The Story of Dr. Joseph Bell

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "my great teacher" [CREE]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y-j_VEXope9odmDibvl89aD22ah5ngIDNQAoGNFWSN_g5PbjZQhty62GICBZWhORr1JA7xIFbjh2O6ajjRmfB7tMQ7GRRhGQY96dueVa-tSsdQwSt_brtBLVgdxIeMgLx2ArNv6B787U/s1600/Joseph_Bell._Photograph_by_A._Swan_Watson._Wellcome_V0026019+-+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y-j_VEXope9odmDibvl89aD22ah5ngIDNQAoGNFWSN_g5PbjZQhty62GICBZWhORr1JA7xIFbjh2O6ajjRmfB7tMQ7GRRhGQY96dueVa-tSsdQwSt_brtBLVgdxIeMgLx2ArNv6B787U/s640/Joseph_Bell._Photograph_by_A._Swan_Watson._Wellcome_V0026019+-+cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Many Sherlockians are aware of how much influence <a href="http://www.siracd.com/work_bell.shtml">Joseph Bell</a> - one of Conan Doyle's medical teachers - had on the development on Holmes. In fact, it would be quite fascinating to postulate the kind of relationship that Bell & Doyle had, perhaps even as a precursor to the kind of relationship Doyle portrayed between Holmes and Watson....<br /> <br /> Thankfully, a series of movies produced by the BBC a decade ago help redress that, and provide an entertaining slant on the Holmes/Watson Relationship.<br /> <br /> The series begins with 2000's <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Beginnings-Sherlock-Holmes-Doyle/dp/B004ZEDJLY?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><i>Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes - Dr. Bell & Mr. Doyle</i></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004ZEDJLY" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>, starring Robin Laing as Conan Doyle and Ian Richardson as Joseph Bell. Focusing on Doyle's experiences as a medical student, this is actually quite a gripping drama. There's a real-life twist in the plot (which is revealed by a caption at the end), but Ian Richardson takes a very strong Holmesian turn as Dr. Bell. (It doesn't hurt that he had portrayed Holmes some twenty years earlier). The script works because we are so familiar with the material (a consulting detective/his comrade in arms/that unique relationship with the police) that the premise seems all too familiar...and the twist that Bell/Doyle are showing their "influence" over Holmes and Watson doesn't seem forced or inevitable.<br /> <br /> One year later, Charles Edwards would take over the role of Doyle, and BBC made four Bell/Doyle movies under the umbrella title <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Rooms-Mysteries-Sherlock-Beginnings/dp/B0036BK6JU?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><i>Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes</i></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0036BK6JU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>. These four movies expand their relationship - we see Doyle's early life as a physician, but more importantly, we see a much greater fondness emerge between teacher and former student. Links to Holmes - and Doyle - are much more apparent in these films: "The Patient's Eyes" takes its central image from <a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/soli.htm">"The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist"</a>; Doyle's nascent interest in spiritualism is hinted at in "The Photographer's Chair"; "The Kingdom of Bones" seems to contain elements of Doyle's later Professor Challenger work and foreshadows <a href="http://librivox.org/the-valley-of-fear-by-sir-arthur-conan-doyle/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i></i></span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Fear-Sherlock-Mystery-Collection/dp/1451565976?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Valley of Fear</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1451565976" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></span>; and "The White Knight Strategem" seems to contain a slightly Moriarity-esque figure. <br /> <br /> Sadly, although further Bell/Doyle adventures are hinted at, no further productions were made, nor are there plans to continue. However, for those who want a different flavor of Holmesian adventure - or who wish to imagine the influence that Joseph Bell truly had on Doyle's work - these two DVD sets (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Bell & Mr. Doyle</span> is not included in the same set as <span style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Murder Rooms</i></span>) are quite excellent, and are some "hidden gems" that belong on your video shelf.<br /> <br /><br /><br /> <div style="text-align: left;"> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><b>Editor's note:</b> 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></span></i></div> <i><br /></i><i>Image credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AJoseph_Bell._Photograph_by_A._Swan_Watson._Wellcome_V0026019.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a> and Wellcome Trust</i> <i><br /></i> --

The Story of Dr. Joseph Bell

"my great teacher" [CREE] Many Sherlockians are aware of how much influence Joseph Bell - one of Conan Doyle's medical t...

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by Scott Monty

Martin Freeman Wins a BAFTA

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "I came away baffled" [HOUN]</h4> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004132HZS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv9Yxz7GxLPJqTauEMKDB96-qhrNmvRTYp7fXYMwzsx-PdKHV51uFG-31odFbDEyNkhxhuILD8b0k3DOxeHDJ_DDEVv768NpVxQ56_wqBml4ctGfLhA6yF0HkPvNROc2ExoTCerRTfxhr/s1600/Martin_Freeman_filming_Sherlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSv9Yxz7GxLPJqTauEMKDB96-qhrNmvRTYp7fXYMwzsx-PdKHV51uFG-31odFbDEyNkhxhuILD8b0k3DOxeHDJ_DDEVv768NpVxQ56_wqBml4ctGfLhA6yF0HkPvNROc2ExoTCerRTfxhr/s1600/Martin_Freeman_filming_Sherlock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Last evening, the <a href="http://www.bafta.org/">BAFTA</a> Television Awards were handed out, and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Season-One-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B004132HZS?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><i>Sherlock</i></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004132HZS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b> came away with two wins: one for best drama series and the other for Martin Freeman as best supporting actor for his role as Dr. Watson in the BBC series.<br /> <br /> In his acceptance speech, Freeman remarked, "I really, really, really, really did...expect it," to peals of laughter. He credited Benedict Cumberbatch as "a fantastic Sherlock" and the scriptwriting of Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. He concluded with, "I know it's very fashionable to pretend you don't care about this stuff, but I'm very very chuffed."<br /> <br /> Benedict Cumberbatch was also up for an award - best actor - but lost to Daniel Rigby, played Eric Morecambe in the biographical program "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Region-Starring-Daniel-Victoria-Reeves/dp/B004UFLTII?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Eric and Ernie</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial !important; border-width: initial !important;"><b><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004UFLTII" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></span>". No word on the long sought-after <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/04/by-so-slight-obstacle-fina_15.html" rel="nofollow">posthumous BAFTA for Jeremy Brett</a> (click through to read our previous coverage on it), however.<br /> <br /> It should be noted that it is entirely appropriate that "Sherlock" won two BAFTA Awards on May 22, the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The second season of "Sherlock" is currently in production.<br /> <br /> Our earlier coverage of can be found at <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/10/more-modern-houn_10.html" rel="nofollow">"Something More Modern" [HOUN]</a> as well as clicking on the <b>You might also like</b> links (as appropriate) below here on the site.<br /> <br /> What do you think? An appropriate rewarding of talent? Let us know.<br /> <br /> --

Martin Freeman Wins a BAFTA

"I came away baffled" [HOUN] Last evening, the BAFTA Television Awards were handed out, and Sherlock  came away with two wi...

