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A Scandal in Bohemia
A Scandal in Bohemia is collection of six short stories featuring the great detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr Watson. From shopkeepers to kings, everyone wants the help of Sherlock Holmes, but can he solve these mysteries?
98 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 1891
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May 21, 2025
“To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name.”
So begins the very first story in the very first collection of stories about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective with a phenomenal brain, Sherlock Holmes. A Scandal in Bohemia was originally published in "The Strand Magazine" in 1891, and altogether Arthur Conan Doyle ended up writing 56 short stories about his most popular invented character. It was not the world's introduction to the great detective however, as it had been preceded by two of the four Sherlock Holmes novels – "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Sign of Four". So although we tend to think of this as our first introduction to Sherlock Holmes, it is not. That honour lies with "A Study in Scarlet". We now usually read A Scandal in Bohemia as the first in the collection entitled, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes".
The story begins whilst Dr. Watson is visiting Holmes, and the two are exchanging banter. A mysterious visitor arrives, introducing himself as Count Von Kramm, "a Bohemian nobleman" who claims to be acting for a wealthy client. However, the reader soon learns the measure of Holmes, as he quickly deduces that the visitor is not all that he seems. He is none other than Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and is the hereditary King of Bohemia. Realising the impossiblility of denying his true identity, the King reveals his face and tells the pair his problem.
He is to become engaged to Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meiningen, a young Scandinavian princess. However, five years previously he had been involved with an American opera singer, Irene Adler, who now lives in London. He was now trying to recover certain letters and an incriminating photograph of the pair of them, which he had sent to her during their relationship. He had tried everything in his power, but Irene Adler refused to return them.
The King says that he "would give one of [his] provinces" to have the photograph back", and Sherlock Holmes is intrigued enough to take on the case with the assistance of his friends, Dr. Watson. The tongue-in-cheek dialogue between the two sparring partners is very enjoyable,
“By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation.'
'I shall be delighted.'
'You don't mind breaking the law?'
'Not in the least.'
'Nor running a chance of arrest?'
'Not in a good cause.'
'Oh, the cause is excellent!'
'Then I am your man.'
'I was sure that I might rely on you.”
Conan Doyle of course invented the names of these royal personages, which seem so much of a mouthful. Interestingly though, he placed his fictional dynasty in a real country, Bohemia, whose Austrian Emperor bore the title the "King of Bohemia". There was however no such place as the "Kingdom of Scandinavia".
How Sherlock Holmes sets about solving the problem is ingenious, and sets the standard for the stories which follow, some of which are even better in my view. The plot is fast-paced, involving trickery, more than one marriage, secrets and subterfuge, a smokescreen, a street brawl, an exciting chase scene, and the use of the modern railway system. We learn much about Sherlock Holmes's unique combination of arrogance, sensitivity, and sense of humour (even though sometimes it may seem misplaced). There is a double impersonation, by which we learn that he is a master of disguise and acting, and we learn that he has much respect both for his friend and colleague Doctor John Watson, and also for a strong proud woman, who has no malice but much intelligence.
Arthur Conan Doyle himself ranked A Scandal in Bohemia fifth in his list of his twelve favourite Sherlock Holmes stories. It is memorable for introducing the character of Irene Adler, the only woman who ever managed to outwit the detective. Since it is one of the first occasions we meet Sherlock Holmes, it is remarkable how quickly it conveys his character in one short story. We observe his brilliance in deducing the problem and identifying the king in the first place. We also note his arrogance and witty waspish comments. For instance when the King enthusiastically expostulates,
"Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity she was not on my level?"
Holmes replies scathingly that Miss Adler is indeed on a very different level from the King. And we see ... or perhaps a better word would be "observe" ... (for in Sherlock Holmes's own words, sometimes, “You see, but you do not observe”) that he has a soft centre after all, by his sentiment in wanting to keep the photograph of Irene Adler in preference to a far greater monetary reward.
“And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.”
So begins the very first story in the very first collection of stories about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective with a phenomenal brain, Sherlock Holmes. A Scandal in Bohemia was originally published in "The Strand Magazine" in 1891, and altogether Arthur Conan Doyle ended up writing 56 short stories about his most popular invented character. It was not the world's introduction to the great detective however, as it had been preceded by two of the four Sherlock Holmes novels – "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Sign of Four". So although we tend to think of this as our first introduction to Sherlock Holmes, it is not. That honour lies with "A Study in Scarlet". We now usually read A Scandal in Bohemia as the first in the collection entitled, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes".
The story begins whilst Dr. Watson is visiting Holmes, and the two are exchanging banter. A mysterious visitor arrives, introducing himself as Count Von Kramm, "a Bohemian nobleman" who claims to be acting for a wealthy client. However, the reader soon learns the measure of Holmes, as he quickly deduces that the visitor is not all that he seems. He is none other than Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and is the hereditary King of Bohemia. Realising the impossiblility of denying his true identity, the King reveals his face and tells the pair his problem.
He is to become engaged to Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meiningen, a young Scandinavian princess. However, five years previously he had been involved with an American opera singer, Irene Adler, who now lives in London. He was now trying to recover certain letters and an incriminating photograph of the pair of them, which he had sent to her during their relationship. He had tried everything in his power, but Irene Adler refused to return them.
