spelt with a 'th' instead of the 'v'. However this is corrected much later in the book when he is correctly identified as Robert Louis Stevenson but an error does occur as he is stated to be the author of 'Robinson Crusoe'! I can't work out whether the author meant Daniel Defoe instead of Stevenson or 'Treasure Island' instead of 'Crusoe'!
And, nit-picking I know, there is one other error in that the contents page displays the incorrect page numbers for the early chapter headings. None of these spoil the enjoyment of an excellent book.
Bruce Wexler begins with a very good, and lengthy, look at Conan Doyle's life and in particular how, via his medical school tutor Dr Joseph Bell he developed some of Holmes' characteristics. He covers his medical career, his Boer War service, his subsequent path into spirituality and, of course, his writing. While mentioning his historical work in this field, he does concentrate, understandably, on his Sherlock Holmes canon. And he gives the background to the resurrection, as it were, of Holmes following his supposed death at the Reichenbach Falls.
The author then moves on to Homes' life in print, with suitable illustrations, which to any bibliophile is a most interesting subject. Then in 'Sherlock Holmes in "The Great Wilderness" he covers his life in London, setting it against the Victorian times in the metropolis, before taking a look at the medical and forensic science employed in the Holmes stories, using examples from his works to demonstrate the relevant points.
Holmes relationship with Scotland Yard, good old Lestrade for instance, is examined in 'Sherlock Holmes and the Law' before there is a look at 'Sherlock Holmes' Women', using the telling quotation from 'The Valley of Fear', 'I am not a whole-souled admirer of woman kind' - Irene Adler perhaps the one exception! And then it is 'The Travelling Detective', which sees Holmes as a user of trains in travelling around Britain but also having an interest in the American continent, particularly in 'His Last Bow' when he lets us know that he had spent time in Buffalo and Chicago. He also travelled widely on the continent where he visited many of the places popularised by the wealthy gentlemen travellers of the time.
The almost cult following that Holmes has is examined in 'Sherlock Holmes Today' when editor of the 'Sherlock Holmes Review' Stephen T. Doyle's comment, 'While Sherlock Holmes might not be real', the impact and influence he has nevertheless had on the lives of many are very real, indeed'. And this includes the many writers who have produced studies of Holmes and also the huge numbers who have written pastiches in his wake.
Then, all the memorabilia and London locations are discussed with copious illustrations of the various equipment and personal effects that he used. And the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the 'Sherlock Holmes' public house are great locations where much of this can viewed.
And finally a most interesting chapter on Holmes 'on Stage, Screen, and Radio' in which readers have the chance to select their own particular favourite actor who has played Holmes. Undoubtedly for me it is Basil Rathbone, as I grew up with him as the personification of the great detective, followed very, very closely by Jeremy Brett. What I had never known was that Rathbone, who rather like Holmes' creator, tired of the character, had later revived Holmes in a play written by his wife Ouida. However, the play was a complete flop and ran for only three performances!
Overall it is a splendid book but one that does have a couple of disappointing mistakes in it. Early on in the Conan Doyle biographical part, Robert Louis Stevenson is mentioned twice but on each occasion his surname is spelt with a 'th' instead of the 'v'. However this is corrected much later in the book when he is correctly identified as Robert Louis Stevenson but an error does occur as he is stated to be the author of 'Robinson Crusoe'! I can't work out whether the author meant Daniel Defoe instead of Stevenson or 'Treasure Island' instead of 'Crusoe'!
And, nit-picking I know, there is one other error in that the contents page displays the incorrect page numbers for the early chapter headings. None of these spoil the enjoyment of an excellent book.
October 24, 2023
It seems there are a lot of folks worldwide who think of Sherlock Holmes as a real historical person. The discoverer of fingerprints, tobacco analyst, wrestling champ, and all that. There are Holmes societies all over. This is the book for them. But they are the people who do know what the Spotted Band was, and the White Blaze: what was that? And who is Irene Adler and why is she important? And where is the Reichenbach Falls? Was Mrs. Hudson a servant or Holmes' landlady? Holmes society members know all this. But for everybody else, this book is what is needed. Well written, beautifully illustrated, it is a joy to read.
May 9, 2021
Interesting, shame about the errors!
This is quite an interesting book for fans of Sherlock Holmes, a background of Conan Doyle, a look into the times in which he lived, along with other info such as Holmes in TV and film. Sadly it is spoiled somewhat by the amount of typos, grammatical mishaps and silly errors. A bit of proofreading would have helped before it was let out to the masses!
This is quite an interesting book for fans of Sherlock Holmes, a background of Conan Doyle, a look into the times in which he lived, along with other info such as Holmes in TV and film. Sadly it is spoiled somewhat by the amount of typos, grammatical mishaps and silly errors. A bit of proofreading would have helped before it was let out to the masses!
March 10, 2020
A lot of terrific information that is perfect for any fan.
May 17, 2020
An excellent compilation about what influenced the creation of Sherlock Holmes and how Sherlock Holmes influenced the world.