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by Scott Monty

"Strangeness with Mystery" [STUD]

<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/4108249706_5f2b6c98b5_m.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/4108249706_5f2b6c98b5_m.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 148px;" /></a>Sorting through the various Holmesian pastiches, parodies, and mashups can be often be a challenge - trying to find that almost perfect application of Conan Doyle's style to a mixture of different characters can be daunting.<br /><br />Several years ago, <a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/">Neil Gaiman</a> - whose cross-genre work includes <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandman-Vol-Preludes-Nocturnes-New/dp/1401225756?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sandman</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1401225756" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>, <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Gods-Tenth-Anniversary-Novel/dp/0062059882?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">American Gods</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0062059882" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neverwhere-Novel-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060557818?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Neverwhere</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060557818" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />,</span> and who is receiving major attention for <a href="http://screenrant.com/doctor-who-synopsisneil-gaiman-mcrid-112918/">his script for <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span></a> - wrote a Hugo-winning short story that is a fine mixture of strangeness with mystery, and which is (believe it or not) available for your enjoyment via the Internet.<br /><br />Originally presented in the <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Over-Baker-Street-Terror/dp/0345452739?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><b>Shadows Over Baker Street</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345452739" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> anthology, "A Study in Emerald" (<a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/Cool_Stuff/Short_Stories">available for download as a PDF via Mr. Gaiman's site</a>) is more than just a near-copy of "<a href="http://librivox.org/a-study-in-scarlet-by-sir-arthur-conan-doyle/">A Study in Scarlet"</a>; it is one of the most clever integrations of Holmesian detection and H.P. Lovecraft's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cthulhu_Mythos">Cthulhu mythos</a>", bringing strangeness and mystery together in a pretty engaging short story.<br /><br />Unlike many other pastiches, Gaiman is able to mimic Conan Doyle's tone almost perfectly, and there are plenty of Sherlockian references within the story to make this appealing to both lifelong and casual fans. "Emerald" deftly integrates the otherworldly dread of Lovecraft with the canon's Victorian atmosphere, creating a tale that is quite an enjoyable read. The PDF download also contains some clever "advertisements" that contain references to other Victorian-era fantastic literature.<br /><br />(There is also a clever twist within the tale that....well, much like the advertisements, is best enjoyed by reading the tale and not spoiled within a review).<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/mediafiles/exclusive/shortstories/emerald.pdf">A Study in Emerald</a>" may not seem like a major work, but it does what the greatest of canon does - for a few moments, it takes us back to a time where it is still 1895 and which - despite Holmes' advice to the contrary - deftly mixes strangeness and mystery.<br /><br />With the result being an enjoyable read for Sherlockians and fantasy fans alike.<br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><b>Editor's note:</b> 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></span></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column and footer of the site) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i><br />--<br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0345452739&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0062059882&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>

"Strangeness with Mystery" [STUD]

Sorting through the various Holmesian pastiches, parodies, and mashups can be often be a challenge - trying to find that almost perfect appl...

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by Scott Monty

An Eyewitness Account of the Edgars and Agathas

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "aided by the diary I kept" [HOUN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181732791/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="fina-09 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="fina-09" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/4181732791_dab1342e59_m.jpg" width="276" /></a></div> <i></i><br /> <i><i><br /></i></i> <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Dummies-Steven-Doyle/dp/0470484446?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</a></b></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470484446" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> had the honor of being nominated for both an Edgar Award, and an Agatha Award for non-fiction mystery book of the year. What follows is a brief diary of my recent, amazing trip to both the Edgar Awards in New York City, and the Agatha Awards at the Malice Domestic Convention in Bethesda, Maryland. For a more exciting, as-it-happened account, see the video embedded below. <br /> <br /> <h4> <span style="font-size: medium;">"You remind me of Edgar..."[STUD]</span></h4> <i>Wednesday, April 27</i><br /> <b>10:45 a.m.:</b> My wife Pam and I departed for NY without incident from the Indianapolis Airport, unless you factor in the extra security screening Pam got because she had a tissue in her pants pocket. Really? Knowing no one can hijack the plane with a tissue now is a big comfort.<br /> <br /> <b>1:00 p.m.: </b>All checked into our mid-town hotel, and just heading over to a favorite diner Sherlockians while in New York, <a href="http://www.theredflamediner.com/">The Red Flame</a>. Wow! It’s been remodeled (again), inside and out. It’s nice, but I’m kinda missing the old Flame.<br /> <br /> <b>7:30 p.m.:</b> After an afternoon of goofing off, it’s time for dinner at the<a href="http://www.oysterbarny.com/"> Oyster Bar at Grand Central</a> with Pam’s brothers and their families. They are attending the Edgar Awards with us, offering moral support. That is really great!<br /> <br /> <i>Thursday, April 28</i><br /> <b>6:30 p.m.: </b>What a day. First the 9/11 museum at Ground Zero on a cold, rainy day. Very sobering (and coincidentally just three days before they caught Bin Laden). But now, it’s time for the Nominee Reception at the Grand Hyatt for the Edgars. Feeling at first a bit like the guy who crashed the party, but soon I’m pinching myself as Pam and I stand there chatting away with mystery fiction icons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Sarah%20Peretsky" target="_blank">Sarah Peretsky</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and then <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Mary%20Higgins%20Clark" target="_blank">Mary Higgins Clark</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Unbelievable.<br /> <br /> <b>7:30 p.m.:</b> After seeing many Sherlockian friends [Les Klinger, Dan Stashower, Peter Crupe, Lindsay Faye] it is awards time. I’m at the Wiley Publishing table, with my family and the gang from Wiley. Alas, Sherlock Holmes for Dummies lost to the Charlie Chan book...oh, well! It is still an unbelievable experience.<br /> <br /> <b>11:00 p.m.:</b> Sitting in an Irish pub [<a href="http://www.patrickconways.com/">Patrick Conway's</a>] ’round the corner from Grand Central Station with my family, celebrating the experience. Hooray! On to the Agathas!<br /> <br /> <br /> <h4> <span style="font-size: medium;">"I met Agatha..." [CHAS]</span></h4> <i>Friday, April 29</i><br /> <b>11:30 a.m.:</b> Pam and I depart from Penn Station for Washington. DC via Amtrak. Wow...that train station is insane ["...and lead us not into Penn Station"? <i>-Ed.</i>]. We arrive in DC, catch a cab to the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, and check in. My brother Patrick, an antiquarian bookseller, arrives from Indiana to accompany us on this leg of the adventure.<br /> <br /> <b>4:00 p.m.:</b> I register us, and then dash down to the opening ceremony of Malice Domestic, the convention that is giving out the Agatha Awards. I can see right away that the audience, which is 90% women, is not Sherlock’s crowd.<br /> <br /> <b>7:00 p.m.:</b> All the Sherlockians on hand gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant. Peter Blau and Bev Wolov, Dan Stashower, Julie McKuras, and us. Really, it is these moments that make these events truly memorable.<br /> <br /> <i>Saturday, April 30</i><br /> <b>All Day:</b> The day is made up of sessions, books signings, panel discussions, and shopping in the dealers room. I participate in a panel discussion with all the non-fiction authors who are nominated, and follow it up with a book signing. It’s a lot of fun! Along the way we meet many, many more authors, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Sue%20Grafton" target="_blank">Sue Grafton</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Carol%20Nelson%20Douglas" target="_blank">Carol Nelson Douglas</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />. What a great day!<br /> <br /> <b>7:00 p.m.:</b> The Agatha Awards Banquet arrives. Wow. For those who think the BSI Dinner is big, they should experience a 500-seat banquet! Unbelievable (and for my taste, too big…) Alas, Sherlock lost out to <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Agatha-Christies-Secret-Notebooks-ebook/dp/B002RI9OY6?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Secret Diaries of Agatha Christie</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002RI9OY6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></i>, as I knew it would. There’s no way a book on Agatha Christie is going to lose an award named after Agatha Christie. But no hard feelings, as once again it was a fantastic experience and great fun.<br /> <br /> Here's the whirlwind tour <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol3KOwdr5bk&feature=related">in video</a>:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ol3KOwdr5bk" width="480"></iframe></center> <br /> <br /> Well, the next day we headed home, back to real life, but still savoring the amazing, amazing experiences we had. <i>Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</i> has been out almost exactly a year...and what a year it has been. And what a way to conclude the promotion of the book. Thanks to everyone who bought a copy! If you'd like to keep following our adventures, please join us on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sherlock-Holmes-for-Dummies/129581877077394">Sherlock Holmes for Dummies Facebook page</a>.<br /> <br /> <i><b>Postscript:</b></i> <i>Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</i> was nominated for the coveted <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Award">Anthony Award</a>, which are given at the annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, which for this year will be in St. Louis in September.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4390279293_b5f6e6290d_t.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4390279293_b5f6e6290d_t.jpg" style="float: left; height: 100px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 81px;" /></a><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor's note:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This column is <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/search/label/Sherlock%20Holmes%20for%20Dummies">part of a series called "From the Dummy's Chair" [MAZA]</a> by Steven Doyle, BSI ("The 'Western Morning News'"), author of the Edgar-nominated<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Dummies-Steven-Doyle/dp/0470484446?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #003366; display: inline-block;" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470484446" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; cursor: move; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>. Because of the limitations in the print world, he wasn't able to completely fit everything he wanted into the book. This series will become a real-time continuation of that labor of love. Steve is also half the team behind the<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/" style="color: #003366;">Wessex Press</a>.</i><br /> <i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> <br /> --

An Eyewitness Account of the Edgars and Agathas

"aided by the diary I kept" [HOUN] Sherlock Holmes for Dummies had the honor of being nominated for both an Edgar Award, an...

