The Sherlock Holmes Companion: An Elementary Guide - Hardcover

Smith, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845134583 ISBN 13: 9781845134587

Publisher: Aurum Press, 2009

Synopsis

Despite being more than 120 years old, Sherlock Holmes remains unchallenged as the world’s preeminent fictional detective, with fans new and old continually delving into his files of baffling mysteries. This expansive volume gathers together an astounding range of Holmesian information that can be read cover to cover or dipped into at random. There are synopses of the four novels and 56 stories; profiles of such beloved characters as Mrs. Hudson (the great detective’s long-suffering landlady) and Lestrade (the perennially baffled Scotland Yard detective); essays discussing themes such as Holmes’s attitude to women and his use of contemporary forensic science; and highlights of the various renditions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories on screen, including interviews with actors who have played the roles of Holmes and Watson. These articles are accompanied by such visual aids as the classic work of Sidney Paget who illustrated the original stories in the Strand Magazine stills from film and television adaptations, cover artwork for the various editions published over the years, and contemporary photographs of the settings of various stories. Filled with facts and little-known trivia, this is a captivating account of literature’s most famous detective.

About this title

About the Author

Daniel Smith is a former book editor.

Review

'Engaging dip-into book'

"We wholeheartedly recommend The Sherlock Holmes Companion. It’s a great celebration of part of our cultural heritage. Smith’s prose is lucid, economical and informative, and the book is a treasure trove of details about the world of the famous detective and his human creator. It’s the kind of book likely to persuade you to revisit the literary canon once again, and as each generation finds inspiration from the stories, to remember the richness of the world that Conan Doyle created. It’s one that resonates with readers and audiences worldwide to this day."ÿ

"In this beautifully illustrated volume, Daniel Smith explores Holmes in historical context, and as a timeless figure constantly reinterpreted, investigating Holmes and his craft. Offering synopses of his cases, discussing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as author, justice campaigner and fmaily man, he examines the legacy of Holmes and his creator, the enduring appeal of the stories and their interpretation on screen and stage. A delightful, comprehensive and fascinating guide to a phenomenon that continues to enthral readers and audiences the world over, this detailed study is a great tribute to the detective and his world; literature and legend"ÿ

"We wholeheartedly recommend The Sherlock Holmes Companion. It's a great celebration of part of our cultural heritage. Smith's prose is lucid, economical and informative, and the book is a treasure trove of details about the world of the famous detective and his human creator. It's the kind of book likely to persuade you to revisit the literary canon once again, and as each generation finds inspiration from the stories, to remember the richness of the world that Conan Doyle created. It's one that resonates with readers and audiences worldwide to this day."ÿ

'Engaging dip-into book'

Edition details

• Publisher: Aurum Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1845134583
• ISBN 13: 9781845134587
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224