Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes - A Review

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I have even heard that you go to the length of boxing" [LAST]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVawbpHwni7M8u7SwzotIdXuTgqDT4YzZ-5IV0G6rpq-YLCIAWGP6n8mjsCH6XdzqxN5pVr47RzXqsXGJvJyLRCtSyYo8Sf1gJz4NtqaRO-vG4NgiZmZFWwvZ1lcpZTQE4NpFAc3JINEc/s1600/Sherlock+Paperback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVawbpHwni7M8u7SwzotIdXuTgqDT4YzZ-5IV0G6rpq-YLCIAWGP6n8mjsCH6XdzqxN5pVr47RzXqsXGJvJyLRCtSyYo8Sf1gJz4NtqaRO-vG4NgiZmZFWwvZ1lcpZTQE4NpFAc3JINEc/s1600/Sherlock+Paperback.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> Many Sherlockians enjoy portrayals of Sherlock Holmes's deduction and intellectual skills, and tend to avoid his lesser-known expertise in fighting and hand-to-hand combat. However, as part of the <a href="http://fightcardbooks.com/"><b>Fight Card</b> series of novels</a> focusing on boxing, Andrew Salmon's <b><i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i></b> (<a href="http://amzn.to/1cOGC2u" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | A<a href="http://amzn.to/1dcZ0Nx" target="_blank">mazon UK</a>) focuses on both in equal measure, providing an entertaining read focusing on Holmes' ability to handle both physical and intellectual combat.<br /> <br /> Like its more contemporary books in the series, <i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i> focuses on boxing, but with a Victorian-era Holmes, it's bare knuckle, barely legal, and rife with storytelling possibilities. (This is one of the most well-researched books I've read - Salmon not only provides a glossary, but manages to integrate his research into Victorian boxing practices into the story without calling undue attention). <br /> <br /> <i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i> is one of the most gripping Holmes stories to be published, moving beyond pastiche into more full-blooded territory (and the pun is <i>fully</i> intentional). Imagine the scene: it's shortly before Christmas, 1884, and Holmes is engaging in a bout with an old friend. Shortly after the bout ends, someone enters the hall screaming "Murder!"<br /> <br /> The game, as Holmes would announce, is <i>definitely</i> afoot after that.<br /> <br /> Salmon's tale rips along at a breakneck pace as Holmes and Watson make their way through the seamier side of Victorian London. All manner of criminals abound, including a new classic Holmes villain in former fighter Tanner. <i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i> balances both the brutality of bare-knuckle fighting and the raw intellectual power of Holmes' deductions, coming to a climax that is well-earned and well-deserved.<br /> <br /> Plenty of pastiches mix Holmes and a variety of contexts and genres, but <i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i> accomplishes something far greater: expanding the context of Holmes' world, providing a much richer, deeper read that...well, let's just say that we now have a great Holmes boxing story as well as a great Holmes Christmas story.<br /> <br /> <i>Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes</i> is available both in print and electronic form. Either way, this is a definite must-read.<br /> <br /> <i>(Disclosure: a complimentary electronic copy was provided for review purposes)</i><br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetAdHtml&ID=OneJS&OneJS=1&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=gordondymow-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00GYHEPMW&asins=B00GYHEPMW&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true&MarketPlace=US" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>     <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=thebakstrblo-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00GYHEPMW&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Fight Card: Sherlock Holmes - A Review

"I have even heard that you go to the length of boxing" [LAST] Many Sherlockians enjoy portrayals of Sherlock Holmes's de...

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by Gordon D

The Secret Message in the Closing Credits of Sherlock

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "these characters convey a message" [DANC] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bm0p6mdek0VYTODeNEVYMlgl4CjMu4cL_UEBsQB9PTX7U2gMjtnCY4rlHhP-O8ZPwV149M2KNuvCrSAfTqt421PeQxJr9trH9fPbgJOGVOplxh-hSJsiNWJjLl1TWfg7kNmccD_QeUmO/s1600/Sherlock+code.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bm0p6mdek0VYTODeNEVYMlgl4CjMu4cL_UEBsQB9PTX7U2gMjtnCY4rlHhP-O8ZPwV149M2KNuvCrSAfTqt421PeQxJr9trH9fPbgJOGVOplxh-hSJsiNWJjLl1TWfg7kNmccD_QeUmO/s1600/Sherlock+code.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Series 3 of <i>Sherlock</i> concluded on PBS last night (in most markets), with "His Last Vow." We won't offer any spoilers here, for the sake of those who have yet to fire up their DVRs or whose affiliate stations haven't yet run it.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> But for those who tuned into the January 19th premiere of the series on <b><i>Masterpiece</i></b> were provided with a great puzzle during the end credits, courtesy of show-runners Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffatt.</div> <br /> Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIMPBbfFT9c" target="_blank">this video</a> and observe:<div><br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dIMPBbfFT9c" width="560"></iframe></center> <br /> <br />The letters spell out W-E-N-G-C-H-I-A-N-G.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, Weng-Chiang, for those of you familiar with the Whovian universe. Which is from "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Talons_of_Weng-Chiang" target="_blank">The Talons of Weng-Chiang</a>," a six-part series in Season 14 of <i>Doctor Who</i>, in which we find Tom Baker dressed as Sherlock Holmes.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBMQVAnH_bSmSRA8IuhUl8rC6EYMVBqEw5J-ka92jbwJiR9pbSeTOxJLPhMGnA891YBPRmBYXb-amtPYPT7CoISsyqoNfJkVNmrm6e29SU3cOge-sLzatpai7XHjaDxALhtSIuXliSxY9-_w-Es24iTj-dcAQAL_B1giFJRXW7pnD7IXYpyUjJyho7w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhBMQVAnH_bSmSRA8IuhUl8rC6EYMVBqEw5J-ka92jbwJiR9pbSeTOxJLPhMGnA891YBPRmBYXb-amtPYPT7CoISsyqoNfJkVNmrm6e29SU3cOge-sLzatpai7XHjaDxALhtSIuXliSxY9-_w-Es24iTj-dcAQAL_B1giFJRXW7pnD7IXYpyUjJyho7w=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Screenshot taken from an optical disc, television broadcast, web page, computer software or streaming media broadcast. Copyright holder: BBC, Fair use, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14411153" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><div> How's that for all of you Whovians out there?<br /> <br /> We've written before about some curious connections between Sherlock Holmes and the Doctor. On of them is that after leaving <i>Doctor Who</i> in 1980, Tom Baker appeared as Sherlock Holmes in an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL975NjlGoHlQINaFJIWAkz3kxzdrqVvsU">adaptation of </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL975NjlGoHlQINaFJIWAkz3kxzdrqVvsU"><i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></a>. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL975NjlGoHlQINaFJIWAkz3kxzdrqVvsU">you can watch this adaptation via YouTube.</a></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL975NjlGoHlQINaFJIWAkz3kxzdrqVvsU"></a><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXswWEwsIxpnJbJqLYKJzgv8f5kS5XbCpjfZlRFohNzZ87Gb0u0o5iffIWPulAtNoqfQYKbxuyxsufQHv8iL4xSof2-9hukQM7fe4CVNQSSf_0-3qvUA3QpGv2xFj28IjwIIxOYH3BxUT/s1600/Tom+Baker+Sherlock+Holmes.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXswWEwsIxpnJbJqLYKJzgv8f5kS5XbCpjfZlRFohNzZ87Gb0u0o5iffIWPulAtNoqfQYKbxuyxsufQHv8iL4xSof2-9hukQM7fe4CVNQSSf_0-3qvUA3QpGv2xFj28IjwIIxOYH3BxUT/s1600/Tom+Baker+Sherlock+Holmes.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Also, for more information about Talons of Weng-Chiang, please visit this <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/09/under-influence-houn_17.html#.UuwHxXYsVcc">earlier post</a> as well as <a href="http://comicrelated.com/news/12770/talons-of-weng-chiang">this more in-depth review</a>. (And please be sure to check out the Special Edition DVD, which contains numerous documentaries about the Victorian era, and are worth watching on their own)<br /> <br /> --</div><div> </div>

The Secret Message in the Closing Credits of Sherlock

"these characters convey a message" [DANC]  Series 3 of Sherlock concluded on PBS last night (in most markets), with ...