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by Scott Monty

Edward Hardwicke, Dr. Watson to Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes, Dies at 78

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: start;">"flickered and went out" [HOUN] </span></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF859nwM6LcXDsEAcqDhZ921rwZS10FnwDBWc6YoBipW5yrREbBTkDslwloHSS9bqCovuZUKpxDohFyFRappPVwFDPmeUzrr1eS1dfK8af97wBV0mnCXwxRgKaBVCg5uACjshGwiydgkwX/s1600/holmeshound1988-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="750" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF859nwM6LcXDsEAcqDhZ921rwZS10FnwDBWc6YoBipW5yrREbBTkDslwloHSS9bqCovuZUKpxDohFyFRappPVwFDPmeUzrr1eS1dfK8af97wBV0mnCXwxRgKaBVCg5uACjshGwiydgkwX/s640/holmeshound1988-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Actor Edward Hardwicke has died at the age of 78. Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Dr. Watson to Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes in the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/31sohD9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Granada Television series</a></b>, he picked up the role where David Burke left off.<br /> <br /> [Hint: if you don't want to watch on DVD, the Granada series is available through streaming service provider <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2yKwsOU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Britbox via Amazon Channels</a></b>.]<br /> <br /> <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-frameid="148" data-dashlane-rid="39204e0686143bee" data-form-type="other" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="https://play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1638872/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/3b3d47/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward/download/yes" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe> <br /><br /><div><br /></div><div> Hardwicke was the son of famed actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke, and he took the family business very seriously from an early age, starring in <i>A Guy Named Joe</i> with Spencer Tracy at the tender age of 10. He spent a good deal of his early career on stage and made numerous television and film appearances. He also <a href="https://amzn.to/31qoeYw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lent his voice as a narrator to some Sherlock Holmes stories</a> (available for <b><i>free </i></b>with an <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2GUTHu1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audible subscription</a></b>).<br /> <br /> Of course, this audience knows him best as John H. Watson, M.D., friend and colleague of Sherlock Holmes in the Jeremy Brett Granada series. It was a role he inhabited from 1986 to 1994. He also played Dr. Watson in <i>The Secret of Sherlock Holmes</i> on stage in London's West End in 1989 for a full year. You'll recall that <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/05/my-god-it-is-paul-gree_8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremy Paul wrote that play</a>.<br /> <br /> He was beloved by fans around the world, and particularly embraced by Sherlockians and Holmesians. The relationship was anything but one-way, as Hardwicke participated in events like the first iteration of <b><a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.com/gillette_brett.htm" target="_blank">From Gillette to Brett in 2003</a></b>.<br /> <br /> We can think of no more fitting a way to remember him than to simply leave you with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCYzvzp9Z_Q" target="_blank">this interview of Edward Hardwicke</a>:<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UCYzvzp9Z_Q" width="560"></iframe></center> <br /> We also <a href="https://ihose.co/ihose33" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pay homage to Hardwicke on Episode 33</a>.<br /> <br /> <iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/134348598&color=%232879af&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><br /> <br /> Did you have any personal experience with him? Did you meet Edward Hardwicke at an event or on the set? Please leave us a comment and share with everyone.<br /> <br /> One generation's faithful Watson has now crossed the Reichenbach to be with his Holmes. May we stand on the terrace to remember them both.<br /> <br /> <b><i>Update</i></b>: Hardwicke's <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/tv-radio-obituaries/8519646/Edward-Hardwicke.html" target="_blank">obituary from the <i>Telegraph</i></a>.<br /> <br /> <script type="text/javascript"> amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "scottmonty-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1897861524"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "ce1bf723cd6d8e327431db15a2135ec4"; </script><br /> <script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /></div>

Edward Hardwicke, Dr. Watson to Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes, Dies at 78

"flickered and went out" [HOUN]  Actor Edward Hardwicke has died at the age of 78. Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Dr...

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by Scott Monty

Sherlockian Mythbusters — The Problem of Thor Bridge

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "it is a bust" [EMPT]</h4> <br /> You may have heard of the show <a href="http://amzn.to/kDFtmS" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mythbusters</a> on the Discovery Channel. Well, the <a href="http://amzn.to/kynsAo"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</span></a> team decided to make their own version.<br /> <br /> The first episode of "Sherlockian Myth Busters" is now online. Scholars have debated events in the Holmes Canon for decades. But how many have actually put their theories to the test? In this episode we put the disappearing gun trick from "<a href="http://amzn.to/llS7hI">The Problem of Thor Bridge</a>" to the test. Does it work as described? Here we'll find out.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">SPOILER ALERT</span>: If you're not familiar with "The Problem of Thor Bridge," you may wish to delay watching this until after you've read it. It is available as part of <a href="http://amzn.to/iZ0ttQ" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes</a>.<br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m0etbZuM2yw?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></center> <br /> <br /> Are there other Sherlockian myths you'd like us to bust? Please leave a comment below or send an email with the subject line "Mythbusters" to ihearofsherlock [AT] gmail [DOT] com.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4390279293_b5f6e6290d_t.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/4390279293_b5f6e6290d_t.jpg" style="float: left; height: 100px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 81px;" /></a><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor's note:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This column is <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/search/label/Sherlock%20Holmes%20for%20Dummies">part of a series called "From the Dummy's Chair" [MAZA]</a> by Steven Doyle, BSI ("The 'Western Morning News'"), author of the Edgar-nominated<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Dummies-Steven-Doyle/dp/0470484446?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="color: #003366; display: inline-block;" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes for Dummies</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0470484446" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: none !important; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: none !important; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: none !important; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: none !important; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; cursor: move; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>. Because of the limitations in the print world, he wasn't able to completely fit everything he wanted into the book. This series will become a real-time continuation of that labor of love. Steve is also half the team behind the<span class="Apple-converted-space"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/" style="color: #003366;">Wessex Press</a>.</i><br /> <i><br /> </i> <i><br /> </i> --

Sherlockian Mythbusters — The Problem of Thor Bridge

"it is a bust" [EMPT] You may have heard of the show Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel. Well, the Sherlock Holmes for Dummi...

