Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Sherlock Holmes (Bedside Bathtub & Armchair Companions) [Paperback]

Dick Riley (Author), Pam McAllister (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0826411169 | ISBN-13: 978-0826411167 | Publication Date: November 1, 1998

Providing an overview of all aspects of the life and times of the world-famous detective, Riley and McAllister offer interesting and entertaining information about the fictional sleuth. Along with the trivia and information, the authors insert historical background on Victorian England, a short biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and brief synopses of the Holmes stories. Additional chapters cover explanations of rank in the British nobility, drugs used in the era, and the wars mentioned in the stories. Several chapters make forays into understanding the psychology of Holmes, his personality, and his pleasures. One entire chapter reviews the various clubs dedicated to him. A crossword puzzle, a Sherlock Holmes Mystery Map of London, and around 200 black-and-white illustrations, including some from the stories and some of Victorian London, add to the fun.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-Providing an overview of all aspects of the life and times of the world-famous detective, Riley and McAllister offer interesting and entertaining information about the fictional sleuth. Along with the trivia and information, the authors insert historical background on Victorian England, a short biography of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and brief synopses of the Holmes stories. Additional chapters cover explanations of rank in the British nobility, drugs used in the era, and the wars mentioned in the stories. Several chapters make forays into understanding the psychology of Holmes, his personality, and his pleasures. One entire chapter reviews the various clubs dedicated to him. A crossword puzzle, a Sherlock Holmes Mystery Map of London, and around 200 black-and-white illustrations, including some from the stories and some of Victorian London, add to the fun.
Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

One key element of a classic is the fact that it keeps being discovered with wonderment by new readers. Generations of mystery mavens first encountered the genre--in written or dramatic form--in the person of Sherlock Holmes, so this new celebration of Arthur Conan Doyle's canon should have appeal. The authors, who compiled a similar companion to Agatha Christie's work (1986), supply capsule descriptions of each tale; each includes data on first publication, a precis of the "principal predicament," a notable quote, and comments on the story's "notable feature" and "oddities and discrepancies." But this Holmes companion includes more: information about Doyle, Victorian England (and Holmes' London), the British empire, British government (remember Mycroft?), British peerage, British money, the stories' illustrators, actors who've portrayed Holmes and Watson, Sherlock Holmes societies around the world, and a half dozen other helpful subjects. Not an essential acquisition, but likely to circulate where Holmes remains a favorite fictional detective. Mary Carroll --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826411169
• ISBN-13: 978-0826411167
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,262,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for beginners and long-time Sherlockians!, December 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Sherlock Holmes (Bedside Bathtub & Armchair Companions) (Paperback)

Very informative, and a lot of fun to read. For new readers, a great introduction to Holmes and his world; for old-timers like me, a fun refresher course! Highly Recommended!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Interesting Read, January 3, 2005

By 

G "giddy" (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Sherlock Holmes (Bedside Bathtub & Armchair Companions) (Paperback)

If you're not sure about the monetary system, nobility order and social & economic situations from the Victorian Era, this is the book to read. It will help you understand the Victorian Society as well as Sherlock Holms' & Dr. Watson's mindsets to some extent.
Although some comments are not entirely correct (coming from a avid reader of Sherlock Holmes Cannons), this book is really fun to read and is an excellent addition to your Complete Sherlock Holmes collection.