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by Gordon D

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective - The Gift That Keeps On Giving

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: start;">"I don't deny that it is smartly written" [STUD]</b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRWalKiy5fnO0YsDjfHV1_5iaJknYLRcxUi1DC1unK3rnkONZbPouWVE1Rwx9UHqKMs8jEMLNArgZAWylmaZ9oskC9XO7y8h31bOubDjLjohLeaVkupAXPevndsTT0OEcAbXZXCKgmqg/s1600/892797_10201531319737723_594581015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRWalKiy5fnO0YsDjfHV1_5iaJknYLRcxUi1DC1unK3rnkONZbPouWVE1Rwx9UHqKMs8jEMLNArgZAWylmaZ9oskC9XO7y8h31bOubDjLjohLeaVkupAXPevndsTT0OEcAbXZXCKgmqg/s320/892797_10201531319737723_594581015_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> <br /> For many, stories involving Sherlock Holmes and Watson often feature elements of pastiche and mashup, with Holmes running into various other characters in Victorian Literature. Thankfully, Airship 27 Productions has released the fifth volume of<b> </b>its <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1efu92e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective</a></i> </b>series, which is not just a great gift suggestion...but is well worth owning by any serious Sherlockian.<br /> <br /> All of the stories in this series focus on classic Holmesian deduction and detective work - perhaps written with a slightly more modern influence, but these would be tales that Conan Doyle himself would be proud to consider part of the Canon. (Even down to the interior illustrations, these tales read like long-lost editions of <b><i>The Strand</i></b>).<br /> <br /> Thankfully, there are enough stylistic variances that make this a <i>really</i> great collection, including<br /> <ul> <li>Chuck Miller's "The Adventure of the Other Man", which seemingly presents the reader with a very unusual portrait of Holmes;</li> <li>Aaron Smith's "The Adventure of the Stolen Centennial";</li> <li>A great multi-viewpoint story in I.A. Watson's "The Abominable Merridew"; and </li> <li>Andrew Salmon's "The Adventure of the Invisible Assassin", which is definitely one of the more clever modern stories written.</li> </ul> <div> A pair of essays finishes <b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1efu92e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective Vol. 5</a></i></b>, and there is only one "problem" with the book - once finished, you will be sorely tempted to pursue the first four volumes.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Ultimately, this is the best gift that any Sherlockian can give or receive: tales of pure Holmesian delight. </div> <br /> <b>(Note: </b><i>I was fortunate enough to be asked to provide proofing and editing duties on this book, and received a complimentary copy. My opinions are my own</i>)<br /> --<br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=gordondymow-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0615758231&nou=1&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective - The Gift That Keeps On Giving

"I don't deny that it is smartly written" [STUD] For many, stories involving Sherlock Holmes and Watson often feature ele...

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by Gordon D

That Mitchell and Webb Look at Sherlock Holmes

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "...doubled himself up" [VALL]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBw4dKdivGpYz_TVNLc2-MzK-ftCO8ET4NdIDKihsButqmhyphenhyphenTui9cPzA-Q5JagRkoPlINWoLdtdGv7-If0nM22geJBJR6EgEa9SR7XU7o2KWuV0sOtXts_AAXo9B7Ki1Wmb-nXQb4zJZP/s1600/Mitchell+and+Webb+Look+Sherlock.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBw4dKdivGpYz_TVNLc2-MzK-ftCO8ET4NdIDKihsButqmhyphenhyphenTui9cPzA-Q5JagRkoPlINWoLdtdGv7-If0nM22geJBJR6EgEa9SR7XU7o2KWuV0sOtXts_AAXo9B7Ki1Wmb-nXQb4zJZP/s640/Mitchell+and+Webb+Look+Sherlock.PNG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> For many British comedy fans, <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0092s71" target="_blank">That Mitchell and Webb Look</a></b> seemingly demonstrated a definite Sherlockian bent with its pastiche sketches featuring <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f475kI-YPtY" target="_blank">Sir Digby Chicken Caesar</a>, a homeless man who imagines himself and his companion to be a Victorian adventurer. However, this team appears to have a much more thorough understanding of the pair, as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOXnQLiMTpw" target="_blank">this sketch demonstrates</a>: <br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="435" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MOXnQLiMTpw" width="580"></iframe></center> <center> </center> <center style="text-align: left;"> </center> <center style="text-align: left;"> It's always enjoyable to see Holmes and Watson - or is that Watson and Holmes? - being put to a little fun.</center> <center style="text-align: left;"> </center> <center style="text-align: left;"> --</center> <center style="text-align: left;"> </center>

That Mitchell and Webb Look at Sherlock Holmes

"...doubled himself up" [VALL] For many British comedy fans, That Mitchell and Webb Look  seemingly demonstrated a definite ...

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by Gordon D

Benedict Cumberbatch's Early Voice Work as Sherlock Holmes

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: start;">"Give me your details, and from an armchair I will return you an excellent expert opinion." [BRUC]  </span></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAfuV3qmIPgr_N6sZkofjLEmDMI2G5Y5PWtkrIE1PSSUvvZY5DpIPi9nHrWA_hqfqH9R1OCV4ZdcTuZzfxqrTzgKJYwSYap0EpDiDiCf2jaltqbMdNODeVmVxTAl-CAJAEjaJ03BmcA6e/s1600/Railway+Mysteries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAfuV3qmIPgr_N6sZkofjLEmDMI2G5Y5PWtkrIE1PSSUvvZY5DpIPi9nHrWA_hqfqH9R1OCV4ZdcTuZzfxqrTzgKJYwSYap0EpDiDiCf2jaltqbMdNODeVmVxTAl-CAJAEjaJ03BmcA6e/s640/Railway+Mysteries.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The year 2010 was an eventful one for both the Sherlock Holmes franchise and Benedict Cumberbatch's role in it. Benedict had just unleashed his brilliant, modern version of the great detective and still found sometime during that year to record a reading for a series of non-Doyle Sherlock short stories: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609982665/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1609982665&linkCode=as2&tag=theconblo04-20">Sherlock Holmes: The Rediscovered Railway and Other Stories</a>.<br /> <br /> Some might think it odd for a mega-popular star like Benedict to do voice work (excluding the work he's doing as Smaug, for the Hobbit obviously). But you might be surprised (or not if you're as obsessive a Benedict fan as my teenage daughter is) to know that Benedict is not only an accomplished voice actor but still enjoys doing radio shows on the BBC.The whole time Benedict has been doing the Sherlock series and all of his other, increasing, acting gigs, he's been continuing to do the BBC radio show, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-author=Benedict%20Cumberbatch&linkCode=ur2&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank&tag=theconblo04-20&text=Benedict%20Cumberbatch">Cabin Pressure</a>. It's a family favorite.<br /> <br /> I'm very curious about the timing of the events around these stories, because BBC's Sherlock may or not have been released when he did the recordings, but they definitely wouldn't have reached the level of popularity that they have today. So asking Benedict to read these stories was a stroke of incredible luck.<br /> <br /> When you read the reviews on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609982665/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1609982665&linkCode=as2&tag=theconblo04-20">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9688584-sherlock-holmes">Goodreads</a>, it's obvious that this series owes all of it's success to Benedict's popularity.<br /> <br /> I'm not usually into audio books. But I do enjoy a good Sherlock Holmes pastiche and I really enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch's voice work so this was a win-win for me. I know some people don't like pastiches, but I always find it fascinating to read other people's take on Doyle's work.<br /> <br /> But back to the point of this review. The family and I enjoyed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609982665/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1609982665&linkCode=as2&tag=theconblo04-20">The Rediscovered Railway Mysteries and other stories</a> (there's four in all). As far as Sherlock Holmes pastiches, they're okay. They don't capture the spirit of Doyle as well as some but as far as stories they're better than most. But what puts these stories over the top, and makes these worthy of a family road trip, is the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch.<br /> <br /> But if you'd like to see for yourself, they've <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5g8EVFiCzI">put a short sample on YouTube</a>.<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/J5g8EVFiCzI" width="420"></iframe></center> <br /> [Editor's note: I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere is running a special with <b>Audible</b>, where you can <a href="http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=NETOR0002WS022912" target="_blank">get a free book download with a free 30-day trial</a>. The Cumberbatch recordings are available via Audible as well.]<br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=theconblo04-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1609982665" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Benedict Cumberbatch's Early Voice Work as Sherlock Holmes

"Give me your details, and from an armchair I will return you an excellent expert opinion." [BRUC]   The year 2010 was an eve...