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by Scott Monty

Remembering Jeremy Paul

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "Oh, my God, it is Paul!" [GREE]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJV0F4vyNPWQZPo0V85imiJ8NIzVP3wWz6Bhy_KFA-anQj3APjUleKVHrRPK8LRNLYcMsI9Sf80sfUbzTcVKAgmqiQx6yy0ibi6-VpqC7ayl9cC3xaGetry8drCum5BA3q3OQiW4ArIQP/s1600/JeremyBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJV0F4vyNPWQZPo0V85imiJ8NIzVP3wWz6Bhy_KFA-anQj3APjUleKVHrRPK8LRNLYcMsI9Sf80sfUbzTcVKAgmqiQx6yy0ibi6-VpqC7ayl9cC3xaGetry8drCum5BA3q3OQiW4ArIQP/s1600/JeremyBanner.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Earlier this week, news of Jeremy Paul's death was shared on the <a href="http://scarletstreet.yuku.com/topic/8011/Jeremy-Paul?page=-1" target="_blank">Scarlet Street Forums</a>. Interestingly, it was shared by <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose68" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bert Coules</a>, the head writer for the <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC radio adaptations of the Canon</a>. We say "interesting," because Jeremy Paul was an award-winning writer of many Sherlock Holmes adaptations and other televised mysteries and dramas.<br /> <br /> Bert shared the following sentiment:<br /> <blockquote> I'm sorry to report that the writer Jeremy Paul has died at the age of 71. He'd been suffering from pancreatic cancer.<br /> Paul is probably best known as one of the mainstay scriptwriters on Granada's Sherlock Holmes series but his TV credits go back to pioneering shows like No Hiding Place and much-loved favourites like <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2IQ002g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danger UXB</a></i>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2WcYMGh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Upstairs, Downstairs</i></a>, Out of the Unknown, <a href="https://amzn.to/38LasCU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Lovejoy</i></a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/2vpYkd0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Duchess of Duke Street</i></a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/38PKdev" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Midsomer Murders</i></a> and the two Dominick Hyde science fiction plays. </blockquote> <blockquote> He also wrote for the stage (notably <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/38RRDhw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b>, which ran for over a year in the West End with Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke) and the cinema (Hammer's <a href="https://amzn.to/2TQdZvu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Countess Dracula</i></a>).</blockquote> We remember first seeing his name on the writing credits for the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/33heqlH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Granada Sherlock Holmes series</a></b> with Jeremy Brett. In all, Jeremy Paul wrote the screenplay for a number of the episodes, including:<br /> <ul> <li><i>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i> (1984): "The Speckled Band" and "The Naval Treaty"</li> <li><i>The Return of Sherlock Holmes</i> (1988): "The Musgrave Ritual" and "Wisteria Lodge"</li> <li><i>The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes</i> (1991-1993): "The Problem of Thor Bridge," "The Master Blackmailer" and "The Last Vampyre"</li> <li><i>The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes</i> (1994): "The Three Gables" and "The Red Circle"</li> </ul> Mr. Paul was awarded an Edgar for his work on "The Musgrave Ritual" and was nominated for an Edgar for "The Problem of Thor Bridge."<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pJg9sLTRn01dtBHRcow7twOFfo-3eY7z8FQ51w6D2lc4Hwdo8y2HGj4JabBewT6P0lJTnyoV2T5A-9zvFfBGWYYwLl_cqKoEDU7zwmZu5S2OurSdo8wAAYYPvAnC7eYTosJMXC7KAcXD/s1600/gtob2_mark_paul_garwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pJg9sLTRn01dtBHRcow7twOFfo-3eY7z8FQ51w6D2lc4Hwdo8y2HGj4JabBewT6P0lJTnyoV2T5A-9zvFfBGWYYwLl_cqKoEDU7zwmZu5S2OurSdo8wAAYYPvAnC7eYTosJMXC7KAcXD/s640/gtob2_mark_paul_garwood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(L to R) Mark Gagen, BSI, Jeremy Paul, Linda Garwood<br /> and Steven Doyle, BSI</td></tr> </tbody></table> And for those who attended the 2007 conference <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2007/06/upon-luminous-screen-empt.html" target="_blank">From Gillette to Brett II</a> (Electric Boogalo?), one of the special treats was a talk by none other than Jeremy Paul himself. The event, which is now in its third iteration, is described on the <a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/html/g2b.html" target="_blank">From Gillette to Brett II website</a> as having "a film festival, Sherlockian vendors, and an all-star roster of distinguished speakers and presenters." If you're interested in another go-around, From <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/10/evening-of-third-stud.html" target="_blank">Gillette to Brett 3</a> is coming up later this year. It wouldn't surprise us if the crew there pays some sort of homage to Jeremy Paul.<br /> <br /> One of the more interesting aspects of Mr. Paul's involvement with the world of Sherlock Holmes was when Jeremy Brett commissioned him to write a play. <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/38RRDhw" target="_blank">The Secret of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b> ran for several hundred performances in London's West End from 1988-1989. It concentrated on the friendship of Holmes and Watson and a surprising secret that Holmes had kept for many years. Both Edward Hardwicke's and Brett's performances were highly acclaimed by critics, and the play continues to enjoy revivals every so often. Below you can see Jeremy Brett speak about the play.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eBI_5Rzf1aI" width="480"></iframe></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> In addition to his work on the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jeremy Paul made a mark as a writer on other mystery shows, including <i><a href="https://amzn.to/38RtrvJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hetty Wainthropp Investigates</a></i> and <a href="https://amzn.to/38ORFqj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Campion</i></a>. Without a doubt, Mr. Paul's talents will be missed, as he certainly left an indelible mark on the world of Sherlock Holmes. For that we'll be forever grateful.<br /> <br /> Do you have a favorite work of Mr. Paul's? Please share as a comment below.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Remembering Jeremy Paul

"Oh, my God, it is Paul!" [GREE] Earlier this week, news of Jeremy Paul's death was shared on the Scarlet Street Forums ....

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by Scott Monty

New Sherlock Holmes Video Game by Frogwares

In the fall of 2011 Focus Home Interactive will publish a new Sherlock Holmes video game developed by Frogwares Game Development Studio. You may recall our original post on the matter (<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/02/my-hands-on-testament-iden_18.html">"With My Hands on the Testament" [IDEN]</a>) back in February. The game, titled <b>The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Testament of Sherlock Holmes</b> is specially designed for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 game consoles, while also playable on PC. New screenshots of the game can be found at <a href="http://www.sherlockholmes-thegame.com/">The Adventure Games of Sherlock Holmes</a> as well as information on all of Frogwares’ other games in their Adventure of Sherlock Holmes series.<div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> <center style="background-color: transparent;"> <object height="375" width="500"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2F&set_id=72157626626404452&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2F&set_id=72157626626404452&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object></center> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> If you prefer your gaming to happen on a table rather than a screen, <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/924/new-game-round-up-gamyes-tryos-fromys-ystari-dd-le">BoardGameGeek News</a> reports:</div> <div> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Ystari Games will release a new edition of the 1985 Spiel des Jahres winner, <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2511/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective">Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective</a>, with the mysteries rewritten to match the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This game will likely appear in 2011, with both a regular and a deluxe edition.</blockquote> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMdwkP0U0IjB8w1A3K-j0nKXI_J0u9-c5EnlqqXVYAlTCQ6-ArQzfEip4HL6QIzH3_f5z2rN5_hHJC1mziNmksIBvx6VWW_I5n4C25qGJtAek5Dbxjyc_9lRP9GVf_6nkYhbzmQu2jNoQ/s1600/SHConsulting+Detective.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/AVvXsEhFMdwkP0U0IjB8w1A3K-j0nKXI_J0u9-c5EnlqqXVYAlTCQ6-ArQzfEip4HL6QIzH3_f5z2rN5_hHJC1mziNmksIBvx6VWW_I5n4C25qGJtAek5Dbxjyc_9lRP9GVf_6nkYhbzmQu2jNoQ/s200/SHConsulting+Detective.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> A bit vague, but something to look forward to. The game is currently out of print (although <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Consulting-Detective-BOX/dp/0915341069?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">rare copies are occasionally available</a><img border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0915341069" /> from merchants), making the Ystari reprint welcome news to fans and to anyone who's ever wanted to try it. From what I understand, players assume the role of a Baker Street Irregular and are given a mystery to solve. There are no dice, and no board; players use a map of London, a 'clue book', an archive of newspaper articles and a directory of people and places to solve the case. Designed for 1-6 people, the game can be played competitively, cooperatively or solo. Many reviews I've read compare it to a 'choose your own adventure' book, in that there is a lot of reading and the gameplay is very free form - you really do choose who to interview and where to go based on your own observations of the clues. For an added challenge, there is a 'Holmes score' for each case - can you solve the mystery faster than the Great Detective did?<br /><br />I look forward to trying. Hopefully "likely appear in 2011" happens sooner rather than later.<br /><br />Editor's note: Kate writes at <a href="http://www.thediaryofdrwatts.com/">The Diary of Dr. Watts</a>.<br /><br /> </div> --<br /> <br /> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0915341069&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>

New Sherlock Holmes Video Game by Frogwares

In the fall of 2011 Focus Home Interactive will publish a new Sherlock Holmes video game developed by Frogwares Game Development Studio. You...

