Holidays and Sherlock Holmes

With Victorian and Gothic influence in a number of the Sherlock Holmes stories, the Canon can be great fodder for the mysterious, occult and spooky elements of Halloween. Certainly The Hound of the Baskervilles, "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot," "The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier," or "The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place" have elements that can make a reader's hair stand on end.

But the most direct link with Halloween as we know it today (other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Lot No. 249" - the original mummy story) has to be "The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire." Sherlock Holmes himself was a bit dismissive of the supernatural in this case, saying "Rubbish, Watson, rubbish! What have we to do with walking corpses who can only be held in their grave by stakes driven through their hearts? It's pure lunacy."

But our guest on this episode, Les Klinger (a guest on Episodes 31 and 32, when he spoke about the Guy Ritchie / Robert Downey, Jr. movies and his role as Warner Brothers' consultant on the set) is no stranger to Dracula. He has written The New Annotated Dracula and has been an influential in the Dracularian movement. As we discuss the intersection of Holmes and Dracula, Les helps us understand the evolution of vampire literature and Dracula-influenced media.

In the discussion, Les alludes to other influential fictional works in the movement such as I Am Legend, In the Shadow of Dracula, and Anno Dracula by Kim Newman, who is the Distinguished Speaker at the 2013 Baker Street Irregulars Weekend. In addition to the popular work, Les noted that there is a scholarly vein of work (pardon the pun) in the field that brings more seriousness to the practice, albeit less fluid and constant than Sherlockian scholarship. But we kept coming back to the intersections of Holmes and Dracula, in all forms: written, film and stage, and how each have their cycles of popularity that are typically driven by a single piece of work each time.

Episode 47: Re Vampires

"Compliments of the season" is how Watson described his activities regarding a visit he paid to Holmes during the Christmas season.

And we know "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" as the sole Christmas story in the Canon of Sherlock Holmes stories. And rather than focus on the nostalgic and its place in the lineup of winter classics, we discuss how this classic fits in the pantheon of Holmes stories in its own right as a tale of friendship, crime, discovery and what we've come to realize as some of the typical Baker Street scenes.

In an effort to pay homage to this Christmas classic, the Baker Street Irregulars in 1948 crafted a special edition of "The Blue Carbuncle" that included a wonderful essay by Christopher Morley titled "A Christmas Story Without Slush." About BLUE, Morley said, "it was superb art. It hasn't a word too many or two few." That essay itself has become something of a classic as well, and we're delighted to share it with our listeners here.

Episode 49: I'll Have a Blue Christmas

"No ghosts need apply." [SUSS] 


Holmes and the occult is our subject for this Halloween episode of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere, and we're joined by editor and author Charles Prepolec, who together with J.R. Campbell edited Gaslight Grimoire: Fantastic Tales of Sherlock Holmes, Gaslight Grotesque: Nightmare Tales of Sherlock Holmes, and Gaslight Arcanum: Uncanny Tales of Sherlock Holmes, joins us to talk about the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the spooky, outre and creepy, setting the tone for the season.  Charles (who goes by @sherlockeditor on Twitter), had the great fortune to work with the likes of Barbara Hambly, Martin Powell and Kim Newman, among others, and he talks about the selection process for including authors and their works in the anthologies.

Of course, Conan Doyle was no stranger to writing ghost and horror stories, and his Professor Challenger series dealt with such fantastical subjects as dinosaurs. We take Charles on a tangent and begin discussing the ideal Hollywood actor to portray the professor.

Charles has contributed to Sherlock Magazine, Scarlet Street and Canadian Holmes and is a longtime Sherlockian, having been a member of the Singular Society of the Baker Street Dozen in Calgary for 20 years and a Master Bootmaker of the Bootmakers of Toronto in 2006. He spends his days at the Movie Poster Shop in Calgary and reading voraciously. 

Our gas-lamp is not a Gas-Lamp at all, but rather an introduction by to a collection of Conan Doyle stories, as written by John Dickson Carr.