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by Tac Anderson

Holmes' Heirs: How Sherlock Changed the World

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "You know my methods. Apply them" [HOUN] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dlV65G6y9LT9gmq43Yasrzs3MIoNfYzhOGXxnQvXQnfbJfxVAYNqfanr5oNiA3gsn2lxTlM7tuhxVFHVcf5A0mXuETdcTRwqD6X3K_HLfFbqmdnrwF8y0wk89bGGVZGmwHXlhgHbKich/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+working+over+his+chemical+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dlV65G6y9LT9gmq43Yasrzs3MIoNfYzhOGXxnQvXQnfbJfxVAYNqfanr5oNiA3gsn2lxTlM7tuhxVFHVcf5A0mXuETdcTRwqD6X3K_HLfFbqmdnrwF8y0wk89bGGVZGmwHXlhgHbKich/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+working+over+his+chemical+table.jpg" width="562" /></a></div> <br /> Sherlock Holmes has had an effect not just on literature, but on intellectual inquiry and popular culture as well. An upcoming PBS series will focus on how Holmes' heirs - practitioners of criminal investigation and the criminal arts - have been influenced by the Great Detective's methods.<br /> <br /> On November 19th and 26th (<a hef="http://www.tvguide.com/listings" href="http://www.pbs.org/tv_schedules/" target="_blank">please check local listings for showings in your area</a>), <a href="http://www.pbs.org/">PBS</a> will premiere <b><a href="http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2013/sherlock-changed-world/"><i>How Sherlock Changed the World</i></a></b>, a two-hour special documenting Holmes' impact on real-life criminal investigation and upon forensic techniques. At a time when all that was needed to convict a criminal were eyewitness reports and blatant evidence, Holmes' method relied on more scientifically-based procedures, including fingerprinting, chemical, and blood stain identification. As forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee once stated,"Sherlock Holmes is the grandfather of forensic science," and this special attempts to justify that claim.<br /> <br /> As press materials state:<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Through the use of compelling archival material and reconstruction, <b><i>How Sherlock Changed the World</i></b> tells the true stories of the scientists, detectives and even criminals who were inspired or influenced by the legend of Holmes. The program explores real crimes that were solved thanks to a piece of equipment Holmes used, a technique he popularized or invented, or even his method of reasoning. The special will also assess the history of Holmes’ techniques from the 1880s to the present, showing how the scientific techniques Holmes introduced to the world have evolved into the stunning CSI-style forensic labs of <a href="http://www.met.police.uk/about/branches/">Scotland Yard</a> and the <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/">FBI</a>."</blockquote> Sherlockians live in a time when we have a diverse array of ways to enjoy Conan Doyle's tales of detection, from the straightforward adaptation of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018ttws">BBC's <b><i>Sherlock</i></b></a> to the action-adventure oriented movies of Guy Ritchie to the more procedural, redemptive approach of <a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/elementary/">CBS' <b><i>Elementary</i></b></a>. Thankfully, we now have an additional opportunity to experience Holmes' impact on how we approach law enforcement and investigation, and prove once again that Holmes' method is not only learnable and applicable, but ultimately, has had a greater impact on our society....perhaps more than we can imagine.<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tLm92TxDGV8" width="640"></iframe></center> --<br /> <br /> <br />

Holmes' Heirs: How Sherlock Changed the World

"You know my methods. Apply them" [HOUN] Sherlock Holmes has had an effect not just on literature, but on intellectual inqui...

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by Gordon D

Book Review: The London of Sherlock Holmes

<div style="text-align: left;"> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "He had spread out his big map of London..." [BRUC] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSBZbUyedqz9G1JrzuDg9luFVXZ-lIKhhuJAr6-nxWkky9aA-FirC3VWEdGIfh4Dyikhe9zZWKg0vUrPvLEF97lTA7tR9WHeYH8pAK3BE6dPOrmrXVkZ3vEF6YR4ckxY3zcbVNJHX03gQ/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSBZbUyedqz9G1JrzuDg9luFVXZ-lIKhhuJAr6-nxWkky9aA-FirC3VWEdGIfh4Dyikhe9zZWKg0vUrPvLEF97lTA7tR9WHeYH8pAK3BE6dPOrmrXVkZ3vEF6YR4ckxY3zcbVNJHX03gQ/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+Map.png" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> </div> In the canon, Conan Doyle's stories give London a very tangible sense of <i>place</i>. As Holmes and Watson have their adventures, readers are provided details which make the geography of 1895 London come alive, providing a unique opportunity to engage in "the Great Game".<br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQgxYTGDga3mN7XDloNgljcZpNFI_TH3-MHHM6EqbFejSbIdyITtjUAVwIVmcC2kP4By7-OdKS0DeHZv1qcV1uVMzhYPn3AvrLG6OFUZoW8Xlq5JkncH9d6BC8NSzVRxBzt-aoHFTCQUx/s1600/London+of+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The London of Sherlock Holmes by Thomas Bruce Wheeler" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQgxYTGDga3mN7XDloNgljcZpNFI_TH3-MHHM6EqbFejSbIdyITtjUAVwIVmcC2kP4By7-OdKS0DeHZv1qcV1uVMzhYPn3AvrLG6OFUZoW8Xlq5JkncH9d6BC8NSzVRxBzt-aoHFTCQUx/s1600/London+of+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" title="" /></a>Available through MX Publishing, <b><i><a href="http://www.mxpublishing.com/product/9781780922096/The+London+of+Sherlock+Holmes" target="_blank">The London of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b> by Thomas Bruce Wheeler is a great resource, combining 21st century technology with the canon to provide a thorough piece of Sherlockian scholarship that <a href="http://www.sherlockian-sherlock.com/the-london-of-sherlock-holmes.php">you can sample via this online chapter.</a><br /> <br /> On a superficial level, <b><i>The London of Sherlock Holmes</i></b> is an extremely fascinating book, providing a point-by-point analysis of locations disclosed within each story of the canon. (The online sample chapter focuses on "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" [BRUC]"). For anyone considering a walking tour of Holmes' London, this would be more than adequate. However, reading the electronic version of the book via e-reader provides an additional level of engagement. Clicking on specific links automatically calls up <a href="http://maps.google.com/">Google Maps</a> of each location. Combined with GPS maps, <b><i>The London of Sherlock Holmes</i></b> provides a much more immersive experience, bringing Holmes' London a little closer for readers. <br /> <br /> Herewith a few examples of the interactive maps that Wheeler has created.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/viewer?gmp=msp&mid=zz7OCIy2oDA4.klI46NrhEbLE" target="_blank">Famous Londoners' Blue Plaques</a>:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8ibL_qoflKazgAsF3KP8Dphono0y4FJP1FTspGfXg5qds92ftcGI3j3uFEY2QlBtQNP8J_00zvDTlg7rQ80gy_ahOupC3sYXcWenpFAZi4ib9lEEud2dRNwLZi5XO7Bbvm9l55YM7xJX/s1600/Famous+Londoners'+Blue+Plaques.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8ibL_qoflKazgAsF3KP8Dphono0y4FJP1FTspGfXg5qds92ftcGI3j3uFEY2QlBtQNP8J_00zvDTlg7rQ80gy_ahOupC3sYXcWenpFAZi4ib9lEEud2dRNwLZi5XO7Bbvm9l55YM7xJX/s640/Famous+Londoners'+Blue+Plaques.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/viewer?gmp=msp&mid=zz7OCIy2oDA4.khkYBa_8ZPHg" target="_blank">Central London Pubs</a>:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrNvuRNeIRHRlLR_xaStxK3uM8eSMXjyGiUkP6e_Av1OXMExLqkrpFMvWup0zohd3MOxeYfHXWhT4OzCg90OFUyo5YGsyqCSWtNelbl9L9QWBv1_1asmVPVEEipq8a0PVCnpk18pYPqjl/s1600/Central+London+Pubs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrNvuRNeIRHRlLR_xaStxK3uM8eSMXjyGiUkP6e_Av1OXMExLqkrpFMvWup0zohd3MOxeYfHXWhT4OzCg90OFUyo5YGsyqCSWtNelbl9L9QWBv1_1asmVPVEEipq8a0PVCnpk18pYPqjl/s640/Central+London+Pubs.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <b><i>The London of Sherlock Holmes</i></b> is a fascinating book that combines 19th century atmosphere with 21st Century technology to create a unique experience. This looks like a reference book well worth owning for any Sherlockian<br /> <br /> <i>--</i><br /> <i><br /></i>