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by Katie Magnusson

Two New Sherlock Holmes Games

<h4 style="text-align: center;"> "playing a game with us" [NORW]</h4> <br /> In the fall of 2011 Focus Home Interactive will publish a new Sherlock Holmes video game developed by Frogwares Game Development Studio. You may recall our original post on the matter (<a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/02/my-hands-on-testament-iden_18.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New From Frogwares — The Testament of Sherlock Holmes</a>) back in February. The game, titled The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Testament of Sherlock Holmes is specially designed for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 game consoles, while also playable on PC. New screenshots of the game can be found at <a href="http://www.sherlockholmes-thegame.com/">The Adventure Games of Sherlock Holmes</a> as well as information on all of Frogwares’ other games in their Adventure of Sherlock Holmes series.<br /> <div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> <center style="background-color: transparent;"> <object height="375" width="500"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2F&set_id=72157626626404452&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fwsmonty%2Fsets%2F72157626626404452%2F&set_id=72157626626404452&jump_to=" width="500" height="375"></embed></object></center> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: transparent;"> <br /></div> If you prefer your gaming to happen on a table rather than a screen, <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/blogpost/924/new-game-round-up-gamyes-tryos-fromys-ystari-dd-le">BoardGameGeek News</a> reports:<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> Ystari Games will release a new edition of the 1985 Spiel des Jahres winner, <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2511/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective">Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective</a>, with the mysteries rewritten to match the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This game will likely appear in 2011, with both a regular and a deluxe edition.</blockquote> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMdwkP0U0IjB8w1A3K-j0nKXI_J0u9-c5EnlqqXVYAlTCQ6-ArQzfEip4HL6QIzH3_f5z2rN5_hHJC1mziNmksIBvx6VWW_I5n4C25qGJtAek5Dbxjyc_9lRP9GVf_6nkYhbzmQu2jNoQ/s1600/SHConsulting+Detective.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/AVvXsEhFMdwkP0U0IjB8w1A3K-j0nKXI_J0u9-c5EnlqqXVYAlTCQ6-ArQzfEip4HL6QIzH3_f5z2rN5_hHJC1mziNmksIBvx6VWW_I5n4C25qGJtAek5Dbxjyc_9lRP9GVf_6nkYhbzmQu2jNoQ/s200/SHConsulting+Detective.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> A bit vague, but something to look forward to. The game is currently out of print (although <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Consulting-Detective-BOX/dp/0915341069?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">rare copies are occasionally available</a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjbKovrzakLJqtCoEOIfl9gHCsGmQD2EE_yULaDMRzpCJ2hUJfpVqtmYWpa9Fk7WJE11MWbduRzKRHVrg72-nLXOGTHzr_7RmazpK4mT2KHR-AFKW9FjvoCZTNcKjbwCL1_FuZ3aOXktgemHdMWlFiLa8IucKEJUfUrd2ISFlNor4FUwmAMMHtsxtvWoUeWevh50wTvPkKGFRYN3EYjPdmg-MgVJf7r=" /> from merchants), making the Ystari reprint welcome news to fans and to anyone who's ever wanted to try it. From what I understand, players assume the role of a Baker Street Irregular and are given a mystery to solve. There are no dice, and no board; players use a map of London, a 'clue book', an archive of newspaper articles and a directory of people and places to solve the case. Designed for 1-6 people, the game can be played competitively, cooperatively or solo. Many reviews I've read compare it to a 'choose your own adventure' book, in that there is a lot of reading and the gameplay is very free form - you really do choose who to interview and where to go based on your own observations of the clues. For an added challenge, there is a 'Holmes score' for each case - can you solve the mystery faster than the Great Detective did?<br /> <br /> I look forward to trying. Hopefully "likely appear in 2011" happens sooner rather than later.<br /> <br /> <br /> <i><b>Editor's note:</b> Kate writes at <a href="http://www.thediaryofdrwatts.com/">The Diary of Dr. Watts</a>.</i></div> <div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div> --<br /> <br /> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0915341069&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assoc-amazon.com%2Fe%2Fir%3Ft%3Dthebakerstree-20%26l%3Dbtl%26camp%3D213689%26creative%3D392969%26o%3D1%26a%3D0915341069&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjbKovrzakLJqtCoEOIfl9gHCsGmQD2EE_yULaDMRzpCJ2hUJfpVqtmYWpa9Fk7WJE11MWbduRzKRHVrg72-nLXOGTHzr_7RmazpK4mT2KHR-AFKW9FjvoCZTNcKjbwCL1_FuZ3aOXktgemHdMWlFiLa8IucKEJUfUrd2ISFlNor4FUwmAMMHtsxtvWoUeWevh50wTvPkKGFRYN3EYjPdmg-MgVJf7r=" -->

Two New Sherlock Holmes Games

"playing a game with us" [NORW] In the fall of 2011 Focus Home Interactive will publish a new Sherlock Holmes video game develo...

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by Scott Monty

"Where All Gossip is Welcome" [VALL]

This is the latest issue of Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, Peter Blau's ("Black Peter") monthly newsletter of Sherlockian or Doylean gossip, published in print form since 1971 and as <a href="http://members.cox.net/sherlock1/scuttle.htm">a text-only digital archive on Sherlocktron</a> since 1985. In agreement with Peter Blau, we've arranged to publish facsimiles of the print newsletter here, so online readers can see what the newsletter looks like. Below the scan you can find links to the sites mentioned in the text - in most cases, directly to the article, video or publication, to save you from having to search for the terms.<br /><br />The following is the April 2011 issue; please feel free to share it via email, social network, or embed it on your own site.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/54252053/Scuttlebutt-from-the-Spermaceti-Press-April-2011?secret_password=atlc6qedngs9utsy9ku" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press April 2011 on Scribd">Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press April 2011</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_38001" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/54252053/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1sxa14j9bpb9bl8uxuu3&secret_password=atlc6qedngs9utsy9ku" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })(); </script><br /><br /><b>Links</b> (in order of mention):<br /><ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/5671167489/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="The Sherlock Holmes Stories, summed up by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="The Sherlock Holmes Stories, summed up" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5671167489_3bcac8975e_m.jpg" width="202" /></a><li><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/silkstocking/retro.html">Masterpiece Theatre's Sherlock Holmes: A Retrospective</a></li><li><a href="http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=undershaw&_sacat=See-All-Categories">Undershaw items on eBay</a></li><li><a href="http://audio-sales1.amazonwebstore.com/search.htm?keyword=conan+doyle">L.A Theatre Works recordings of "Fake" and "The Lost World"</a></li><li><a href="http://zavvi.com/">The Muppet Show: Season One (Special Edition) at Zavvi.com</a> (you can also <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU27gd34R-I">view the Muppet Sherlock Holmes skit by clicking here</a> or embedded below).</li><li><a href="http://www.youngsherlock.com/">Young Sherlock Holmes: Red Leech</a></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxqN3tfdIp8&feature=player_embedded">Sherlock Holmes and the Shadow Watchers (YouTube)</a> and <a href="http://www.anthonydpmann.com/">Anthony Mann's website</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetrecordings.com/">Baker Street Recordings</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/entry/A83345132">The Lost World - 1925 film</a></li><li><a href="http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/programs/2010/10/16/scripts/ruth.shtml">Prairie Home Companion - Ruth Harrison, reference librarian meets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</a></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65QVyEfR2uI">Hallmark Interactive Buddy Demo - Watson (YouTube)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/House-Silk-Sherlock-Holmes-Novel/dp/0316196991?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The House of Silk (Amazon.com)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0316196991" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></li><li><a href="http://www.henryzecher.com/">William Gillette: America's Sherlock Holmes by Henry Zecher</a></li><li><a href="http://www.buzzerbeater.com/team/28544/overview.aspx">The Baker Street Irregulars on BuzzerBeater.com</a></li><li>The alternative title for <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Annotated-Sherlock-Holmes-Complete/dp/0393059162?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0393059162" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i> at <a href="http://betterbooktitles.com/post/2581529122/sherlock">Better Book Titles: Drugs Make You Smarter</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lileks.com/institute/100mysteries/">James Lileks 100 Mysteries</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.halglatzer.com/holmes/index.html">Sherlock Holmes and the Volcano Horror</a></li><li><a href="http://sherlockian.net/">Sherlockian.net</a></li><li><a href="http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2009/penguin-books-unputdownable/">Penguin's "unputdownable" <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i></a></li><li><a href="http://www.fancythatoflondon.co.uk/SherlockHolmesGifts">Sherlock Holmes gifts at Fancy That of London</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/">The Sherlock Holmes Society of London</a></li><li><a href="http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/lc/growth-and-history/blueplaques/blueplaquespeople/francistankysmith/">Francis "Tanky" Smith's plaque in Leicester</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.com/e_times11-3.htm">The Sherlockian e-Times</a></li><li><a href="http://www.miracletheatre.co.uk/tourdates/The%20Death%20of%20Sherlock%20Holmes">The Miracle Theatre Company - "The Death of Sherlock Holmes"</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theatreaquarius.org/">Theatre Aquarius</a></li><li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/baftaonline">BAFTA on YouTube (only for UK residents)</a></li></ul><br /><b>The Muppet Show: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Clue</b><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LU27gd34R-I" width="480"></iframe></center><br /><br />Sherlock Holmes...and the Shadow Watchers<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vxqN3tfdIp8" width="480"></iframe></center><br /><br /><b>Hallmark Interative Buddy Demo - Watson</b><br /><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/65QVyEfR2uI" width="640"></iframe></center><br /><br /><i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column and footer of the site) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i><br /><i>--</i><br /><i><br /></i>

