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teragram04's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
A collection of Sherlock Holmes essays covering a variety of topics
wai's review
5.0
As somewhat of a "newer" fan of Sherlock Holmes (I began my reading of the original stories before the release of the 2009 Guy Ritchie film, and have been in love with the all forms of Sherlockiana since), I found this novel to be extremely enriching despite the fact that it was published in 1984. Perhaps, then, this wouldn't be a good gift for those older Sherlockians who are well versed in not only the canon text, but also the essays written by their peers - there is a reason the subtitle is called "Cornerstorne Writings About Sherlock Holmes". Perfect for any fan wishing to immerse themselves in the essays, but probably already read by anyone who started this venture at an earlier date.
That being said, I found the essays themselves incredibly interesting, particularly how the majority of the writers dismiss the idea that Sherlock Holmes was a work of fiction by the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and instead embrace him and all of his adventures as fact. For me, I, too, lean towards the side of the fanatical and thought this absolutely lovely: others, perhaps, may think it a bit silly. But each of the writers portray an intimate knowledge of the original stories, and are able to produce evidence supporting whatever views they have deduced from them, from the rather serious biographical essays of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson by S.C. Roberts, to the incredibly cheeky assertion that Watson was, actually, a woman made by Rex Stout, BSI.
The time, effort, and, most importantly, love that each of the writers put into their essays is a tremendous force in and of itself. It serves as witness to the intensity of the Sherlock Holmes fanbase that is still felt today, a fact that inspired awe within me: that I, a 17 year old in the 21st century, am a part of this amazing historical movement, one entirely dedicated to the Great Detective and his methods.
As Vincent Starrett wrote in "The Baker Street Irregulars": "Let us have done with all this talk of...whatever we may happen to dislike in the daily headlines. Let us speak rather of those things that are permanent and secure, about high matters about which there can be no gibbering division of opinion. Let us speak of the realities that do not change, of that higher realism that is the only true romance. let us speak, and speak again, of Sherlock Holmes. For the plain fact is, gentlemen, that the imperishable detective...is still a more commanding figure in the world than most of the warriors and statesmen in whose present existence we are invited to believe."
This book is a celebration of the Sherlockian spirit, that has so far been undying. Being published in 1984, I would consider it a bit outdated, so I would really only recommend it to newer fans who are interested in the scholarly side of the Sherlock Holmes fanbase.
That being said, I found the essays themselves incredibly interesting, particularly how the majority of the writers dismiss the idea that Sherlock Holmes was a work of fiction by the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and instead embrace him and all of his adventures as fact. For me, I, too, lean towards the side of the fanatical and thought this absolutely lovely: others, perhaps, may think it a bit silly. But each of the writers portray an intimate knowledge of the original stories, and are able to produce evidence supporting whatever views they have deduced from them, from the rather serious biographical essays of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson by S.C. Roberts, to the incredibly cheeky assertion that Watson was, actually, a woman made by Rex Stout, BSI.
The time, effort, and, most importantly, love that each of the writers put into their essays is a tremendous force in and of itself. It serves as witness to the intensity of the Sherlock Holmes fanbase that is still felt today, a fact that inspired awe within me: that I, a 17 year old in the 21st century, am a part of this amazing historical movement, one entirely dedicated to the Great Detective and his methods.
As Vincent Starrett wrote in "The Baker Street Irregulars": "Let us have done with all this talk of...whatever we may happen to dislike in the daily headlines. Let us speak rather of those things that are permanent and secure, about high matters about which there can be no gibbering division of opinion. Let us speak of the realities that do not change, of that higher realism that is the only true romance. let us speak, and speak again, of Sherlock Holmes. For the plain fact is, gentlemen, that the imperishable detective...is still a more commanding figure in the world than most of the warriors and statesmen in whose present existence we are invited to believe."
This book is a celebration of the Sherlockian spirit, that has so far been undying. Being published in 1984, I would consider it a bit outdated, so I would really only recommend it to newer fans who are interested in the scholarly side of the Sherlock Holmes fanbase.
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