The Sherlock Holmes Miscellany [Hardcover]

Roger Johnson (Author), Jean Upton (Author), Gyles Brandreth (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2012

Prominent Sherlockians have collected all of the facts, trivia, and quotes that remind readers why Sherlock Holmes is such an important literary creation

Exploring the fascinating and enigmatic world of Sherlock Holmes, this miscellany examines his place in literary history, his popularity, and how he has become the iconic, timeless character who is loved by millions. Along with facts, trivia, and quotes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary stories and the subsequent film and television adaptations, it also explores the often weird and wonderful characters who graced Conan Doyle's pages, and explains the terms used in the original stories that might cause unnecessary—albeit amusing—confusion to the modern reader. For example, "knocked up" had a considerably different meaning in the 19th century, and if you think a "life preserver" is a flotation device, how does Wilson Kemp fit one into the sleeve of his jacket? And, would you try to warm your hands with a Gasogene? All of these mysteries and more are included in this lighthearted and highly informative miscellany, offering something to both the dedicated Sherlockian and those new to the world of 221b Baker Street.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Attractive, [and] well-illustrated...This work belongs in the hands of every Sherlockian who has had to explain the lure of Baker Street."  —The Baker Street Journal

"Absolutely packed with useful information...While it's most valuable as an introduction for new Holmes fans, even Holmes experts will learn something new."—The Best of Sherlock Holmes.com

About the Author

Roger Johnson and Jean Upton have been members of The Sherlock Holmes Society for many years and have both regularly contributed to its popular journal, which Roger edits. Other Sherlockian publications they have written for include The Baker Street Journal, The Musgrave Papers, The Passengers' Log, and The Ritual. Gyles Brandreth is the author of Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance and Oscar Wilde and the Vampire Murders.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: The History Press (October 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075247152X
• ISBN-13: 978-0752471525
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #973,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Games is Really Afoot November 5, 2012

By The Grimpen Post Master

Format:Hardcover

As a Sherlockian since the age of 7, and as a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, I enthusiastically recommend A Sherlock Holmes Miscellany by Roger Johnson and Jean Upton. Although small in size, this volume packs an encyclopedia of handy and fascinating knowledge. It will appeal equally to veteran Sherlockians and those new to the genre.

The authors cover Sherlockian movies, books, radio shows, TV shows, plays, societies and more. They lay out the history of the whole Sherlockian fandom phenomenon. The book is replete with websites that provide more source material and contact with Sherlock Holmes "scions" (clubs). The Sherlock Holmes Miscellany is written with a light touch which makes for an easy and joyful read. It is just the kind of book to curl up with on a cold and dark night while fortifying oneself with a favorite libation. It is equally a book that the reader will turn to time and again to check on some obscure point of Sherlockian lore.

No self-respecting Sherlockian book collection should be without this invaluable volume.

Alexian Gregory, BSI

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun-filled facts at your fingertips October 30, 2012

By Ginny J

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

A great compendium of information that is already out there - somewhere. I didn't learn much that was new to me, but it was nice having it all in one place. My husband, who enjoys Sherlock Holmes but is not familiar with the periphery info, very much enjoyed this book and found it enlightening. My only quibble: an index would be very helpful.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Sherlock Holmes Miscellany October 18, 2012

By The Game is Afoot

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This a great reference book. This volume brings together vast amounts of Sherlockian information that took me years to gather. It is presented in a easy to read user friendly style that kept me reading long after I was going to stop. I highly recommend this work.