Book Review: The London of Sherlock Holmes

"He had spread out his big map of London..." [BRUC]  In the canon, Conan Doyle's stories give London a very tangible s...

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by Gordon D

"They Took Into Partnership" [VALL]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptG9WZ1RVF8VULwJzjgKtDBEiDPaiASJXqN1qw_jvrxron9yF0kXv1ivad5wRvZkcx8utY3_0YyLpr7wtIBdcOZh4vIbnwzoetFDrLPO9s9ag9pQ7zRI6a0noKUxt1SUvUuhe3QrpYFDC/s1600/Watson+&+Holmes+-+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptG9WZ1RVF8VULwJzjgKtDBEiDPaiASJXqN1qw_jvrxron9yF0kXv1ivad5wRvZkcx8utY3_0YyLpr7wtIBdcOZh4vIbnwzoetFDrLPO9s9ag9pQ7zRI6a0noKUxt1SUvUuhe3QrpYFDC/s320/Watson+&+Holmes+-+Cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div> With BBC's <b>Sherlock</b> and CBS' <b>Elementary</b>, the idea of contemporary stories and modern reinventions of the Great Detective does not seem as radical as one might perceive. However, a recent comic series by New Paradigm Studios (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1326941042"></span>whose Kickstarter campaign was featured on this site<span id="goog_1326941043"></span></a>, and which has been the subject of <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2012/08/episode-44-watson-and-holmes.html" target="_blank">an episode of <b>I Hear of Sherlock</b></a>) reveals an extremely similar - yet similarly radical - recasting of Holmes and Watson in contemporary times.<br /> <br /> <b>Watson and Holmes</b> is a series written by Karl Bollers, and drawn by Rick Leonardi, that recasts the duo's adventures in contemporary New York. However, there is a slight racial switch, as the series takes place specifically in Harlem: John Watson is a medical intern, and Sherlock Holmes is a private investigator. Although it may lack the canon-influenced snap of the BBC series - or even the more procedural aspects of CBS's efforts - <b>Watson and Holmes</b>sparkles with a straightforward narrative drive, having a kind of propulsiveness that characterized the best of Conan Doyle's work. There are slight nods and variations to the canon, but Bollers' writing captures the spirit (if not the letter) of canon.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>Leonardi's artwork on <b>Watson and Holmes</b> is also exemplary - there is a great noir feel to the art, and he is able to capture physical action well. Characters have a definite look and tone to them, and his take on both Watson and Holmes gives both men a strong presence. Storytelling throughout is well paced, resulting in a desire for more stories and tales by the end of the fourth issue.<br /> <br /> The first issues of <b>Watson and Holmes</b> are available online via <a href="http://www.comixology.com/">Comixology</a> and <a href="http://www.comixpress.com/">Comixpress</a>, as well as through better comics shops. Although a trade paperback collection is likely, <b>Watson and Holmes</b> is also enjoyed in single issue portions and worth any Sherlockian's time. With plenty of nods and Easter eggs for Sherlockians, this is one series worth seeking out.<br /> <br /> <i style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://blogthispal.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366;">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/" style="color: #003366;">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> --

"They Took Into Partnership" [VALL]

With BBC's Sherlock and CBS' Elementary , the idea of contemporary stories and modern reinventions of the Great Detective does no...

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by Scott Monty

"A Dangerous Move At Chess" [BLAN]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrmNNHDr-V2haDjE_t_8JykUuMw0IRtVmFJez81Kl_2nv4Kvah9A9ZpZ0R7OBJ7UANGwCFTQJYe8NpU_BYxTXYKciXk3WGDNM-pUDonKqy4iBDWqJsGmPuAEqRW_qNH8HIamn2LCydTPV/s1600/Chess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrmNNHDr-V2haDjE_t_8JykUuMw0IRtVmFJez81Kl_2nv4Kvah9A9ZpZ0R7OBJ7UANGwCFTQJYe8NpU_BYxTXYKciXk3WGDNM-pUDonKqy4iBDWqJsGmPuAEqRW_qNH8HIamn2LCydTPV/s200/Chess.jpg" width="131" /></a></div> Many authors have written pastiches fitting Sherlock Holmes into a greater historical context; although most of them center around Victorian England, Charlie Roxburgh attempts to mix some Russian history with Holmesian deduction in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1780922167/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1780922167&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Case of the Russian Chessboard</a>. And although it's a promising premise, the execution is somewhat flat.<br /> <br /> Mr. Roxburgh's tale has a great start - in fact, it's almost a pitch perfect recreation of the many tales of the Canon. In fact, the idea of Russian conspirators and tsarist enforcers operating near and around Baker Street not only reflects what Conan Doyle might have written, it provides an ample amount of promise for any Sherlockian reader.<br /> <br /> However, although this is a very brief tale, its brevity is one of its major faults. Just as many items are set into motion, the story seems to have a rushed ending. It is not a bad tale - just one that might have been better told as a novel-length adventure rather than as a short novelette. With the "Russian Chessboard" analogy coming into play (with Holmes himself explaining it), there is a great potential that is sadly never met....and that would be a great vantage point for writing a sequel and/or continuation of this story (especially with several themes that might resonate in our present time)<br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>Perhaps this leaves Mr. Roxburgh in a position to expand the story under a sequel or second edition, or perhaps even to execute a series of historical pieces that bring together a number of the geopolitical forces in play in the late Victorian era. There is certainly a plethora of material there.<br /> <br /> If you are looking for a pastiche with a fascinating premise, and some sharp writing early on, you might want to consider reading <b><i>The Case of the Russian Chessboard</i> - </b>it is a very short piece, and available as both <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1780922167/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1780922167&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20" target="_blank">a paperback</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00506CZ6Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00506CZ6Q&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20" target="_blank">for the Kindle</a> via Amazon, as well directly from the Sherlock Holmes publishing powerhouse <a href="http://mxpublishing.com/product/9781780922164">MX Publishing</a>.<br /> <i><br /></i><i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <br /> <i>Disclosure: <b><a href="http://cmp.ly/1">http://cmp.ly/1</a></b> - the author received a review copy of the book above.</i><br /> --<br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1780922167" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>     <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00506CZ6Q" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>

"A Dangerous Move At Chess" [BLAN]

Many authors have written pastiches fitting Sherlock Holmes into a greater historical context; although most of them center around Vict...

