I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere

Remembering Robert Robertson, BSI

<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>"a smart hamson" [CREE] </b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMnp1Z59ZLt_oNzjcVxfo35pp1oCGv5T4wXS2hbhHptKfVxIX3fu0D2PtzHNPMVxQdG3hR-1qy98W0IZhVFb4wI_kMWh40b28hHAazUHpCeGny7kMHvMHgp0JWgu-DoIz27ztJEKrK2Vq/s1600/Bob+Robertson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMnp1Z59ZLt_oNzjcVxfo35pp1oCGv5T4wXS2hbhHptKfVxIX3fu0D2PtzHNPMVxQdG3hR-1qy98W0IZhVFb4wI_kMWh40b28hHAazUHpCeGny7kMHvMHgp0JWgu-DoIz27ztJEKrK2Vq/s400/Bob+Robertson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Baker Street Irregulars have lost another member. Dr. Robert E. Robinson, BSI ("The Hansom Cab") died in Columbia, South Carolina on August 11, 2012 at the age of 85. He was born in Kentucky, was class valedictorian of his high school, served in the U.S. Army in 1946-47, graduated from Berea College and earned a Masters and PhD in organic chemistry from Purdue University in 1953. It was during his time at Purdue that he married Myrtle, his wife of 61 years. <br />
<br />
Dr. Robinson became President of Lindau Chemicals in 1986 and held that position until his death. He was awarded twenty-five U.S. patents, including one for the synthesis of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinyl_acetate">vinyl acetate monomer</a>, which forms the basis for all current production of that material in the world today. He published several technical papers and was senior author of two articles in <i>The Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology</i>. He was elected to the American Institute of Chemists, the American Society for the Advancement of Science, and the New York Academy of Science and was also a member of <a href="http://www.mensa.org/">Mensa</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>Dr. Robinson's interests included classical music and was a strong supporter of the arts in the Midlands. He served on the Board of Directors of both the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra and the Palmetto Opera and was a member of the Columbia Museum of Art.<br />
<br />
Dr. Robinson was an active participant in <a href="http://www.sh-whoswho.com/index.php?refsociety=334">The Hansom Wheels</a> and served as Program Chairman of the scion for over thirty years, during which time he produced thirty plays based on Conan Doyle's works. He was a member of <a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/">The Sherlock Holmes Society of London</a> and was published in their Journal and in <i><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/"><b>The Baker Street Journal</b></a></i>, among others. Bob Robinson was a member of <a href="http://www.beaconsociety.com/">The Beacon Society</a>, and enthusiastically encouraged the younger generation to become involved in the world of Sherlock Holmes. He often brought the detective to life for grammar school students dressing as Holmes and setting up mock crime scenes. <br />
<br />
An interview with Dr. Robinson about his life-long fascination with Holmes was recently recorded for inclusion in the BSI Archives. Dr. Robinson was invested into The Baker Street Irregulars in 1986 as "The Hansom Cab." <br />
<br />
Memorials may be made to the <a href="http://www.scphilharmonic.com/">SC Philharmonic Orchestra</a> (721 Lady Street, Suite B, Columbia, SC 29201) or The Palmetto Opera (P. O. Box 50462, Columbia, SC 29250).  <br />
<br />
--<br />
<br />

Remembering Robert Robertson, BSI

"a smart hamson" [CREE] The Baker Street Irregulars have lost another member. Dr. Robert E. Robinson, BSI ("The Hansom ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Sherlockian Picture Puzzles Republished

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
"Never mind your usual petty puzzles" [BRUC] </h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9N4r9phc1i1eaUvj9biIJxbjH_rKYg6-TT7kT9p3IJ6HX4qHueBlMI7_VFz8ObajPUVZkl8QxGgZxbtOMF1shXGVI8AujWB6-NVF_Mtfm_7-XeVK-1E75710SGMs_xYsbQUM_u4R8TfR/s1600/AddyPuzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9N4r9phc1i1eaUvj9biIJxbjH_rKYg6-TT7kT9p3IJ6HX4qHueBlMI7_VFz8ObajPUVZkl8QxGgZxbtOMF1shXGVI8AujWB6-NVF_Mtfm_7-XeVK-1E75710SGMs_xYsbQUM_u4R8TfR/s1600/AddyPuzzle.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In the early 20th century, Sherlock Holmes was as seamless a part of the media as he is today. Case in point: regularly produced picture puzzles in which Sherlock Holmes invited the reader to make sense of a number of clues (or, “clews”) found in the picture. He appeared in a variety of situations, and all of the puzzles rely on the double meaning of words. <a href="http://www.musgraves-sherlockholmes.co.uk/">The Musgraves Sherlock Holmes Society</a> in the UK has now compiled<a href="http://www.musgraves-sherlockholmes.co.uk/node/2"> twelve of these puzzles, along with answers and explanatory notes, into a 26-page monograph</a> by John Addy.<br />
<br />
The puzzles themselves are from Eliot Keen's original 1905 illustrations that originally appeared in American newspapers (can you see the William Gillette portrayal coming through?), with solutions following in subsequent publications.<br />
<br />
I tried one of the puzzles, with little initial success. As the flyer above states, the trick is that one has to think as though one is still at the turn of the twentieth century. This proved to be more challenging than I thought it would be, but if it weren't a challenge then it wouldn't be as fun. I freely confess to resorting to the internet to verify (or, ahem, discover) the solutions I came up with. Some practice in the art of ‘punning’ is also helpful (in the below example, he’s pointing to a sawhorse - ha).  <br />
<br />
The idea to make some of these puzzles available again is brilliant; it is both a fun mental exercise and a neat way to look at life and customs of the time. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the monograph, you can find the ordering information on the link above. <br />
<br />
This might make for an interesting challenge at your next Sherlock Holmes society meeting, or simply a bit of good fun and a mental challenge on your own. Go ahead - what do you make of it? <br />
<br />
See the sample puzzle below to try your hand at it.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6321981775136876837" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Catkatie1/sherlock.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Catkatie1/sherlock.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<br />
<i>Kate writes at <a href="http://thediaryofdrwatts.com/">The Diary of Dr. Watts</a>.</i><br />
<br />
--</div>