The King says that he "would give one of [his] provinces" to have the photograph back", and Sherlock Holmes is intrigued enough to take on the case with the assistance of his friends, Dr. Watson. The tongue-in-cheek dialogue between the two sparring partners is very enjoyable,
“By the way, Doctor, I shall want your cooperation.'
'I shall be delighted.'
'You don't mind breaking the law?'
'Not in the least.'
'Nor running a chance of arrest?'
'Not in a good cause.'
'Oh, the cause is excellent!'
'Then I am your man.'
'I was sure that I might rely on you.”
Conan Doyle of course invented the names of these royal personages, which seem so much of a mouthful. Interestingly though, he placed his fictional dynasty in a real country, Bohemia, whose Austrian Emperor bore the title the "King of Bohemia". There was however no such place as the "Kingdom of Scandinavia".
How Sherlock Holmes sets about solving the problem is ingenious, and sets the standard for the stories which follow, some of which are even better in my view. The plot is fast-paced, involving trickery, more than one marriage, secrets and subterfuge, a smokescreen, a street brawl, an exciting chase scene, and the use of the modern railway system. We learn much about Sherlock Holmes's unique combination of arrogance, sensitivity, and sense of humour (even though sometimes it may seem misplaced). There is a double impersonation, by which we learn that he is a master of disguise and acting, and we learn that he has much respect both for his friend and colleague Doctor John Watson, and also for a strong proud woman, who has no malice but much intelligence.
Arthur Conan Doyle himself ranked A Scandal in Bohemia fifth in his list of his twelve favourite Sherlock Holmes stories. It is memorable for introducing the character of Irene Adler, the only woman who ever managed to outwit the detective. Since it is one of the first occasions we meet Sherlock Holmes, it is remarkable how quickly it conveys his character in one short story. We observe his brilliance in deducing the problem and identifying the king in the first place. We also note his arrogance and witty waspish comments. For instance when the King enthusiastically expostulates,
"Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity she was not on my level?"
Holmes replies scathingly that Miss Adler is indeed on a very different level from the King. And we see ... or perhaps a better word would be "observe" ... (for in Sherlock Holmes's own words, sometimes, “You see, but you do not observe”) that he has a soft centre after all, by his sentiment in wanting to keep the photograph of Irene Adler in preference to a far greater monetary reward.
“And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.”
September 24, 2021
if there's one thing the white straight male authors of yesteryear love, it's accidentally writing a female character who's more compelling than their whole lot of interchangeable bozo men combined.
they're always trying to create this Villainess, this Cold and Emotionless but Beautiful and Charming woman who destroys our snooze of a protagonist in some way or another, and i presume we're intended to hate her, but that's never how it goes for me.
i mean, this is coming from the girl who dedicated the entirety of her five-star review of the great gatsby to defending daisy. and i haven't checked comments in a couple years, but there are 199 of them and i daresay they aren't all kind and agreeable and praising my genius.
anyway, this is a long-winded way of saying: i haven't read many sherlock holmes stories, but i suspect i won't read any more, because i have read this one and this one has irene adler in it and unless every other one does, too, sherlock just doesn't seem so interesting.
part of my review-books-i-read-a-long-time-ago series, which on occasion includes me providing constructive criticism to stories whose authors have been dead for a million years
they're always trying to create this Villainess, this Cold and Emotionless but Beautiful and Charming woman who destroys our snooze of a protagonist in some way or another, and i presume we're intended to hate her, but that's never how it goes for me.
i mean, this is coming from the girl who dedicated the entirety of her five-star review of the great gatsby to defending daisy. and i haven't checked comments in a couple years, but there are 199 of them and i daresay they aren't all kind and agreeable and praising my genius.
anyway, this is a long-winded way of saying: i haven't read many sherlock holmes stories, but i suspect i won't read any more, because i have read this one and this one has irene adler in it and unless every other one does, too, sherlock just doesn't seem so interesting.
part of my review-books-i-read-a-long-time-ago series, which on occasion includes me providing constructive criticism to stories whose authors have been dead for a million years
November 17, 2021
A Scandal in Bohemia, the first story from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was a splendid introduction to the tales of Sherlock Holmes to me.
Nothing seems to miss the keen eye of the master of deduction, Sherlock Holmes. He, along with his companion Watson who is the narrator and also who has recently been married, take over the case of the plight of the Bohemian king.
"You see but you do not observe, the distinction is clear"
I found many such witty lines and good observations while reading this book. Irene Adler is a very interesting character and almost seems to be a match to Holmes' intellegence. I loved the language and the dialogue formation in this story! It was indeed a very enriching and entertaining read.
I am starting to find out why people use the phrase, "sherlocked"
While I wait to finish the rest of the short stories from the book, I can't help but admire this one. Crisp, smart and amazing!
March 22, 2017
“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear."
I'm gradually making my way through the Sherlock Holmes stories collected in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which you can download free here at Gutenberg.org. This one is the story of The Woman.
To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. ... And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory.