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by Scott Monty

"The Receiving Station, As Well As the Transmitter" [3GAB]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4045/4182492780_8a3ec3da57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4045/4182492780_8a3ec3da57.jpg" width="222" /></a></div> One of the advantages to audio adaptations of the canon (as well as newer creations of stories) is that there can be a greater emphasis on creating atmosphere through sound. Previously, we had highlighted a worthy adaptation of stories from the canon - now, we will highlight two companies who have put out Holmes-related audio that are not only intriguing, but also have appeal for the budget-conscious.<br /> <br /> As part of their lower-cost audios, Big Finish has a one hour adaptation of <b><a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/the-speckled-band-719" target="_blank">The Adventure of the Speckled Band</a></b>. Much like their previous audio adaptation of <b><a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2012/03/clear-statement-of-his-career-fina.html" target="_blank">The Final Problem/The Empty House</a></b>, the strength of this adaptation lies in a nearly straightforward telling of the Conan Doyle story. Much like its canon-based companion, <b>The Speckled Band</b> is a top-notch production that (at least, from my vantage point) will encourage a willingness to sample the rest of Big Finish's Holmesian efforts, including the non-canon original stories (whose titles and premises offer all sorts of delight). Big Finish releases a wide range of audio dramas, and their Sherlock Holmes series continues to provide high quality and entertainment, providing an excellent contemporary example of well-executed audio drama.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>For those with a penchant for "classic" audio drama, <a href="http://www.radioarchives.com/" target="_blank">Radio Archives</a> has put out <a href="http://www.radioarchives.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RA701" target="_blank">two</a> <a href="http://www.radioarchives.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RA702" target="_blank">volumes</a> of <b>The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</b>, whose 1945 - 46 season featured Tom Conway as the sleuth, with Nigel Bruce reprising his role as Doctor Watson. By this time, the show had changed networks and sponsors (and indeed, there is something slightly disconcerting about hearing a commercial for hair products in the middle of an episode), but make no mistake - these radio dramas are strong in their own right, with some being relatively loose adaptations of the canon. Even to more modern ears, there is more than a hint of Victorian atmosphere in these stories....and these collections are easily affordable as digital downloads.<br /> <br /> With autumn upon us, there is ample opportunity to sit and enjoy Holmesian adventure. Both Big Finish and Radio Archives have provided ample opportunity to sit back and engage in an entertainment art form that may not be as prevalent....but which still provides ample opportunities for pleasure. Both are highly recommended.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: Phil Cornell</i></span><br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <br /> <br /></div>

"The Receiving Station, As Well As the Transmitter" [3GAB]

One of the advantages to audio adaptations of the canon (as well as newer creations of stories) is that there can be a greater emphasis o...

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by Scott Monty

Review: Dr. Watson's American Adventure

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b>"he had spent a part of his life in America" [VALL] </b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOFs4fclezU2rXHtLgy7_KCJ53XTVsSZvULHpE03-5kN5KXLI-vsL1aRdqP5Jglb7gFL6TIDvsJJ0dItbi-HDhQE-DjbsSP638IWHMXefmx0zThWssAdDaLmiq9qQDNATt9OONuBt7qtr/s1600/WatsonAmAdCVR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOFs4fclezU2rXHtLgy7_KCJ53XTVsSZvULHpE03-5kN5KXLI-vsL1aRdqP5Jglb7gFL6TIDvsJJ0dItbi-HDhQE-DjbsSP638IWHMXefmx0zThWssAdDaLmiq9qQDNATt9OONuBt7qtr/s320/WatsonAmAdCVR.jpg" width="218" /></a></div> <br /> Trying to "fill in" gaps in the canon can be rather tricky - done well, it can provide insight into the character of Holmes and Watson (<b>The Seven-Per-Cent Solution</b>, for example). Done poorly, it can be awkward and feel inauthentic.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, <b>Dr. Watson's American Adventure</b> from <a href="http://www.airship27.com/" target="_blank">Airship 27</a> is a strong example of the former, showing us Watson in a post-Reichenbach adventure, finding his way to America to team up with Theodore Roosevelt. Combining elements of Victorian literature, Westerns, and historical pastiche, Erwin K. Roberts tells a tale that could easily fit between "<a href="http://sherlockholmes.stanford.edu/readings12.html" target="_blank">The Adventure of the Final Problem [FINA]</a>" and "<a href="http://sherlockholmes.stanford.edu/2007/notes1_1.html" target="_blank">The Adventure of the Empty House [EMPT]</a>". The story moves along at a very brisk pace, and quite honestly, it's a flat-out treat to read. Structured as a reminiscence between Watson and Holmes, it also serves to highlight these characters without necessarily being driven by their interactions. Thankfully, this book serves as a way to highlight Dr. Watson's solo adventures....and hopefully, there will be another coming soon.<br /> <br /> (Thankfully, this volume also provides value for the money in that it contains another Victorian-style pastiche featuring a character named "Hound Dog Harker" which is quite entertaining in its own right.)<br /> <br /> Much like Airship 27's earlier Holmes book <b><a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2012/04/no-more-dangerous-man-in-europe-illu.html" target="_blank">The Baron's Revenge</a></b>, <b>Dr. Watson's American Adventure</b> is available via Amazon.com. It's an entertaining work that is well worth reading.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <br /> --</div>

Review: Dr. Watson's American Adventure

"he had spent a part of his life in America" [VALL]  Trying to "fill in" gaps in the canon can be rather tricky - ...

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by Scott Monty

About the Great Exhibition of 1951

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b>"a wilder exhibition of passion" [CREE] </b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2638/4181727307_799376c308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2638/4181727307_799376c308.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> In 1851, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Exhibition" target="_blank">Great Exhibition</a> highlighted then "cutting edge" technology and industry. For its 100th anniversary, the Exhibition used then-current means to create a special highlight for Sherlockians - a replica of Holmes' sitting room, which is now on display in the <a href="http://www.sherlockholmespub.com/" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes Pub</a> in London.<br /> <br /> Not to be outdone, <a href="http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/" target="_blank">the current version of the Exhibition is now online</a>...and also contains an excellent opportunity for Sherlockians to participate and demonstrate a slightly wilder exhibitions of their own passions.<br /> <br /> Thanks to a strong Internet presence (including <a href="http://twitter.com/GreatExhibition" target="_blank">the Great Exhibition on Twitter</a>), people can actually vote for those things which are "great" about Great Britain. Of special interest to Sherlockians are the two following categories of interest:<br /> <br /> <b>Sherlock Holmes</b> - <a href="http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/sherlock-holmes" target="_blank">http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/sherlock-holmes </a><br /> <br /> <b>Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - </b><a href="http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/sir-arthur-conan-doyle">http://www.thegreatexhibition2012.co.uk/greats/sir-arthur-conan-doyle</a><br /> <br /> At the 1951 Exhibition, the ability to view the Great Detective's drawing room helped the character make a deeper impact on history; now, Sherlockians can play an active role in making sure that impact is felt for future generations as well.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: This essay was submitted by Gordon Dymowski, who regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. <br /><i> </i></i><br /> <i>--</i></div>

About the Great Exhibition of 1951

"a wilder exhibition of passion" [CREE]  In 1851, the Great Exhibition highlighted then "cutting edge" technology...