Sherlockian Picture Puzzles Republished

"Never mind your usual petty puzzles" [BRUC] In the early 20th century, Sherlock Holmes was as seamless a part of the media...

+ Read more »

by Katie Magnusson

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 - ...

+ Read more »

by Scott Monty

Remembering Encyclopedia Brown Author Donald Sobol

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>"a brown study" [CARD] </b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJwJLVKoYpcLqaNxIoJH4mG7vrL6me9qou1Gig2ZTLt58mI27MmkhBETfCnjRN-0KpKgAd1zPLza98N2bcyhnw4UB2KizhsfcUr2oWAyz7bEriti4NFgkQCjieAWoTd1HO23mMmpAhEhR/s1600/encyc01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJwJLVKoYpcLqaNxIoJH4mG7vrL6me9qou1Gig2ZTLt58mI27MmkhBETfCnjRN-0KpKgAd1zPLza98N2bcyhnw4UB2KizhsfcUr2oWAyz7bEriti4NFgkQCjieAWoTd1HO23mMmpAhEhR/s640/encyc01.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Donald J. Sobol died on July 11 of natural causes at age 87. He was the author of over<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=encyclopedia%20brown&linkCode=ur2&sprefix=encyclope%2Caps%2C459&tag=thebakerstree-20&url=search-alias%3Daps"> two dozen Encyclopedia Brown mysteries</a></b>. The small seaside town of Idaville was the same as any other small town except in one respect, fifth-grader Leroy Brown. Leroy's head was so crammed full of facts he was nicknamed "Encyclopedia". Encyclopedia used his brain power to help the neighborhood kids and his police chief father to solve mysteries. He was, in fact "America's Sherlock Holmes in sneakers". With his partner in his detective agency, Sally Kimball--the prettiest and toughest girl in the fifth grade--Encyclopedia charged kids 25 cents to help them with their problems. Encyclopedia's nemesis was an older kid named Bugs Meany.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>The first book in the series was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142408883/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0142408883&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20"><i>Encyclopedia Brown Boy Detective</i></a> published in 1963 and the series has continued for almost fifty years. Millions of copies are in print and they have been translated into twelve languages. Part of their charm is Sobol’s breezy and witty writing style. Here from “The Case of the Missing Garlic Bread”:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;">Bugs was the leader of a gang of tough older boys. They called themselves the Tigers. They should have called themselves the Pretzel Makers. They always tried to make dough the crooked way. The only things they hated more than honesty were soap and water.</span></blockquote>
I discovered Sobol's works before Conan Doyle's. The mysteries were of the solve-them-yourself type, forcing the reader to match wits with Encyclopedia before turning to the back of the book for the solution. While written for kids, Sobol was a master at hiding the clue in plain sight. My love of the mystery genre started there. One could say that Sobol's use of the classic Holmesian tropes, the brilliant detective and his partner, his faculty with arcane knowledge, the colorful clients and villains, primed me for when I first encountered Holmes in <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> in the sixth grade.<br />
<br />
There will be <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525425829/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525425829&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20">a new Encyclopedia Brown book in October</a>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525425829/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0525425829&linkCode=as2&tag=thebakerstree-20"><b><i>Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme</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=0525425829" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. In it, Idaville will be as it always was, with beautiful beaches, churches, a synagogue, a movie theatre, two delicatessens and four banks. Chief Brown will come home with an insoluble problem and Encyclopedia, while listening at the dinner table with his eyes closed, will ask the Chief the one question that will solve the case. Bugs Meany will plot his revenge against Encyclopedia and Sally will be there to protect him.<br />
<br />
The neighborhood kids will continue to arrive at the family garage at 13 Rover Avenue, plunk down a quarter on the empty gas can, and ask Encyclopedia's advice on Wilford Wiggins’ latest get-rich-quick scheme. And I continue to read them. I'm also not ashamed to say that America's Sherlock Holmes in sneakers can still at times beat me to the solution. That's as it should be.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Donald.<br />
<br />
<br />
--</div>
</div>
</div>