A Bohemian nobleman, half-heartedly in disguise (note the highly effective half-mask) until Sherlock, bored, informs him that he knows who he is, hires Sherlock to help him with a scorned woman who has vengeance on her mind, now that he's dumped her (because she's not of the nobility) and plans to marry a nice, straitlaced blueblooded girl. Unfortunately for the guy, she has a picture of them together, along with letters and other evidence of their illicit relationship that will surely ruin his marriage plans. So Sherlock is hired to steal the incriminating photograph.
I don't want to say a lot more, because it's short and easily spoiled. It's a pretty straightforward Sherlock Holmes case, made memorable by the woman Sherlock goes up against. Despite his disdain for women generally, he's impressed ... and, to his credit, not at all impressed with the nobleman who left her.
There's some great dialogue between the characters, like the nobleman and Sherlock's discussion of why this woman's evidence can't be dismissed as fake, and this interchange between Sherlock and Dr. Watson:
"By the way, Doctor, I shall want your co-operation.”Bonus material: When I Googled to find out what a "cabinet" photograph is, I found this tremendously helpful page on a Stanford Univ. website, explaining not only that term but many others in the story that may not be familiar to modern readers.
“I shall be delighted.”
“You don’t mind breaking the law?”
“Not in the least.”
“Nor running a chance of arrest?”
“Not in a good cause.”
“Oh, the cause is excellent!”
“Then I am your man.”
Next up: The Red Headed League.
November 20, 2012
Opening line: “To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex.”
Well this was a surprise; the classics and especially mysteries are not my usual fare but due to my recent obsession with the BBC series Sherlock (How yummy is Benedict Cumberbatch) and then watching Downey and Jude Law in the movie Game Of Shadows I realized that I had never actually read any of Conan Doyle’s stories. After some research trying to figure out where to begin, I eventually bought The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes and settled on this story. And wow, I didn’t expect to enjoy this half as much as I did (or at all for that matter) but I guess this is why Sherlock Holmes is still relatable today.
I’d initially expected to have to put in considerable effort just to get through this, I mean it was written in 1892 so it was bound to be very, well literary. You know all formal and tedious. In fact I’d anticipated needing a dictionary just to be able to understand what the characters were talking about, but to my surprise A Scandal In Bohemia turned out to be an absolute delight to read. The actual story is quite basic yet also filled with complexities and hidden meanings and I would also have to call this a romance -of sorts. It’s also funny, relevant, cunning, witty, romantic and ultimately sad. What a great introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes.
Told from Dr. Watsons POV (now that I didn’t know -I’d just assumed these were Sherlock’s stories.) We begin with Watson “dropping by” Baker Street to visit Holmes. He hasn’t been by his old residence or seen Holmes of late due to his recent marriage and the two have drifted apart. I guess you could say he feels nervous about visiting because he never really knows what state Holmes will be in; elated, depressed, manic, high on opium or cocaine or in some clever disguise? It’s always a bit of a crap shoot. In any case he appears happy today and also excited due to the prospect of a new and exciting case. Sherlock then asks if Watson will assist him;
“I shall be delighted”
“You don’t mind breaking the law?”
“Not in the least.”
“Nor running a chance of arrest?”
“Not in good cause.”
“Oh the cause is excellent.”
“Then I am your man.”
“I was sure that I could rely on you.”
The client turns out to be the King of Bohemia; he requires Holmes’ assistance in obtaining an incriminating photograph of himself and one Irene Adler before he marries. It seems this past affair would ruin him because of her “station.” So far the King has tried unsuccessfully to buy it (she won’t sell) to bribe her servants and finally even to steal it but Ms. Adler is always one step ahead. Holmes dons several disguises throughout his case, first as a groomsman to gain access to Adler’s property and spy on her and then later as an (injured) clergyman. Irene Adler is a fantastic character, gaining the upper hand and in the end even outsmarting Holmes. I suppose it’s her cleverness that causes Holmes to fall for her and why in the end she becomes known only as the woman. Cheers
305jb5
Well this was a surprise; the classics and especially mysteries are not my usual fare but due to my recent obsession with the BBC series Sherlock (How yummy is Benedict Cumberbatch) and then watching Downey and Jude Law in the movie Game Of Shadows I realized that I had never actually read any of Conan Doyle’s stories. After some research trying to figure out where to begin, I eventually bought The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes and settled on this story. And wow, I didn’t expect to enjoy this half as much as I did (or at all for that matter) but I guess this is why Sherlock Holmes is still relatable today.
I’d initially expected to have to put in considerable effort just to get through this, I mean it was written in 1892 so it was bound to be very, well literary. You know all formal and tedious. In fact I’d anticipated needing a dictionary just to be able to understand what the characters were talking about, but to my surprise A Scandal In Bohemia turned out to be an absolute delight to read. The actual story is quite basic yet also filled with complexities and hidden meanings and I would also have to call this a romance -of sorts. It’s also funny, relevant, cunning, witty, romantic and ultimately sad. What a great introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes.
Told from Dr. Watsons POV (now that I didn’t know -I’d just assumed these were Sherlock’s stories.) We begin with Watson “dropping by” Baker Street to visit Holmes. He hasn’t been by his old residence or seen Holmes of late due to his recent marriage and the two have drifted apart. I guess you could say he feels nervous about visiting because he never really knows what state Holmes will be in; elated, depressed, manic, high on opium or cocaine or in some clever disguise? It’s always a bit of a crap shoot. In any case he appears happy today and also excited due to the prospect of a new and exciting case. Sherlock then asks if Watson will assist him;
“I shall be delighted”
“You don’t mind breaking the law?”