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by Scott Monty

"No Question As To the Authorship" [SIGN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxVxnXTMndr4aYKz0FrHlTcakQUCvb1XnVaB24eeSYv9lTYB8HgxJDkCapQC1Pi8sP8ehygdOHljEa8ii4eYFgH3QwZ9cDkT_8hzVT_iiSnx9_yTettBMVX7M_vGs15BILfOor4M3rv78/s1600/acd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxVxnXTMndr4aYKz0FrHlTcakQUCvb1XnVaB24eeSYv9lTYB8HgxJDkCapQC1Pi8sP8ehygdOHljEa8ii4eYFgH3QwZ9cDkT_8hzVT_iiSnx9_yTettBMVX7M_vGs15BILfOor4M3rv78/s200/acd.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>For many Sherlockians, there is a great curiosity to actually see - and hear - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle discuss the background around the creation of the Great Detective's exploits. It is one thing to read his thoughts; it is another to observe him as he discusses his works.<br /><br />May 22, 2012 marks the 153rd birthday of Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, who brought the world such wonders as Professor Challenger, Sir Nigel, Alleyne, Brigadier Girard and of course, Sherlock Holmes. His work spanned decades and included a variety of written work from the medical and scientific to the fantastic and spiritualistic. <br /><br />But it is not often that one gets to hear the Scottish brogue and strident voice that are behind the considerable visage we know so well. Now available via the Internet Archive, here is a <a href="http://archive.org/details/SirArthurConanDoyleSpeaks_272" target="_blank">1927 newsreel in which Arthur Conan Doyle discusses the origins of Sherlock Holmes</a>. The first five minutes of this video focus on Holmes; the remainder cover his exploration of spiritualism. (Both overlap in a surprising way, but please feel free to watch in order to avoid spoiling).<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://archive.org/embed/SirArthurConanDoyleSpeaks_272" width="480"></iframe></center><br /><br />On the occasion of his birth, what would you say to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? As a spiritualist, you know he's listening.<br /><br /><i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /><br />--

"No Question As To the Authorship" [SIGN]

For many Sherlockians, there is a great curiosity to actually see - and hear - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle discuss the background around the crea...

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by Scott Monty

"No More Dangerous Man in Europe" [ILLU]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2603/4181736469_8dfa4e800c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2603/4181736469_8dfa4e800c.jpg" width="177" /></a></div> When considering <a href="http://www.schoolandholmes.com/">all the pastiches written involving Sherlock Holmes</a>, it is rare to find one that is purely a sequel - most Sherlockian non-canon lore involves crossovers with other public domain characters, integration of science fiction and/or horror themes, or loose adaptations of the canon.<br /> <br /> Gary Lovisi's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615594433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615594433">Sherlock Holmes: The Baron's Revenge</a></i></b>, published by <a href="http://www.airship27.com/" target="_blank">Airship 27 Productions</a>, is a rare novel - a straightforward sequel to a past Holmes story that manages to be a crackling good read.<br /> <br /> The novel servesas a sequel to <a href="http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75ca/chapter1.html" target="_blank">"The Adventure of the Illustrious Client"</a> from 1927's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0199555648/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0199555648">The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b>. Much like of Conan Doyle's later Holmes work, <b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i> </b>shares a similar hard-boiled, almost pulp-flavored edge as it tells its tale. Thankfully, one does not have to read Conan Doyle's story in order to understand <b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i></b>, given various callbacks to the original tale.<br /> <br /> It's also a daring book in that it is written (except for one chapter) from Holmes' perspective. Although it would have been easy to fall into cliche and write Holmes as exceptionally omniscient, Lovisi does Holmes a great service by writing the detective at the proper emotional tone. It is easy to "hear" Holmes narrating the story. Rob Davis' illustrations throughout the book provide it with the right sense of pace and atmosphere, almost making it seem like a "lost" edition of <b><i>The Strand Magazine</i></b>. (Thankfully, it is a relatively quick read - I finished it within two days while commuting back and forth to downtown Chicago).<br /> <b><i></i></b><br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i> </b>is one of those rare Holmes books - an unexpected sequel that is a very good read and well worth checking out. It is available through Airship 27 as well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615594433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615594433">Amazon.com</a>.<br /> <br /> This book is worth owning and reading. Repeatedly.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <i><i><br /></i></i> <i><i>--</i></i><br /> <i><i><br /></i></i> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0199555648" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>    <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0615594433" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"No More Dangerous Man in Europe" [ILLU]

When considering all the pastiches written involving Sherlock Holmes , it is rare to find one that is purely a sequel - most Sherlockian n...

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by Scott Monty

"A Clear Statement of His Career" [FINA]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2498/4182495358_0602655baa_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2498/4182495358_0602655baa_m.jpg" /></a></div> One of the highlights of both <b>Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</b> and Season Two of the BBC<b>'s Sherlock</b> series are their unique takes on "The Adventure of the Final Problem" and "The Adventure of the Empty House." However, there is a third entry which simply serves as a powerful dramatization of these two stories....simply by focusing on the simplicity of Conan Doyle's words.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/">Big Finish</a> is a company out of England that writes and produces audio dramas around a variety of franchises, most notably <b>Doctor Who. </b> Their kickoff to the second "series" of Sherlock Holmes adventures is a double disc set of <b><a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/21-Sherlock-Holmes-The-Final-Problem-The-Empty-House">The Final Problem/The Empty House</a>. </b>Quite simply, this is simply an excellent dramatization of one of the highlights of the canon, and well worth a listen.<br /> <br /> Much of the power of this audio comes not just from drawing from the canon, but also in its staging - beginning with the sound of pen scratching against paper, followed by Watson's (Richard Earl) narration, the story kicks into high gear. It's a moody, atmospheric approach that simply grabs the listener's attention and will not let go. Part of the success is also the way in which Nicholas Briggs plays Holmes - in these stories, rather than play it large, Briggs performs Holmes at almost a whisper pitch, and it is this approach that makes this audio set enthralling, so much so that you will be sorely tempted to order the other audios in the series.<br /> <br /> One of the great aspects of the canon is that it can be adapted and molded towards a modern sensibility (witness Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' <b>Sherlock</b>); however, what Nicholas Briggs and Big Finish have done is to make it appealing to a modern ear by focusing on the clarity and simplicity of the original language, making this as much as testament to the skill of Conan Doyle's writing as much as to the appeal of his characters. The fact that his language seems so appropriate to a 21st century medium - and audience - makes this a clear statement of Conan Doyle's career as an author.<br /> <br /> If you are looking for a great listen either for traveling or commuting, please head to <a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/">Big Finish's web site</a> to order - they allow you to purchase either CD or digital download, and you will not be disappointed.<br /> <br /> Especially since the audio does something very few adaptations do - draw upon the strength of Conan Doyle's writing style. Eerily atmospheric, this audio is worth adding to your collection. <br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <i><br /></i> --

"A Clear Statement of His Career" [FINA]

One of the highlights of both Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows  and Season Two of the BBC 's Sherlock  series are their unique takes...

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by Scott Monty

"If the Matter Is Beyond Humanity..." [DEVI]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2737/4182494218_44186f0587_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2737/4182494218_44186f0587_o.jpg" width="232" /></a></div> Very few Sherlockians would make the argument for Holmes as a vehicle to discuss religious or spiritual principles. In fact, quite the opposite - Holmes may be seen as the ultimate in rational thinkers, keeping himself within this world and staying within the realm of sheer intellect.<br /> <br /> That would be a mistake, for as Stephen Kendrick suggests in his book <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375703381/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375703381"><i>Holy Clues</i></a></b>, many spiritual lessons can be learned from Holmes' approach. (Recently, I had an opportunity to revisit the book, having read it a few years ago)<br /> <br /> Subtitled "The Gospel According to Sherlock Holmes," the book uses Holmes' approach - with a liberal helping of other thinkers - to suggest a way of approaching spirituality through a more skeptical lens. Granted, the book may tactfully avoid the darker aspects of the canon, but Kendrick provides multiple examples of ways in which a Holmesian approach may strengthen one's spiritual convictions.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, there is an open approach towards integrating different trains of spiritual thought, with Zen/Buddhist concepts given equal weight with Judeo-Christian ideas. It's a book that provides a great deal of enlightenment, and that may spark a great deal of debate and discussion amongst Holmes aficionados.<br /> <br /> Granted, this is an unusual approach to the canon - treating it as a way of determining a spiritual lifestyle. Kendricks, however, manages to perform an impressive feat in <i>Holy Clues</i>, suggesting that matters beyond humanity are <i>not</i> necessarily beyond anyone....including Holmes.<br /> <br /> Very highly recommended.<br /> <br /> Have you read it? We would be interested in your opinion in the comments below.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>.</i><i><br /></i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0375703381" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"If the Matter Is Beyond Humanity..." [DEVI]

Very few Sherlockians would make the argument for Holmes as a vehicle to discuss religious or spiritual principles. In fact, quite the opp...

