Sherlock Holmes For Dummies

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

Part I: Elementary Beginnings and Background.

Chapter 1: A Snapshot of Sherlock Holmes and the Stories That Made Him Famous.

Chapter 2: The Great Detective and His Life in Crime.

Chapter 3: Arthur Conan Doyle: The Doctor Who Created the Detective.

Chapter 4: Life in the Days of London Fog.

Part II: What a Bunch of Characters!

Chapter 5: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

Chapter 6: Cops, Landladies, and Others: The Supporting Characters.

Chapter 7: Villains, Victims, and Damsels in Distress.

Part III: Holmes and His Adventures.

Chapter 8: The “Typical” Sherlock Holmes Story.

Chapter 9: Delving into “The Hound of the Baskervilles”.

Chapter 10: The Gaslight Goes Away: The “Modern” Stories.

Chapter 11: Common Themes and Threads.

Chapter 12: The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes.

Part IV: Beyond Baker Street.

Chapter 13: The Sincerest Form of Flattery.

Chapter 14: Adapting Holmes for Stage and Screen.

Chapter 15: Communities of Sherlockians.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 16: Ten Unsolved Mysteries.

Chapter 17: Ten Sherlockian Places to Visit.

Chapter 18: Ten Books Every Sherlockian Should Have.

Chapter 19: Ten Notable Quotes and Passages.

Appendix: Active Sherlock Holmes Societies in North America.

Index.

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.