“Not in the least.”
“Nor running a chance of arrest?”
“Not in good cause.”
“Oh the cause is excellent.”
“Then I am your man.”
“I was sure that I could rely on you.”
The client turns out to be the King of Bohemia; he requires Holmes’ assistance in obtaining an incriminating photograph of himself and one Irene Adler before he marries. It seems this past affair would ruin him because of her “station.” So far the King has tried unsuccessfully to buy it (she won’t sell) to bribe her servants and finally even to steal it but Ms. Adler is always one step ahead. Holmes dons several disguises throughout his case, first as a groomsman to gain access to Adler’s property and spy on her and then later as an (injured) clergyman. Irene Adler is a fantastic character, gaining the upper hand and in the end even outsmarting Holmes. I suppose it’s her cleverness that causes Holmes to fall for her and why in the end she becomes known only as the woman. Cheers
305jb5
March 30, 2015
أعجبنى ذلك العنصر الأنثوي الذى اضافه السير كونان دويل الى مغامرته هذه المرة :) ، فقد اضفى بعد انسانى .. عاطفى جديد على شخصية هولمز ! جعلنا نعدل قليلا من زاوية نظرنا اليه كآلة للبحث و التحليل .. و التحقيق لا غير ! ، و لا اكذبكم خبرا ، كان مدعى لسرورى ، أن تنتصر احدى بنات جنسي على هولمز المشهور ، فنحن ايضا لا نعدم الذكاء و الحيلة و لا تنقصنا المقدرة على التفكير المنطقي .. التحليلي .. العلمى
!
و امثال ايرين في التفكير و الحيلة هم حقا من يستحقون الحصول على لقب
(المرأة)
فالمرأة هي كيان جميل ..
و ذكي :)
!
و امثال ايرين في التفكير و الحيلة هم حقا من يستحقون الحصول على لقب
(المرأة)
فالمرأة هي كيان جميل ..
و ذكي :)
May 18, 2016
More like 3.5/5 S*T*A*R*S really.
It seems to me that Mr. Holmes is an exceptional crime investigator. And more than that. He's a character I'll be most delighted to make an acquaintance with. It's clear that the skills he displays in this book are only basic to his character, it feels like there's more. For this investigative episode, Mr. Holmes is contacted by a sketchy character in a mask who turns out to be a king, and is presented with a case which requires the utmost discretion and confidentiality. One which threatens to cause what will be a great Scandal in Bohemia.
▶ AND WHAT DO I THINK?
This was a good introduction to the world of Holmes. A light one. One thing's for sure. Mr. Holmes does deserve a place in the list of greatest mentions.
The thing is, I don't know, I guess I was expecting more. More complexity? more mystery? I don't know. Just more. But I take into account that this is the first book in the series - at least I think it is. Please correct me if I'm wrong - and it can only get better. So I do believe it's going to build into a series I'll come to love. Because yes, I will be reading the rest of the Sherlock Holmes books. Slowly but surely. I might even finish them before half of the year runs out. Is that possible? I mean, I actually don't know how many books there are, exactly, so I might just be putting my foot in my mouth(haha. Foot. In. Mouth. Get it? You don't? **looks frustratingly puzzled** Well it's supposed to be funny, really.)
I really like Watson, Holmes' dear, dear friend. And from what I foresee - and this is all conjecture now - he's going to be a steadfast and loyal sidekick. What's really great is they seem to have a great and adhering friendship between them. That's more reason to read more of Holmes' investigative adventures. It promises to be fun, entertaining, humorous and dare I say it, mysterious and investing. I just love great displays of friendship in books! Adding adventure to that, only leaves something that I could very well say will be the death of me and my academic life. I want to start watching Holmes' on Tv now, but there are school books with my name on them by my bedside table. Forgive me education.
✔ To Mr.. Sherlock Holmes:
I look forward to our future encounters. And remember.
And lastly, is it weird that I feel like I've made some kind of great achievement, or excelled remarkably and commendably at some enterprise? I don't know. I feel like this is a milestone, honestly. I feel elated!!! I'm going to take a picture for keeps in remembrance of this day. I really am. Say nyehhhhh
I was born silly. Too sad.
Recommended to me by my lovely friend, Councillor. Thank youuu!
The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.
It seems to me that Mr. Holmes is an exceptional crime investigator. And more than that. He's a character I'll be most delighted to make an acquaintance with. It's clear that the skills he displays in this book are only basic to his character, it feels like there's more. For this investigative episode, Mr. Holmes is contacted by a sketchy character in a mask who turns out to be a king, and is presented with a case which requires the utmost discretion and confidentiality. One which threatens to cause what will be a great Scandal in Bohemia.
▶ AND WHAT DO I THINK?
This was a good introduction to the world of Holmes. A light one. One thing's for sure. Mr. Holmes does deserve a place in the list of greatest mentions.