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by Scott Monty

"We Are, As Usual, The Irregulars" [LADY]

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "we are, as usual, the irregulars" [LADY]</h4> <br /> On January 2nd, 2012, <i>The Times</i> of London featured a very special comic insert....one which is of particular interest to Sherlockians and graphic literature fans alike, and helped set a proper tone for 2012<br /> <br /> As you can see by the embedded graphic below (click to enlarge), the <i>Times </i>featured a junior insert featuring <a href="http://www.thebakerstreetirregulars.com/" target="_blank">The Baker Street Irregulars</a> - characters who are the centerpiece of a graphic novel series by Tony Lee (who also finished a terrific run on IDW's <b><i><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005M2A4D4">Doctor Who</a></i></b> series) and Dan Boultwood for Franklin Watts/EDGE Books. There are currently four stories available in graphic novel form, and this series has been featured in this very blog (see <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/06/full-approval-cree_10.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"The Baker Street Irregulars — A New Graphical Series"</a>)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/6621925625/" title="Baker Street Irregulars Comic - Times of London by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="Baker Street Irregulars Comic - Times of London" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6621925625_a9e865aa1a_z.jpg" width="523" /></a></div> <br /> The <i>Times</i> story - named "The Adventure of the New Year's Necklace" is a great, New Years Day-themed tale, taking place in 1892 between "The Final Problem [FINA]" and "The Empty House [EMPT]". All of Mr. Lee's stories are "in canon", and some well-known Sherlockians provide guidance and input. This is a great all-ages series to engage  the next generation of Sherlockians (including my 9 year-old godson, who received a copy of <b><i><a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0553328255">The Complete Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b> from his godfather), and is well worth checking out.<br /> <br /> (Some information for this post taken from the <a href="http://geekygirlslovescifi.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-look-lee-boultwoods-baker-street.html" target="_blank"><b>Geeky Girls </b>blog</a>).<br /> <i><br /></i> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>.</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

"We Are, As Usual, The Irregulars" [LADY]

"we are, as usual, the irregulars" [LADY] On January 2nd, 2012, The Times of London featured a very special comic insert....on...

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by Scott Monty

"Two Knight-Errants To the Rescue" [SIGN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-U0mYx5v-AG_CUAwuEFtgHPFjclZ0PnGudiKHUkcyJLBlLxz-K-JwB04JQZBPBfHTzexmK6REC_gmwfd6jnMntdBKy3VtqJwvjzAe9s3z8d5ioq3z6bb7wfP5YTp2mVqs0TlgkBox5zE/s1600/Sherlock-Holmes-Cover-Col.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-U0mYx5v-AG_CUAwuEFtgHPFjclZ0PnGudiKHUkcyJLBlLxz-K-JwB04JQZBPBfHTzexmK6REC_gmwfd6jnMntdBKy3VtqJwvjzAe9s3z8d5ioq3z6bb7wfP5YTp2mVqs0TlgkBox5zE/s200/Sherlock-Holmes-Cover-Col.jpg" /></span></a></div> <i>(NOTE: Promotional art was provided for purposes of review only, and are kindly used with permission. Special thanks to Ken Janssens and Matthew Martin for their time and insights, and to Brant Fowler at Comic Related for bringing this to our attention)<br /></i>Holmes and Watson seem to be making a "comeback" of sorts in comics and graphic literature, appearing in a wide range of stories such as <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401228402/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1401228402"><i>Victorian Undead</i></a></b> and <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606902172/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1606902172">Sherlock Holmes: Year One</a></i>.</b> This December, <a href="http://www.bluewaterprod.com/">Bluewater Productions</a> will be publishing the first issue of the <b><i>Sherlock Holmes: Victorian Knights</i></b> four-issue miniseries, just in time for the release of <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</a></i>.</b><br /> <br /> Writer Ken Janssens and artist Matthew Martin were gracious enough to offer some of their insights around the upcoming series. For many Sherlockians who read this blog, this is a great opportunity to learn <i>how</i> writers and artists approach the canon when reinterpreting the character for a modern audience.<br /> <br /> According to Ken Janssens, the four-issue <b><i>Sherlock Holmes: Victorian Knights</i> </b>is actually "<i>...two interconnected stories. The first two issues deal with the murder of a prostitute and a haunting by a black spectre. The second two issues deal with the murder of one of the suspects from the first story.</i>" As a lifelong Sherlockian who was introduced to the canon via the Brett series (and who counts <a href="http://librivox.org/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-by-arthur-conan-doyle/"><b><i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></b></a> as his favorite Holmes novel), Janssens saw a unique challenge in writing the characters:<br /> <blockquote> <i>Writing them together in a scene is easier than writing them alone. There is a give and take, a yin and yang, that you get to play off of that is extremely fun. They love each other like brothers, but just like vastly-different brothers, they are constantly annoyed and rag on each other.</i></blockquote> Artist Matthew Martin, who resides in England with his wife and daughter, grew up with Holmes as part of his culture (and he, too, considers <b><i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></b> his favorite novel). For him, capturing not only the characters of Holmes and Watson - but the era in which they live - presented unique challenges:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qov9g79BdRi7iWxEYP5kX-EkRetPxGTl6NTMzdZc8s0QaxmN3ihMs8Ja5iPJ4-5oww5-Tf_Vrgol8A67abYbmIfcEX5qXzIfL2j0toSL-OHebMkIIXqJMWXYdEdt-lv9G27keHHzyVQ/s1600/Sherlock-Holmes-Page-3-LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-qov9g79BdRi7iWxEYP5kX-EkRetPxGTl6NTMzdZc8s0QaxmN3ihMs8Ja5iPJ4-5oww5-Tf_Vrgol8A67abYbmIfcEX5qXzIfL2j0toSL-OHebMkIIXqJMWXYdEdt-lv9G27keHHzyVQ/s200/Sherlock-Holmes-Page-3-LR.jpg" width="130" /></a></div> <blockquote> <i>... I used the Robert Downey Jr version of Holmes more as inspiration than the classic look, which will probably be a contentious choice for some fans....With Watson I went the opposite way, going a bit more classical with choices like the facial hair...I loved creating the buildings and setting the scenes, I always find the more challenging aspect character related in terms of being consistent and really bringing them to life.</i></blockquote> <br /> Thankfully, both Janssens and Martin are not only fans of the character, but have some very unique tastes when it comes to adaptations of the canon. For Janssens, his personal favorite is "<i>...the 1985 Barry Levinson-directed <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AUHPC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0000AUHPC">Young Sherlock Holmes</a></b>. Not only is it a fun ride, the story and atmosphere just pulls me right in"</i>. Although Martin enjoys the Downey film, he admits, <i>"Harking back to my youth though I still have a real soft spot for Disney’s Basil the Great Mouse detective"</i><br /> <br /> <br /> It's good to know that Holmes and Watson are in good hands. <b><i>Sherlock Holmes: Victorian Knights</i> </b>comes out in December - please visit your local comics shop to pre-order your copy.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>.</i></div> <i><br /></i> --<br /> <br />

"Two Knight-Errants To the Rescue" [SIGN]

(NOTE: Promotional art was provided for purposes of review only, and are kindly used with permission. Special thanks to Ken Janssens and M...