"Where All Gossip is Welcome" [VALL]

This is the latest issue of Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, Peter Blau's ("Black Peter") monthly newsletter of Sherlock...

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by Scott Monty

A Look at Weddings and Marriages in the Sherlock Holmes Stories

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "a fashionable wedding" [NOBL]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181738871/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="nobl-04 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="nobl-04" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4181738871_b87b40c86e_m.jpg" width="288" /></a></div> It's wedding fever as William and Kate enter into holy matrimony today at Westminster Abbey. And while the British, for the most part, are yawning their way through this one, there's always some intrigue around a well known couple that ties the knot in a very public way.<br /> <br /> While not every wedding in the Sherlock Holmes stories was public, there are a few mentions of weddings and marriages in the Canon that are worth noting here. Let's take a look at some wedding-related items, shall we?<br /> <br /> <h4> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Engagements</span></b></h4> "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/iden.htm">A Case of Identity</a>" involved the courtship and engagement of Mary Sutherland and Hosmer Angel, leading to the subsequent disappearance of the groom on the morning of the wedding. The relationship didn't have a happy ending, but Holmes managed to use a hunting crop to threaten justice.<br /> <br /> Sherlock Holmes himself (under the guise of Escott) became engaged to <a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/chas.htm">Charles Augustus Milverton's</a> housemaid in an effort to stop Milverton from blackmailing Lady Eva Blackwell, who was engaged to the Earl of Dovercourt. Their wedding, a fortnight away, was in jeopardy if the stolen documents came to light.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> Other engagements include Percy Phelps and Annie Harrison (NAVA); Richard Brunton and Rachel Howells (MUSG); the Hon. Ronald Adair and Miss Edith Woodley (EMPT); Mrs. McFarlane and Jonas Oldacre (NORW); Elsie Patrick and Abe Slaney (DANC); Trevor Bennett and Edith Presbury (CREE); and Maud Bellamy and Fitzroy McPherson (LION).<br /> <br /> <h4> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marriages, forced</span></b></h4> Probably one of the most famous marriage situations in the Canon was the polygamous relationship that Lucy Ferrier was forced into the Enoch Drebber and Joseph Stangerson in <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Study-Scarlet-Illustrated-Classics-Sherlock/dp/1402770820?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">A Study in Scarlet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1402770820" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b></i>. The two used their authority in the Mormon church to abduct her from her father's house and away from Jefferson Hope. It was a transcontinental trip ending in London that made Sherlock Holmes famous in his first public appearance.<br /> <br /> Oh, the things they'll do for...money. Violet Smith's rich uncle passed away in South Africa and two money-seeking colleagues wanted to marry her for the inheritance in "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/soli.htm">The Solitary Cyclist</a>." They played cards to determine who would be the suitor, and then she was abducted and held at gunpoint through a ceremony in the woods. "But in any case, a forced marriage is no marriage," determined Holmes, and Miss Smith was free to see her fiancé Cyril Morton once again.<br /> <br /> <h4> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marriages, prevented</span></b></h4> In "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/copp.htm">The Copper Beeches</a>," Jephro Rucastle had good reason to want keep Mr. Fowler away from his daughter Alice. So he found a stand-in and prevented the courtship from continuing. Or so he thought.<br /> <br /> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The Stoner sisters didn't have much luck when it came to weddings. First, after Julia announced her engagement and pending wedding, she died mysteriously in the night amid the sounds of clanking metal and a whistle, shrieking about "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/spec.htm">The Speckled Band</a>." Then, two years later, the same scenario presented itself to her sister Helen, who heard the same ominous noises.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Sherlock Holmes himself was hired to stop the wedding of Baron Gruner and Violet DeMerville in "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/illu.htm">The Illustrious Client</a>." Having been met with "calm aloofness and supreme self-complacence of the woman [he was] trying to save," Holmes had to resort to more devious methods.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <h4> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Weddings</span></b></h4> </div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> In "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/scan.htm">A Scandal in Bohemia</a>," we come across not one, not two, but three marriages. We first find that Watson has married Mary Morstan, the damsel in distress in <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Four-Illustrated-Classics-Sherlock/dp/1402780036?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Sign of Four</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1402780036" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>, as Holmes remarks, "Wedlock suits you." Then we discover that the King of Bohemia is about to be married to Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King of Scandinavia. A threat to this marriage is a certain photograph that Irene Adler has in her possession. It is her marriage to Godfrey Norton that sets things right.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The spoiler "The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination," opens "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/nobl.htm">The Noble Bachelor</a>." We learn of a down-on-his-luck nobleman who marries the daughter of an American millionaire. Only the marriage is not to be. The young lady disappears, her wedding gown left floating in the Serpentine. If there were one story you read today regarding weddings in the Canon, this should be the one.</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <br /></div> And when weddings actually do occur, it's customary to have gifts. Dr. Mortimer received his walking stick (the one he left behind at 221B Baker Street) "From one or two friends on the occasion of my marriage," in <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hound-Baskervilles-Illustrated-Classics-Sherlock/dp/1402770006?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1402770006" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i></b>.<br /> <br /> <h4> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Separation/Divorce</span></b></h4> We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the downside of marriage. In the area of divorce, we know that Laura Lyons was trying to get a divorce from her husband so she could marry Stapleton [HOUN]. And also that in "<a href="http://www.ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/devi.htm">The Devil's Foot</a>," Dr. Leon Sterndale and Brenda Tregennis were in love, but were in a tough situation: "I could not marry her, for I have a wife who has left me for years and yet whom, by the deplorable laws of England, I could not divorce."<br /> <br /> Finally, we can think of no better example of a couple at odds with each other than the one that Holmes used in "A Case of Identity."<br /> Watson relates:<br /> <blockquote> "Here is the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of writers could invent nothing more crude."</blockquote> And Holmes replies:<br /> <blockquote> "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over you in your example."</blockquote> Ah, marriage. Sometimes the mundane is exciting enough.<br /> <blockquote> The man who never in his life<br /> Has washed the dishes with his wife<br /> Or polished up the silver plate -<br /> He still is largely celibate.</blockquote> <blockquote style="text-align: center;"> ~Christopher Morley, Washing the Dishes</blockquote> Are there other favorite wedding, marriage or engagement connections in the Canon you think we should have covered? Leave us a comment below.<br /> <br /> <i>--</i><br /> <br />

A Look at Weddings and Marriages in the Sherlock Holmes Stories

"a fashionable wedding" [NOBL] It's wedding fever as William and Kate enter into holy matrimony today at Westminster Abbey...