The thing is, I don't know, I guess I was expecting more. More complexity? more mystery? I don't know. Just more. But I take into account that this is the first book in the series - at least I think it is. Please correct me if I'm wrong - and it can only get better. So I do believe it's going to build into a series I'll come to love. Because yes, I will be reading the rest of the Sherlock Holmes books. Slowly but surely. I might even finish them before half of the year runs out. Is that possible? I mean, I actually don't know how many books there are, exactly, so I might just be putting my foot in my mouth(haha. Foot. In. Mouth. Get it? You don't? **looks frustratingly puzzled** Well it's supposed to be funny, really.)
I really like Watson, Holmes' dear, dear friend. And from what I foresee - and this is all conjecture now - he's going to be a steadfast and loyal sidekick. What's really great is they seem to have a great and adhering friendship between them. That's more reason to read more of Holmes' investigative adventures. It promises to be fun, entertaining, humorous and dare I say it, mysterious and investing. I just love great displays of friendship in books! Adding adventure to that, only leaves something that I could very well say will be the death of me and my academic life. I want to start watching Holmes' on Tv now, but there are school books with my name on them by my bedside table. Forgive me education.
✔ To Mr.. Sherlock Holmes:
I look forward to our future encounters. And remember.
And lastly, is it weird that I feel like I've made some kind of great achievement, or excelled remarkably and commendably at some enterprise? I don't know. I feel like this is a milestone, honestly. I feel elated!!! I'm going to take a picture for keeps in remembrance of this day. I really am. Say nyehhhhh
I was born silly. Too sad.
Recommended to me by my lovely friend, Councillor. Thank youuu!
December 7, 2015
This is a very interesting article with some background on Conan Doyle and Sherlock:
http://www.wired.com/2015/02/health-w...
I quote from the article:
Wearing his now-iconic hat, clamping a pipe between his teeth, Sherlock Holmes endures as the very definition of deductive reasoning. His encyclopedic knowledge and diamond-sharp observation skills make him a larger-than-life figure that continues to fascinate audiences on both the small and big screens.
Originally penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a physician, the character of Holmes has undergone various tweaks and changes over the years as new writers and actors have put their own spin on the famous detective. However, his ability to gather, manage and analyze many snippets of information to draw conclusions about the motives, methods and outcomes of major crimes remains constant.
It is alleged that Conan Doyle found the inspiration for his most famous character in Dr. Joseph Bell, one of his medical school professors. Dr. Bell was considered an excellent diagnostician who impressed Conan Doyle with his ability to correctly “guess” professions, daily routines and medical diagnoses of patients, students and colleagues using bits of information that others might ignore or find irrelevant. --(Dr. Richard Hu, writing on Wired magazine.
As for this specific adventure, it gets 5 stars because Irene Adler!
I love the implications; with her, Conan Doyle surely manages to sidestep the blanket accusation of sexism that radical feminists love to sling against white Victorian males as a group.
Hmm, but that said, I suppose Doyle might still not be off the hook, since some might still aver that Ms Adler is not represented as enough of a 'rounded' character? Oh well, Doyle still passes in my book. It's enough for me that she is brilliant. ;)
In addition to that, I like that she makes Sherlock more human to the reader; that her character demonstrates that Sherlock can have human emotions after all.
http://www.wired.com/2015/02/health-w...
I quote from the article:
Wearing his now-iconic hat, clamping a pipe between his teeth, Sherlock Holmes endures as the very definition of deductive reasoning. His encyclopedic knowledge and diamond-sharp observation skills make him a larger-than-life figure that continues to fascinate audiences on both the small and big screens.
Originally penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a physician, the character of Holmes has undergone various tweaks and changes over the years as new writers and actors have put their own spin on the famous detective. However, his ability to gather, manage and analyze many snippets of information to draw conclusions about the motives, methods and outcomes of major crimes remains constant.
It is alleged that Conan Doyle found the inspiration for his most famous character in Dr. Joseph Bell, one of his medical school professors. Dr. Bell was considered an excellent diagnostician who impressed Conan Doyle with his ability to correctly “guess” professions, daily routines and medical diagnoses of patients, students and colleagues using bits of information that others might ignore or find irrelevant. --(Dr. Richard Hu, writing on Wired magazine.
As for this specific adventure, it gets 5 stars because Irene Adler!
I love the implications; with her, Conan Doyle surely manages to sidestep the blanket accusation of sexism that radical feminists love to sling against white Victorian males as a group.
Hmm, but that said, I suppose Doyle might still not be off the hook, since some might still aver that Ms Adler is not represented as enough of a 'rounded' character? Oh well, Doyle still passes in my book. It's enough for me that she is brilliant. ;)
In addition to that, I like that she makes Sherlock more human to the reader; that her character demonstrates that Sherlock can have human emotions after all.
August 6, 2020
Although I heard about sherlock holmes too much, but this is my first read about him.
The story was about a king who asked help from sherlock and his friend to protect his reputation, and to prevent a scandal from happening.
honestly I expected that I'll be amazed by Sherlock's intelligence, but the roles were reversed.
anyway, it was a good story, worth reading, I enjoyed it and I finished it with pleasure.
The story was about a king who asked help from sherlock and his friend to protect his reputation, and to prevent a scandal from happening.
honestly I expected that I'll be amazed by Sherlock's intelligence, but the roles were reversed.
anyway, it was a good story, worth reading, I enjoyed it and I finished it with pleasure.
