Sherlock Holmes For Dummies [Paperback]

Steven Doyle (Author), David A. Crowder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2010

Get a comprehensive guide to this important literary figure and his author.

A classic literary character, Sherlock Holmes has fascinated readers for decades -- from his repartee with Dr. Watson and his unparalleled powers of deduction to the settings, themes, and villains of the stories. Now, this friendly guide offers a clear introduction to this beloved figure and his author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, presenting new insight into the detective stories and crime scene analysis that have has made Sherlock Holmes famous.

Inside you'll find easy-to-understand yet thorough information on the characters, recurring themes, and locations, and social context of the Sherlock Holmes stories, the relationship of these stories to literature, and the forensics and detective work they feature. You'll also learn about the life of the author.

• Better understand and enjoy this influential literary character with this plain-English guide.
• Gain insight on these classic Doyle tales -- from the classic Hound of the Baskervilles to the lesser-known short stories to Holmes stories written by other mystery writers.
• Explore the appearance of Sherlock Holmes on film, TV, and stage.
• Examine Holmes today -- from the ever-expanding network of fans worldwide to story locations that fans can visit.

It's elementary! Sherlock Holmes For Dummies is an indispensable guide for students and fans alike!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Your comprehensive guide to this important literary figure and his author

It's elementary! Sherlock Holmes is a classic character who has fascinated readers for decades, and now this indispensable guide explores the enduring detective's stories like never before. Discover the rich characters, recurring themes, and social context of Arthur Conan Doyle's tales; the influence of Holmes on literature and pop culture; and why his stories still offer endless and fascinating new discoveries to readers.

• See where it all began — meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the man who created the world's greatest detective, and learn about Victorian London, where the Holmes stories take place

• Gain new insight into Doyle's tales — from the classic Hound of the Baskervilles to the lesser-known short stories, get a closer look at the forensics and detective work that made Sherlock Holmes famous

• Get to know the characters — discover why Holmes and Watson are such beloved characters, and meet other characters such as cops, bad guys, victims, and damsels in distress

• Experience Holmes today — from the ever-expanding network of worldwide fans to story locations that fans can visit, discover how the character continues to resonate with so many devoted followers

"Move over, Arthur Conan Doyle. Make room for Steve Doyle, whose handy Sherlock Holmes For Dummies will constitute addictive reading for Holmes fans and novices alike. Doyle has merrily put together a compendium of every sort of information regarding The Great Detective, from animal, vegetable, mineral, comical, tragical, and geographical. He even recommends ten Holmes books no aficionado should be without — but make that eleven. Sherlock Holmes For Dummies is essential reading." – Nicholas Meyer Author, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

Open the book and find:

• A list of all Sherlock Holmes short stories and novels

• A detailed picture of Britain during Holmes's time

• In-depth analysis of Holmes and Watson as characters

• Detailed coverage of the four novels in the Sherlockian canon

• Holmes portrayals in television, movies, onstage, and in fan fiction

• The most memorable quotes of Holmes

• Active Sherlockian societies in the United States

Learn to

• Identify key themes, settings, and characters

• See the influence of Holmes stories and their impact on literature, mystery writing, and detective work

• Discover Holmes through his contemporary fan following, and stage and screen adaptations

• Appreciate the literary genius of the Sherlock Holmes canon

About the Author

Steven Doyle is co-founder of Wessex Press/Gasogene Books, a small press specializing in Sherlock Holmes books, including the landmark Sherlock Holmes Reference Library. David A. Crowder is the author or co-author of several For Dummies titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (March 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470484446
• ISBN-13: 978-0470484449
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to know more about Sherlock? This book has it all! March 17, 2010

By Donald E. Curtis

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle only wrote 60 Holmes stories, but he created an enormous crime-fiction sub-genre with his memorable characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Steven Doyle explores every avenue of this Victorian world in this comprehensive compendium. All the basics are there: introductions to Holmes and Watson, mini-synopses of all the original stories, and lots of background material on the Victorian world. There is so much more... learn about Scotland Yard and the state of criminal investigation in the 1890's, read the history of Sherlock Holmes' impersonators on the stage and in films, and find out all about the hundreds of clubs around the world whose members share their common interest in Holmes. You'll also find out more about Sherlock Holmes' love-life (or the lack thereof) and even his religious views. You'll learn of great places to visit in your travels that have clear associations with Holmes' adventures. You'll be amazed at the thousands of writers who have tried to re-create Holmes in new exploits (only a few have even come close.) Mr. Doyle has a light and entertaining style in conveying his enthusiasm for Holmes to his readers, but it is infectious! Be careful, or you may become a Sherlockian!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It is not just for dummies October 7, 2010

By A. M. Moody III

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

It is not just for dummies.

This is the most comprehensive single volume compendium of Sherlock Holmes information I have seen. I have been Sherlock Holmes devotee for over 50 years since my cousin gave me "The Complete Sherlock Holmes" when I was 13. I have and have read a number of books about Sherlock Holmes and this is the best and most compete and most readable single volumne of them all. I first came accross the book on the shelf of a book store but it was the Kindle edition that I bought. The book is intended to be a reference that one dips into at various points and not intended to be read in a linear fashion (although I read it that way). It can be difficult for an e-book to have the appropriate navigation for such a book but this Kindle version does and does it well.

The authors do an excellent job describing life in the Victorian and post Victorian era as well the characters and the role they play in the stories. For example his explanation of the role of the pageboys (Billy) and the urchins (The Baker Street Irregulars especially their initial leader Wiggins and the subsequent leader Simpson). I was surprised that the role of the messengers was overlooked, especially that of Cuthbertson in the Hound of the Baskervilles.

The authors also do a superb job describing the relationship to other detective stories of the period and the infulence that Holmes had on others expecially my favorites, Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey, Chesterson's Father Brown and Chirstie's Hercule Poirot. Their cataloging of the stage, screen, radio and television versions of the Holmes stories is the best summary that I have seen.

I recommend this book to both Sherlock Holmes neophytes and veterans.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Cliff's Notes - a great reference book! April 7, 2010

By Ann Margaret Lewis

Format:Paperback

This terrific reference book is fun and informative at the same time. Teachers: don't fret, your student's can't get away without reading the stories, though they will learn a good deal more about the characters, the author, and their world than you could hope for. Those of you who only know Sherlock Holmes from the Robert Downey Jr. film will be amazed at the history and depth of Arthur Conan Doyle's creation. Steve Doyle gives readers everything one could ever want to know about this fascinating character and inspires you to read through all the stories just one more time to catch it all. Bravo!