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by Scott Monty

Muppet Sherlock Holmes — A Review

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;">"all the fearlessness of youth" [STUD]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2zz_eBCIYD67XFI8-HAb-ezSES2OKS74m-ji3NSKvpaF7HfobcVy0hXyN7Y-Q2OQ4JWb3zQ_yMyMFn4oNlISIcQJvMFXaJADzLZh3U96IzFxknO1Y89hSN2hhQZRL3XFvYWFqw993-Js/s1600/Rootie+Kazootie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2zz_eBCIYD67XFI8-HAb-ezSES2OKS74m-ji3NSKvpaF7HfobcVy0hXyN7Y-Q2OQ4JWb3zQ_yMyMFn4oNlISIcQJvMFXaJADzLZh3U96IzFxknO1Y89hSN2hhQZRL3XFvYWFqw993-Js/s640/Rootie+Kazootie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> My introduction to Sherlock Holmes came...well, via two sources. One was the well-worn copy of <i><b><a href="https://affiliates.abebooks.com/c/2670720/77416/2029?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abebooks.com%2Fservlet%2FSearchResults%3Fan%3DDoyle%26bi%3D0%26bx%3Doff%26cm_sp%3DSearchF-_-Advs-_-Result%26ds%3D30%26prc%3DUSD%26recentlyadded%3Dall%26rgn%3Dww%26rollup%3Don%26sortby%3D17%26tn%3DBoys%2527%2520Sherlock%2520Holmes%26xdesc%3Doff%26xpod%3Doff" target="_blank">Boys' Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060217359" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="1" /></b></i> at a library near my grandmother's; the other was through constant repeats of the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce films on Sunday afternoons. In short, perhaps like many people my age, my introduction to Sherlock Holmes was rather age-appropriate, and the heady atmosphere of Doyle's stories captivated me because I was exposed to adaptations which mixed that atmosphere with other, more contemporary elements.<br /> <br /> Almost one year Ago, <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2010/05/were-equally-puppets-in-his-hands-soli_4.html">Boom Studios announced that it was releasing a four issue mini-series entitled <b>Muppet Sherlock Holmes</b></a>. Fortunately, that four-issue series has been released as a trade paperback, and quite frankly, it is not only a great introduction for future Sherlockians, but a great addition to any current Sherlockian library.<br /> <br /> Or in other words, there is no age limit to the readership of this book.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_x8qLxCvfMigmYEPJ6-PF48D5Ieg1Ak5dtMjwOd_jYWPLTxfC3AxvmX0xxPXSkuU93dNPk8cSOmYZOUtV8mX2vjJmzrfuHoIp2l9jfSIaqotDFlp94VGjpAs4b69G30m0bVFQQZpEkFP/s1600/Muppet+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_x8qLxCvfMigmYEPJ6-PF48D5Ieg1Ak5dtMjwOd_jYWPLTxfC3AxvmX0xxPXSkuU93dNPk8cSOmYZOUtV8mX2vjJmzrfuHoIp2l9jfSIaqotDFlp94VGjpAs4b69G30m0bVFQQZpEkFP/s320/Muppet+Sherlock+Holmes.jpg" width="211" /></a></div> <br /> Patrick Storck deftly adapts four stories from the canon - "Speckled Band", "A Scandal in Bohemia", "Red Headed League" and "Musgrave Ritual" - but provides them with the kind of humor that is noted with the Muppets. It also strikes a tender balance, finding the humor in the characters without making them parody or cliche. In addition, there are some deft contemporary references (including what I believe to be a punk rock reference) that manage to avoid the trap of taking the reader out of the story. These are simply entertaining for readers of all ages.<br /> <br /> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1608866130" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="1" />But quite frankly, it's Amy Mebberson's artwork that really gives the series a lift. It would have been easy to make the art look overtly like a cartoon (after all, we are talking about the Muppets), but Mebberson manages to give it a slight Victorian sheen - not enough to take away form the humor, but plenty to give it a lift. This is as much a comic that is enjoyable to look at as it is to read.<br /> <br /> Reading the <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3ZpQUC8" target="_blank">Muppet Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1608866130" style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="1" /></span> trade has made me more than eager to revisit the canon - although I've been making my way through, this is a must read not just for present scholars of the Great Detective...but for their descendants.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> [<i>Gordon posts on the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry, and also writes about comics and popular culture for <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a></i>]</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> <br /></div> --<br /> <br />

Muppet Sherlock Holmes — A Review

"all the fearlessness of youth" [STUD] My introduction to Sherlock Holmes came...well, via two sources. One was the well-wor...

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by Scott Monty

Episode 32: Untitled Les Klinger Sequel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLceZOesVvCq61l0ZFsNl3_UDodWbDVziwN9wKsRqOX9xrMDKfWO_gkMhCi-iOUh2v-ew2t0IiR5Udlf2ksbUHdVT0CbDgmbaHC63FlCJD3yEtkT3TmYF6ghS41bzwehyrDW8bFN82PePb/s1600/klinger.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/AVvXsEiLceZOesVvCq61l0ZFsNl3_UDodWbDVziwN9wKsRqOX9xrMDKfWO_gkMhCi-iOUh2v-ew2t0IiR5Udlf2ksbUHdVT0CbDgmbaHC63FlCJD3yEtkT3TmYF6ghS41bzwehyrDW8bFN82PePb/s200/klinger.jpg" width="170" /></a></div> In our <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/03/episode-31-chat-with-les-klinger.html">previous episode</a>, we spent time with author Les Klinger discussing his evolution as a Sherlockian, author and editor, covering a wide variety of topics and publications.<br /> <br /> In this episode, we continue the conversation, but we turn towards Hollywood instead. Les was an official consultant for the initial Robert Downey, Jr. "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Robert-Downey-Jr/dp/B001OQCV6A?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001OQCV6A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />," and he now returns to Warner Bros. to consult on the second installment, which until just prior to the recording of this episode was called "Untitled Sherlock Holmes Sequel." Of course, now we know it's called "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</a>."<br /> <br /> Les gives a great background on what it takes to become an advisor to a major Hollywood franchise, as well as what an advisor of this sort actually does. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes of the making of "Sherlock Holmes" that only I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere brings you.<br /> <br /> This edition of the Editor's Gas-Lamp comes to you from the Autumn 2010 issue (Vol. 60 No. 3)  of the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/"><i>Baker Street Journal</i></a>.<br /> <br /> <b>Links:</b><br /> <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/03/episode-31-chat-with-les-klinger.html">Episode 31: A Chat with Les Klinger</a><br /> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1515091/">Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (IMDb)</a><br /> <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Aaron-Campbell-Cover/dp/B004PLSNHM?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes: Year 1</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004PLSNHM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i> (Dynamite Publishing)<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004PLSNHM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /> Ian Edgington's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crime-Classics-Valley-Sherlock-Graphic/dp/1906838054?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Valley of Fear</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1906838054" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></i><br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Listen now:</b><br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="45" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1578112/height/45/width/250/theme/standard/direction/no/autoplay/yes/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/preload/no/no_addthis/no/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="250"></iframe></center> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock032.mp3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TL5jgdrUh_nM_zlDgxql-jKOFGUVFqhoV6A2JtYklXOu4qmVDyRVbwGV6XrwXZgnG9awSwJ7td-txL1_4KGrpSf4igJLILOim4yJmX5pGTPIdMhCBYLyImSI5gs1MOMUZPAlpAgvtPdb/s1600/podcastIcon.gif" /></a></span></div> Download this episode by right-clicking the icon and selecting "Save As..." or simply click on the file to listen, or on the nice box above. (File size: 33.9 MB, 37:01)<br /> <br /> Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email, call us at (774) 221-READ (7323) or drop by our <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook page</a>.<br /> <br /> And as always, please visit our sponsors <a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/">Wessex Press</a>.<br /> <br /> Image credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4283914782/">Scott Monty (Flickr)</a><br /> --

Episode 32: Untitled Les Klinger Sequel

In our previous episode , we spent time with author Les Klinger discussing his evolution as a Sherlockian, author and editor, covering a w...