April 21, 2020
"لكنك ترى ولا تُلاحظ، والفارق بين الاثنين واضح"
القراءة الأولى لآرثر كونان، والدخول إلى عالم مغامرات شرلوك هولمز الممتع،
ولأنه أنشط وأذكى محقق في أوروبا كلها، المحقق البارع في الاستنتاجات من أول نظرة، وتتبع الخيوط، الذي يرى ويلاحظ في آنٍ واحد، لجأ إليه شخصيًا دوق كاسل فيلشتاين الأكبر والملك وريث عرش بوهيميا، من أجل الحصول على صورة من شأنها أن تضع العائلة المالكة في شبهة حقيقية، وتضع أمر زواجه من الابنة الثانية لملك سكاندنيڤيا على المحك، وسط التهديد بإرسال الصورة إلى عائلة خطيبته...
مغامرة لطيفة، وأعجبت بشخصية المحقق شرلوك هولمز...
وأعتقد أننا سنصبح صديقين يا سيد هولمز، فأنا مغرمة بعالم التحقيق، وتتبع الخيوط...
ومثلك تمامًا، استنتاجاتي دائمًا صائبة، وأرى وألاحظ في آنٍ واحد.
21.04.2020
القراءة الأولى لآرثر كونان، والدخول إلى عالم مغامرات شرلوك هولمز الممتع،
ولأنه أنشط وأذكى محقق في أوروبا كلها، المحقق البارع في الاستنتاجات من أول نظرة، وتتبع الخيوط، الذي يرى ويلاحظ في آنٍ واحد، لجأ إليه شخصيًا دوق كاسل فيلشتاين الأكبر والملك وريث عرش بوهيميا، من أجل الحصول على صورة من شأنها أن تضع العائلة المالكة في شبهة حقيقية، وتضع أمر زواجه من الابنة الثانية لملك سكاندنيڤيا على المحك، وسط التهديد بإرسال الصورة إلى عائلة خطيبته...
مغامرة لطيفة، وأعجبت بشخصية المحقق شرلوك هولمز...
وأعتقد أننا سنصبح صديقين يا سيد هولمز، فأنا مغرمة بعالم التحقيق، وتتبع الخيوط...
ومثلك تمامًا، استنتاجاتي دائمًا صائبة، وأرى وألاحظ في آنٍ واحد.
21.04.2020
May 6, 2015
اين داستان يكى از داستاناى جالب شرلوك هلمزه، از اين جهت كه تنها پرونده ايه كه شرلوك هلمز با تمام زيركى و درايتى كه به خرج ميده، توش شكست ميخوره. و خب، شكست خوردن كارآگاه توى داستان جنايى، توى اون دوره خيلى معمول نبوده؛ مخصوصاً شكست خوردن شرلوك هلمز نابغه كه كمترين نقطه ضعفى نداره. و ماجرا وقتى جالب تر ميشه، كه بدونيم كسى كه شكستش ميده، يك زنه به نام "آيرين ادلر". هر چند انتخاب زن زيباى اغواگر به عنوان ضد قهرمان در داستانهاى مردسالارانه ى اون دوره غيرمعمول نبوده، اما نكته اينه كه كانن دويل آيرين ادلر رو خيلى خبيث تصوير نميكنه؛ تا جايى كه هلمز هميشه با نوعى احترام آميخته با نفرت، با لقب "آن زن" از ادلر ياد ميكنه و عكسش رو براى خودش نگه ميداره.
تقريباً توى همه ى اقتباس هاى سينمايى و تلويزيونى شرلوك هلمز، آيرين ادلر به شكل هاى مختلفى حضور داره.
تقريباً توى همه ى اقتباس هاى سينمايى و تلويزيونى شرلوك هلمز، آيرين ادلر به شكل هاى مختلفى حضور داره.
June 25, 2023
Bueno, tengo la sensación de que estos relatos, si los comparo con las novelas cortas de Sherlock Holmes, me van a gustar mucho más, sobre todo porque en estos el autor resume bastante esos discursos finales de cómo se resuelve el crimen.
Además, aquí están persiguiendo a una mujer que quiere chantajear al rey de Bohemia con una fotografía de los dos, así que la historia me pareció interesante. Además, el personaje del rey se me hizo gracioso y curioso. Sin embargo, lo que más me gustó claramente fue la resolución y ver a Sherlock abatido o vencido por el ingenio de una mujer. Amé que quedara traumatizado con eso, jajaja.
Además, aquí están persiguiendo a una mujer que quiere chantajear al rey de Bohemia con una fotografía de los dos, así que la historia me pareció interesante. Además, el personaje del rey se me hizo gracioso y curioso. Sin embargo, lo que más me gustó claramente fue la resolución y ver a Sherlock abatido o vencido por el ingenio de una mujer. Amé que quedara traumatizado con eso, jajaja.
November 12, 2024
Good (if the reader is kind enough...) but nothing special.
The plot seems promising, but it ends pathetically, almost by itself, the character traits are too thick and obvious and the marriage scene is really, really unreliable.
But, as I've said many times, perhaps our expectations on Conan Doyle's products are too high...
The plot seems promising, but it ends pathetically, almost by itself, the character traits are too thick and obvious and the marriage scene is really, really unreliable.
But, as I've said many times, perhaps our expectations on Conan Doyle's products are too high...
July 29, 2013
Holmes done over by a bird?! Certainly the man is not at his tip-top form and neither is this story, but it's a good one, perhaps for its contemporary pathos. Holmes for once seems fallible, almost human. Not only does he slip up, he also falls for a woman. No, it's not Doyle's best bit of writing, but for the sake of posterity, it might be the best thing he ever did for his Sherlock Holmes series.
March 5, 2021
This has been a crazy year for everyone... Teaching remotely has been one of the most challenging things I've ever done in my life...So this is not a book review... This is not a text where I tell you how much I love Sherlock Holmes and Doyle's books. No, you don't need my review.. You already know how amazing A Scandal in Bohemia is. Today I will tell you how this book helped me and my students get through a challenging period of our lives.
Admittedly teenagers in our days do not read books as frequently as they should... Whenever I try to talk them into reading one, they simply roll their eyes at me.. So this year I decided to do some buddy reading during one of our lessons, using digital interactive storytelling techniques, where the students take actively part in the story. I chose this book because I am a mystery lover and a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes. I stll cannot believe how successful it was. They were so proud that they had managed to read something like this and guess what? One third of the students asked me to suggest some other titles by the same author so they can read something during their holidays and weekends.
Let's encourage our children to read books... The thought that they will miss the unique experience of reading a book makes me feel sad...
February 4, 2024
❝ See, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear. ❞
A typical Sherlock Holmes story. Mysterious entree and then a fine denouement with a little trick and help from Dr Watson. Quick and funny read. For fans and persons who want to become. Enjoyable!
A typical Sherlock Holmes story. Mysterious entree and then a fine denouement with a little trick and help from Dr Watson. Quick and funny read. For fans and persons who want to become. Enjoyable!
January 17, 2019
A typical Sherlock Holmes story. Mysterious entree and then a fine denouement with a little trick and help from Dr Watson. Quick and funny read. For fans and persons who want to become so. Enjoyable!
September 22, 2025
I find it hard to rate short stories. I listened to this today while out walking. I enjoyed it. Some of these short stories were done for tv and it's this I pictured as I was listening. Didn't remember or guess what happened at the end.
Read
September 6, 2021“You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear.”
~Rating- 3.5 stars~
Content/ Trigger Warnings- Stealing, Injury, Fake Disguises, Faking Fainting
-No mention of these in the review-
A Scandal in Bohemia, is the first story featuring Holmes that I read. I did enjoy the story as I wasn’t sure which direction it would end it, but I wasn’t as blown away by it as I hoped I would be. The telling vs showing bothered me a bit. Regardless, it was an entertaining read.
“And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.”
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
October 6, 2020
A Scandal in Bohemia, the first story from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes was a splendid introduction to the tales of Sherlock Holmes to me.
Nothing seems to miss the keen eye of the master of deduction, Sherlock Holmes. He, along with his companion Watson who is the narrator and also who has recently been married, take over the case of the plight of the Bohemian king.
"You see but you do not observe, the distinction is clear"
I found many such witty lines and good observations while reading this book. Irene Adler is a very interesting character and almost seems to be a match to Holmes' intellegence. I loved the language and the dialogue formation in this story! It was indeed a very enriching and entertaining read.
I am starting to find out why people use the phrase, "sherlocked"
While I wait to finish the rest of the short stories from the book, I can't help but admire this one. Crisp, smart and amazing!
Nothing seems to miss the keen eye of the master of deduction, Sherlock Holmes. He, along with his companion Watson who is the narrator and also who has recently been married, take over the case of the plight of the Bohemian king.
"You see but you do not observe, the distinction is clear"
I found many such witty lines and good observations while reading this book. Irene Adler is a very interesting character and almost seems to be a match to Holmes' intellegence. I loved the language and the dialogue formation in this story! It was indeed a very enriching and entertaining read.
I am starting to find out why people use the phrase, "sherlocked"
While I wait to finish the rest of the short stories from the book, I can't help but admire this one. Crisp, smart and amazing!
October 25, 2024
pretty cewl! not mind blowing, but enjoyable.
July 7, 2025
"And yet there was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable memory."
WHAT? 😭😭😭
This is what happens when you don't read Sherlock Holmes in order😭😭
Wait... Irene Adler didn't die 🧐
“Your Majesty had not spoken before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and hereditary King of Bohemia.”
Well, this is definitely longer than the name Viscount Teweksbury Marquess of Basilwether.
Everytime I read Sherlock Holmes, I find myself saying... This man gets wiser by the day!!!
April 17, 2018
"A Scandal in Bohemia" is the first story in the
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
story collection, the third publication in the Sherlock Holmes series (after the first two novels, so the first story collection).
The King of Bohemia hires Holmes to retrieve an incriminating photograph his ex-mistress is threatening him with.
One of the absolute classics, and featuring the infamous Irene Adler. A great starting point and introduction to the Sherlock Holmes stories.
The King of Bohemia hires Holmes to retrieve an incriminating photograph his ex-mistress is threatening him with.
One of the absolute classics, and featuring the infamous Irene Adler. A great starting point and introduction to the Sherlock Holmes stories.