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by Scott Monty

"Out of The Black Shadows" [TWIS]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZIpCFVAAr6uqgfyXvNS61KIvwc3VQTF7cMsw80l6wYHAmGbdzzvvvQMq7JnJ1kCcVGwUxCTOSJDctWkp_eA9-rzWRSc9dTwo5q0_WbcLwjlFKj8Fo0SB-cULf_uuBxgb7RMEXnXugzl0/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes+Fatal+Hour+lobby+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZIpCFVAAr6uqgfyXvNS61KIvwc3VQTF7cMsw80l6wYHAmGbdzzvvvQMq7JnJ1kCcVGwUxCTOSJDctWkp_eA9-rzWRSc9dTwo5q0_WbcLwjlFKj8Fo0SB-cULf_uuBxgb7RMEXnXugzl0/s640/Sherlock+Holmes+Fatal+Hour+lobby+card.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000X7SDA4&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />It's a story worthy of Conan Doyle himself - a "lost" early Holmes film that loosely adapts two key stories in the canon, and that is now freely available for viewing.<br /> <br /> <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sleeping_Cardinal"><i>The Sleeping Cardinal</i></a></b> (better known in the USA as <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022373/"><i>Sherlock Holmes' Fatal Hour</i></a></b>) is a 1931 film with Arthur Wontner as Holmes and Ian Fleming as Watson, serves as a loose adaptation of <a href="http://sherlockholmes.stanford.edu/readings12.html"><b>"</b>The Adventure of the Final Problem"</a> and <a href="http://sherlockholmes.stanford.edu/2007/notes1_1.html">"The Adventure of the Empty House"</a>. Like many early sound movies, the direction is still rather theatrical, focusing mainly on discussions in rooms rather than a more dynamic presentation.<br /> <br /> Details about how the film became "lost" can be found its <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/SherlockHolmes-SleepingCardinal">entry on the Internet Archive</a>, which also allows for embedding and (like <a href="http://www.publicdomaintorrents.net/nshowmovie.html?movieid=967">Public Domain Torrents</a>) downloading the film in various formats.<br /> <br /> But judge for yourself - is this a hidden gem ripe for rediscovery? A film that should have remained lost? Or is it just another one of many Holmesian adaptations that just simply needs to be enjoyed on its own merits?<br /> <br /> This mystery, dear reader, is entirely yours to solve....<br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/6X0PdK6ohkxkxlAL7MaPZQ"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/6X0PdK6ohkxkxlAL7MaPZQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object><br /> <br /> If you're not able to view the Hulu video, it's also <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9sdhosC3ho">available on YouTube</a></b>. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUzwMy0AZD0?rel=0" width="480"></iframe></center> <br /> <i><br />  </i><br /> If you would care to purchase <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X7SDA4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000X7SDA4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the DVD from Amazon.com</a></b>, it's available by clicking here or via the image below. In addition, the other three titles from the Wontner series are available on DVD: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000098ZSG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000098ZSG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>The Sign of Four</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000098ZSG&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000098ZRR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000098ZRR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes</i></b></a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008ZL4R/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B00008ZL4R" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Murder at the Baskervilles</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00008ZL4R&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. All are worth watching, if only to appreciate the transition of Sherlock Holmes from silent to "talkies" prior to the arrival of Basil Rathbone.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: This is a guest post by Gordon Dymowski. Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry for <a href="http://ihearofsherlock.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a>. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/" style="color: #003366;">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/" style="color: #003366;">Comic Related</a>.</i><br /> <br /> <i>When you make purchases from the links we share, it provides us with a stream of revenue to help keep this site running. Thank you for your generosity.</i><br /> <i><br /></i> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakerstree-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000X7SDA4&asins=B000X7SDA4&linkId=LZFO4FDJJDXX3Y6M&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe>  <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakerstree-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00EYJT5HM&asins=B00EYJT5HM&linkId=WHVGYFLCCGCZOX4V&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe>  <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakerstree-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000R34XWQ&asins=B000R34XWQ&linkId=RWGNA2APXYNADD5T&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe>  <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=thebakerstree-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00ES4HN90&asins=B00ES4HN90&linkId=AIW6AV7HZHWK66UI&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br /> </iframe>

"Out of The Black Shadows" [TWIS]

It's a story worthy of Conan Doyle himself - a "lost" early Holmes film that loosely adapts two key stories in the canon, a...

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by Scott Monty

"A Certain Selection and Discretion" [IDEN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2soL7h9_uvLtjfqUBWTyMPVPEkMOYkfQtTymEwmhZtgLxrNhabIizN2WxhvRo8AFNKR90fxTiNbeQx3H4Xry5pe4QwbhGKoVBM9IOxsFpnDNRtD4ekYJPQHxYCwUoBvBw34_VX9cXbMm/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2soL7h9_uvLtjfqUBWTyMPVPEkMOYkfQtTymEwmhZtgLxrNhabIizN2WxhvRo8AFNKR90fxTiNbeQx3H4Xry5pe4QwbhGKoVBM9IOxsFpnDNRtD4ekYJPQHxYCwUoBvBw34_VX9cXbMm/s200/Capture.PNG" width="200" /></a></div> With the success of the recent Robert Downey Jr. Holmes film - and the speculation and anticipation for <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</a></span>, it would be hard to believe that before now a theatrical film of Holmes with an atypical director would be successful in the marketplace.<br /> <br /> After all, one only has to look to 1970's <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005JKHF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00005JKHF">The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005JKHF&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>, directed by Billy Wilder, as an unsuccessful example....which is a shame, because it is a very underrated gem in Sherlockian film canon, providing a fascinating postmodern look into the Great Detective. Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIyF0_B6Yyk&feature=player_embedded">a video of the trailer</a> with brief commentary from producer/director Dan Ireland:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="339" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MIyF0_B6Yyk" width="500"></iframe></center> <br /> <br /> In many ways, this version of Holmes is a more radical reinterpretation of the canon than the Downey film. In the first full scene, for example, Holmes (Robert Stephens) begins chiding Watson (Colin Blakely) for "exaggerating" certain things in his writing. (Yes, Wilder and writing partner I.A.L. Diamond are definitely playing "the Great Game.")<br /> <br /> Although many critics and commentators have focused on the "subtext" of the Holmes/Watson relationship, what is so much more radical is that Stephens' Holmes seems much more...emotional. Lively. Possessing a certain depth and range of character that approaches a Jeremy Brett-style approach to the role.(Colin Blakely's Watson, however, tends more towards the buffoon-ish). Although Wilder directs this in a more straightforward style than his other work, it only serves to highlight the emotional underpinnings of the film - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Private Life</span> not only contains gorgeous footage and a wonderful soundtrack, these bring the performances forward, and quite frankly, make this an underrated gem of a movie.<br /> <br /> What's even more remarkable about this film is that it was originally conceived as a three hour movie consisting of four separate stories, one involving Holmes in his youth. Sadly, due to cuts the movie is only two hours long with two distinct stories - one focusing on a Russian ballerina; the other a more intricate plot involving brother Mycroft (played by Christopher Lee, the only actor to play both Mycroft and Sherlock), Inverness, and....well, that would be telling. Thankfully, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005JKHF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=B00005JKHF">the DVD</a></b> release contains scripts, shots, and footage from the "lost" portions of the film as part of the 'Special Features' selection.<br /> <br /> Admittedly, there was a certain selection and discretion in what Conan Doyle wrote about in his stories - after all, he lived in a much different time with different standards. Many films have attempted to fill in the gaps of what we knew about Holmes, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes</span> does so in an entertaining and thoroughly engaging way.<br /> <br /> This is a must-view for any Sherlockians. Very highly recommended.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>.</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B00005JKHF" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"A Certain Selection and Discretion" [IDEN]

With the success of the recent Robert Downey Jr. Holmes film - and the speculation and anticipation for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows...

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by Scott Monty