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by Scott Monty

"As Cool as Ice" [ABBE]

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181728021/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bery-03 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="bery-03" height="157" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/4181728021_1510809246_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is tea, correct? </td></tr> </tbody></table> Hello thirsty friends-- and welcome to the latest entry in the Sherlock Holmes Drinking Game! I am excited to be bringing this intensely researched treatise (i.e., enormously fun drinking game) to you this week at our new home on the internet!<br /> <br /> <br /> As the Sherlock Holmes Drinking Game is new to The Baker Street Blog, let me take a moment and run down the rules so all of you who are of age can play along. They are as follows:<br /> <br /> <ol> <li>Take one drink every time Holmes makes an amazing deduction</li> <li>Take one drink every time Holmes speaks badly about the police</li> <li>Take one drink every time Holmes lets a perpetrator go free</li> <li>Take one drink every time Holmes chastises Watson for not 'observing'</li> <li>Take one drink every time someone rushes into the rooms at 221B</li> <li>Take one drink every time Holmes and/or Watson dash off in a hansom cab</li> </ol> <br /> You can also check out the beginning of the Game and my first nine entries to The Sherlock Holmes Drinking Game <a href="http://www.examiner.com/sherlock-holmes-in-national/sherlck-holmes-fans-21-up-the-sherlock-holmes-drinking-game-has-arrived">by clicking here</a>.<br /> <br /> We're so excited to be sipping a cocktail in our new home here at the Baker Street Blog, so get ready for an epic and delicious time! This week's tale is "<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Coronet-Sherlock-Mystery-ebook/dp/B003IHVZV0?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003IHVZV0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></b>," a work of love, deception, jewels, and royal heads of state. In honor of the snowy location of the story, assemble the following:<br /> <br /> <u>Beryl Coronet Cocktail</u><br /> 2 parts vodka<br /> 1 clementine slice<br /> 2 cranberries<br /> Ginger ale <br /> Shaved ice<br /> <br /> Muddle the fruit and shake with the vodka. Pour over shaved ice (the snow!) and add a splash of ginger ale. Top with three cranberries (one for each of the missing beryls). You are now ready to enjoy your Beryl Coronet cocktail!<br /> <br /> We'll be following The <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/03/the-sherlock-holmes-drinking-game.html">Sherlock Holmes Drinking Game rules</a> as always, but this tale needs a little added extra. For "The Beryl Coronet," take a drink every time the word 'beryl' or 'coronet' is mentioned. Ready? Off we go!<br /> <br /> <b>Number of Drinks Taken: 32</b><br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Take one drink for Alexander Holder dashing in to 221B.</li> <li>Take one drink for Holmes and his amazing deduction ("And he is a man with a wooden leg?")</li> <li>Take one drink for the attempted thief getting away from Holmes in the end.</li> <li>Take 29 drinks for the word beryl or coronet being used in this short story.</li> </ul> <br /> Sober up from that and plan to meet me back here next time as I continue to drink my way through the Canon. After all, it's no fun to be drinking alone!<br /> <br /> <i style="font-style: normal;">Editor's note: </i><i>This is Jill Brumer's first post for the site. Jill Brumer is a small business owner, college drama professor, and all around creative type who has lived all over the States. She has her father to thank for purchasing her first Sherlock Holmes story when she was twelve years old- the fascination has never stopped!</i><br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><i><b>NB: the Baker Street Blog does not advocate the consumption of alcohol. Please behave responsibly and take heed of all local laws and ordinances. Know your limits and don't overimbibe.</b></i></span><br /> --

"As Cool as Ice" [ABBE]

This is tea, correct?  Hello thirsty friends-- and welcome to the latest entry in the Sherlock Holmes Drinking Game! I am excited to be ...

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by Scott Monty

"A Tinge of Colour" [VALL]

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVtfPkI6AM5wAbzeH-tS2adq_2nO4qT1ytETT27u_1x8qXjdmFTezyiAONiWfN6knHITn4gn8nPddDKH28ouabRhojD8-rsOMCpH5rbEfZ8N-Z5vkWQ_9TGqV7rAgrbmWN8qxUvO09wsx/s1600/BSJ+1Q11+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVtfPkI6AM5wAbzeH-tS2adq_2nO4qT1ytETT27u_1x8qXjdmFTezyiAONiWfN6knHITn4gn8nPddDKH28ouabRhojD8-rsOMCpH5rbEfZ8N-Z5vkWQ_9TGqV7rAgrbmWN8qxUvO09wsx/s200/BSJ+1Q11+Front+Cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/">BSJ</a> </td></tr></tbody></table>The Spring 2011 issue of the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/"><i>Baker Street Journal</i></a> has arrived on our doorstep. This is Vol. 61 No. 1 and it's a significant one. If you're a regular subscriber (if you're not, you need to <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/itemsforsale/subscriptions.html">get thee to the subscription page now</a> - this is The. Definitive. Publication.), you may have noticed that over the last couple of years, there have been some changes afoot. We announced the arrival of the perfect binding last May with <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2010/05/perfectly-fresh-spec.html">"Perfectly Fresh" [SPEC]</a>.<br /><br />The more noticeable change over this same time period has been the rotating images on the cover. Previously, the BSJ simply had <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/4181742139/">the profile of Sherlock Holmes as drawn by Frederick Dorr Steele</a>. But each new piece of cover art has been selected to support the content of each issue. And with the current issue, we can see a very marked difference in the cover of the Journal.<br /><br />This is the first time a color image has been used on the <i>Baker Street Journal</i>.<br /><br />The image is the famous struggle between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty, who battled each other over the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2007/09/falls-of-reichenbach-fina.html">Reichenbach Falls</a>. For those of us who are accustomed to seeing Sidney Paget's work in black and white, this color version is quite arresting: Holmes's charcoal grey suit against the black of Moriarty's; the tufts of green grass on the edge of the narrow path; and the blue backdrop of the falls behind them as they struggle.<br /><br />The reason this particular image was chose for the Spring 2011 issue is that Jim Zych's winning entry in the BSI's 2010 Essay Contest ("How Moriarty Survived the Reichenbach Falls") appears, along with a plethora of coverage from the <a href="http://www.bsiweekend.com/">Baker Street Irregulars weekend</a>. In addition, you can take a look at Nicholas Utechin's recounting of the first reading of Ronald Knox's seminal paper "Studies in the Literature of Sherlock Holmes" - did it take place at the Gryphon Club, as we long believed? Paul Singleton takes a look at the curious lot of Americans that made their way into the Canon.<br /><br />All this and more are in the current issue of the BSJ, which you can read if you <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/itemsforsale/subscriptions.html"><b>subscribe now</b></a>. It's only $37.50 a year in the U.S.; $47.50 elsewhere. If you do subscribe, please encourage at least one other person to do so as well. It's a fine publication that deserves more readers.<br /><br /><i>Please consider visiting our sponsors (in the right column and footer of the site) from time to time. It helps defray the costs associated with running this site.</i> <br />--

"A Tinge of Colour" [VALL]

The new BSJ   The Spring 2011 issue of the Baker Street Journal  has arrived on our doorstep. This is Vol. 61 No. 1 and it's a significa...

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by Scott Monty