August 5, 2025
Ah, THAT woman, Irene Adler. A sure favourite of mine.
July 28, 2021
Holmes is outwitted by Irene Adler and finally gains an ounce of respect for a woman's intellect! Oh, and apparently he's a casual user of cocaine.
February 5, 2013
A scandal in Bohemia is a short yet entertaining adventure of no other than the greatest sleuth of fiction history, Sherlock Holmes.In this case, Holmes is once again accompanied by his Boswell, partner and trusted friend, Dr. John Watson. But this time, Dr. Watson is already married to Mary Morstan allowing changes to their "flatmate" relationship in Baker street. They were approached by an anonymous masked client who turns out to be Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, the great Duke of Cassel-Felstein and hereditary King of Bohemia himself. He asks for the help of the two in solving and in redemption of a specific object from the hands of Irene Adler, his former liaison, on which they had failed in many attempts. At this time, the great duke is already engaged to the young scandinavian princess and he's afraid that this Adler woman might threaten him and his marriage through the certain object, a photograph of the duke and adler. Sherlock then had a plan and used his ability of disguise to enter the home of adler and find out as to where the photograph was hidden. Using Holmes' plan and Watson's helping hand, they were successful and were clever enough to locate the object yet disabling them to get it because many eyes are on them as of the moment. They are then bound in contacting the duke and telling him that they already know the location of the photo and that they're planning to have possession of it on the following day. Unfortunately, they were unable to anticipate that miss adler was already knowledgeable of their future acts as to the previous events of deception by the tandem. As the duke, holmes and watson are at the peripheral of Miss Adler, they were shocked to have been informed that Irene has set to fly to England with the photo and never to return again. Sherlock redirected to the location of the photo for assurance and found a photo of Irene Adler in a gown and a letter addressed to Holmes saying that she's already aware of their plans and that the duke has nothing to worry about for she is in love with another man and will not interfere with his marriage unless he takes any threatening action towards her. The story ends when Sherlock asked the duke to have Irene's picture in his possession as a reminder of the woman who outwitted him. To Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler is not just a woman, she is The Woman.
July 25, 2017
While the right now wedded Dr. Watson is visiting Holmes, a guest arrives, presenting himself as Count Von Kramm, an operator for a rich customer. In any case, Holmes rapidly reasons that he is in actuality Wilhelm Gottsreich Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein and the inherited King of Bohemia. Acknowledging Holmes has seen through his pretense, the King concedes this and detaches his cover.
It unfolds that the King is to wind up noticeably drew in to Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meiningen, a youthful Scandinavian princess. Be that as it may, five years past to the occasions of the story he had a contact with an American musical show artist, Irene Adler, while she was serving a term as diva of the Imperial Opera of Warsaw, who has from that point forward resigned to London. Frightful that should the entirely principled group of his life partner learn of this shamefulness, the marriage would be canceled, he had looked to recapture letters and a photo of Adler and himself together, which he had sent to her amid their relationship as a token. The King's specialists have endeavored to recoup the photo through now and again strong means, thievery, taking her baggage, and waylaying her. An offer to pay for the photo and letters was additionally won't. With Adler debilitating to send them to his future in-laws, which Von Ormstein presumes is to avoid him wedding whatever other lady, he makes the in secret visit to Holmes to ask for his assistance in finding and acquiring the photo.
“And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.”
― A Scandal in Bohemia
It unfolds that the King is to wind up noticeably drew in to Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meiningen, a youthful Scandinavian princess. Be that as it may, five years past to the occasions of the story he had a contact with an American musical show artist, Irene Adler, while she was serving a term as diva of the Imperial Opera of Warsaw, who has from that point forward resigned to London. Frightful that should the entirely principled group of his life partner learn of this shamefulness, the marriage would be canceled, he had looked to recapture letters and a photo of Adler and himself together, which he had sent to her amid their relationship as a token. The King's specialists have endeavored to recoup the photo through now and again strong means, thievery, taking her baggage, and waylaying her. An offer to pay for the photo and letters was additionally won't. With Adler debilitating to send them to his future in-laws, which Von Ormstein presumes is to avoid him wedding whatever other lady, he makes the in secret visit to Holmes to ask for his assistance in finding and acquiring the photo.
“And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were beaten by a woman’s wit. He used to make merry over the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman.”
― A Scandal in Bohemia
August 14, 2014
تبقى دائما مغامرة شيرلوك هولمز وجون واتسون مع ايرين آدلر استثنائية ..
ممتعة وجميلة جداً ..وتتجلى فيها عبقرية السير آرثر كونان دويل ..
وهي من الروايات المفضلة لدي من سلسلة شيرلوك ..
التي أعيد قراءة بعض رواياتها حالياُ وأخرى أقرؤها للمرة الأولى ..
ممتعة وجميلة جداً ..وتتجلى فيها عبقرية السير آرثر كونان دويل ..
وهي من الروايات المفضلة لدي من سلسلة شيرلوك ..
التي أعيد قراءة بعض رواياتها حالياُ وأخرى أقرؤها للمرة الأولى ..
July 25, 2016
A perfect little re read to welcome myself back into Conan Doyle's world.
March 29, 2021
This is an other great adventure which may change the role of an entire country, but Sherlock Holmes figures it out promptly.
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