June 16, 2020
Not what I was expecting, gave some insight into Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Gave some historical background into the times that he livid in. For a Sherlock fan it was a little disapointing.
September 11, 2020
A good book for Holmes fans like myself. Has all the details and background you might want to dig more deeply into that book world.
July 5, 2023
A rather slight but interesting look at many of the elements surrounding Sherlock Holmes.
November 11, 2025
It starts off slow witha rather tedious essay on Conan Doyle. Once it gets into the matter of the great consultant, it gets more and more engaging and offers valuable insights into the opus itself as well as the historical context.
May 14, 2009
Lavishly illustrated, The Mysterious World of Sherlock Holmes is a companion guide to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Great Detective.
The book includes a biography of Conan Doyle, a history of Sherlock Holmes in print as well as on stage and screen, and an examination of the Holmes phenomenon today. Wexler also briefly touches on Sherlock Holmes' role in the evolution of crime fiction, the class structure of Victorian society, Victorian medicine and Holmes' use of forensic investigative techniques.
Over 150 illustrations are beautifully presented throughout the book. Many of Sidney Padget's iconic images are reproduced as full or half-page illustrations. There are many photographs of Victorian London and weapons that were common to the era. The section picturing some of Holmes' key possessions (such as his deerstalker hat, magnifying glass, pipe, Persian slipper, and violin) was especially interesting to me. When I first read through the Sherlock Holmes stories as a teenager, I had no idea what a Persian slipper looked like. I would have had no such trouble envisioning Holmes' quirky method of tobacco storage if this book had been available then.
While the illustrations shine, the text -- unfortunately -- does not. I am by no means a Sherlock Holmes scholar, I picked up on several factual and typographical errors throughout the book. Mary Morstan, a prominent character in The Sign of Four, is referred to as "Mary Morstam", several quotations from Doyle's work are incorrect, and more than once, the word "to" is used where "too" is actually the correct form. Better editing would have served this volume well. Wexler also asserts that Doyle's non-Holmes works have "withered away from disregard." While it is certainly true that the Sherlock Holmes stories are Doyle's most popular work and will likely remain so, I would not be so hasty to dismiss the rest of his body of work.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend this book based on the quality and variety of the illustrations alone. If you can look past some rather unfortunate errors, there is a lot to enjoy here.
The book includes a biography of Conan Doyle, a history of Sherlock Holmes in print as well as on stage and screen, and an examination of the Holmes phenomenon today. Wexler also briefly touches on Sherlock Holmes' role in the evolution of crime fiction, the class structure of Victorian society, Victorian medicine and Holmes' use of forensic investigative techniques.
Over 150 illustrations are beautifully presented throughout the book. Many of Sidney Padget's iconic images are reproduced as full or half-page illustrations. There are many photographs of Victorian London and weapons that were common to the era. The section picturing some of Holmes' key possessions (such as his deerstalker hat, magnifying glass, pipe, Persian slipper, and violin) was especially interesting to me. When I first read through the Sherlock Holmes stories as a teenager, I had no idea what a Persian slipper looked like. I would have had no such trouble envisioning Holmes' quirky method of tobacco storage if this book had been available then.
While the illustrations shine, the text -- unfortunately -- does not. I am by no means a Sherlock Holmes scholar, I picked up on several factual and typographical errors throughout the book. Mary Morstan, a prominent character in The Sign of Four, is referred to as "Mary Morstam", several quotations from Doyle's work are incorrect, and more than once, the word "to" is used where "too" is actually the correct form. Better editing would have served this volume well. Wexler also asserts that Doyle's non-Holmes works have "withered away from disregard." While it is certainly true that the Sherlock Holmes stories are Doyle's most popular work and will likely remain so, I would not be so hasty to dismiss the rest of his body of work.
Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend this book based on the quality and variety of the illustrations alone. If you can look past some rather unfortunate errors, there is a lot to enjoy here.
June 9, 2010
I've seen plenty of Holmes books over the years, but I found this one better than most for giving me a feel for time in which Holmes "lived." Wexler does a good job of describing the growing populace of London and the challenges that brought, giving a history of the metropolitan police, and has plenty of photos showing places, people, and even weapons of the day. The section on Holmes on screen is cursory, and not much can be added to Doyle's biography compared to what has been done, but overall any Holmes fan should like having this book around. New Holmes fans will benefit from the general overview as well.
March 18, 2012
Wonderful illustrations and interesting facts about my favorite consulting detective, including a great section at the end about Holmes on stage and screen. However, the book has zillions of typos, enough to be distracting, and some made me wonder whether they were typos or errors due to ignorance.
May 12, 2012
I am a fan of Holmes and Watson and of course Arthur Conan Doyle. This book had so much information in it that it was heaven to read. The pictures in the book alone are reason enough to buy this. I recommend this to anyone fond of Holmes And Watson and their many adventures.
September 3, 2008
Lightweight illustrated guide to the world of A Conan Doyle and his most famous creation Sherlock Holmes.
March 23, 2013
Some very nice photos and illustrations, but also a lot of typos and some of the information given is inaccurate.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews