Sherlock Holmes and his companion Doctor Watson are among the worlds most well known detective duos, translated into almost every language on the planet –spawning stage plays, films, TV series and even computer games with the image of Holmes’ deerstalker cap, meerschaum pipe and magnifying glass are still recognisable trademarks of the detective and his prodigious talent.
However, Holmes himself would point out that he is not a detective, rather he is a consulting detective. When Scotland yard do not know what to do, which would seem to be on a regular basis they consult him.
While the format of Arthur Conan-Doyle’s popular novel series has spawned dozens of copy cat duo’s from Inspector Morse and Lewis (Morse), DCI Barnarby and DS Troy/Scott (Midsommer Murder) to the more recent US Castle series which features an NYPD detective and her author companion and the mental prowess they possess. Indeed, the ‘Holmesian’ type is identifiable outside the detective genre. Hugh Laurie’s depiction of the misanthropic Doctor House, in the Fox Television series of the same name, features a man of extraordinary deductive powers who is the only one in the world within his area of expertise (House is a differential diagnostician, who specialises in strange or out of the ordinary cases citing more mainstream doctorial duties as boring or beneath him) and who has a drug addiction which worsens when he gets bored.
House remains one of Fox’s biggest shows, and Laurie as one if it’s largest stars, proving that even after 130 years after He graced the pages of Lippincotts Monlthy Magazine the character of Sherlock Holmes is as beloved by the modern audience as he was by the Victorians he was introduced to.
With a Hollywood adaptation and a modern TV revisiting later this year it is clear that the cases and mysteries which bemused and befuddled the original audiences still hold the same fascination and the same mystery for the modern readers and viewers.
As a fan of Holmes I am jealous of those who have never read any of the texts before, it means that you are approaching a reading of Holmes for the first time. While the stories can be read over and over for their characterisation and dialogue only once will you get to truly experience the case as it unfurls, notice as Holmes notices, be fascinated when Watson is fascinated, or as was my experience, stand with Lestrad and be utterly confused until Holmes deigns to enlighten you! Enjoy!
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