Links:


EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
Conan Doyle fanstasy and horror short stories "Lot No. 249," "The Horror of the Heights," and "Terror of Blue John Gap"
The Autumn 2013 issue of the Baker Street Journal
International Sherlock Holmes Exhibition
Lyndsay Faye, BSI ("Kitty Winter") is on a book tour to promote Seven for a Secret, her latest Timothy Wilde novel.
Big Chief Studios announced the 1:6 scale models of Cumberbatch's Holmes and Freeman's Watson, and they talk about the sculpting process.
There will be no romance between Holmes and Watson in Elementary, according to the show's creator.
James O'Leary has contributed a couple of significant pieces here about Elementary that are worth perusing: "Addiction, Elementary and Doyle," and "Six Cases to Which I Have Added to My Notes."
Our Flipboard magazine and Scoop.it! site aggregate lots of content for your enjoyment.


Please subscribe to us on iTunes and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show.Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email, call us at (774) 221-READ (7323) or use the Speakpipe app right here on the site. Connect with us and other interested Sherlockians on The Sherlock Holmes Community on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. And of course, our web- and app-based Flipboard magazine is a nice collection of links, articles and images.And above all, please let our sponsors know that you heard us rant and rave about their excellence during the programme: Wessex Press and The Baker Street Journal.

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Episode 57: A Sherlockian Halloween

For those in the United States, November is the month in which we celebrate Thanksgiving. We thought it a fitting time to reflect on some of the things we have to be thankful for in the world of Sherlock Holmes, and they are many. The show's multiple topics and many links reflect that.


First, we have our Sherlockian society meetings. Whether you live in a city that is home to a venerable institution with a decades-old group of longstanding tradition or a town with a relatively new group, the autumn seems to be a time when meetings are held, toasts are recited and friendships rekindled. And if you haven't yet listened to Episode 4: Sherlockian 101 and Episode 5: Sherlockian 101 (part 2), in which we discuss getting involved in or starting your own society, we highly recommend it.


We're thankful of the work of Mr. J.D. Sutter, who helped us to transition the site from its years-old layout and to integrate content from the Baker Street Blog, to give the site its full functionality you see now. If you have a chance, get over to JD's site and thank him for his work.


It would be an understatement to say we're thrilled to have Matt Laffey's Weekly Sherlock Compendium Links back on the site again. After a brief yet unintentional hiatus, Matt's comprehensive links are back with us again.


We discuss the annual Baker Street Irregulars Weekend, including some of the changes afoot within the BSI itself. The BSI Press is getting dedicated leadership, with its many titles in print and on the way; the BSI Trust is also getting new leadership.


We're very fortunate to live in a time when news of Sherlock Holmes fills the airwaves, print publications and intertubes, and we cap off a few of them. There's PBS, BBC, and Doctor Who news from the world of television, we remember Jeremy Brett, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's Sherlock Holmes exhibition is open, and we acknowledge a number of anniversaries of Sherlock Holmes films.


We share listener comments, both written and audio, note the inaugural issue of The Watsonian, and highlight the continued spirited debate about Elementary.


It's also the season for renewing subscriptions to The Baker Street Journal (one of our sponsors). We're issuing a related challenge: from now through March 2014, we're looking for 50 gift subscriptions of the BSJ to be made by our listeners. Listen to the show for full details.


Our gas-lamp this week: since our reading on Episode 56 was "On Advocating Sherlock Holmes" and Brad Keefauver was our guest, we thought it might be appropriate to read one of Brad's own editorials ("Zismanian scholarship?") as our gas-lamp for this episode, marking the very first time we've used an online publication as our reading.

Links:

The I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere apps: Android and iOS.
We wrote about the excitement that traditionally surrounds the BSI Weekend here.
The Baker Street Irregulars and Friends Weekend website: bsiweekend.com
PBS announces the air dates of Sherlock on Masterpiece
The BFI premiere of Sherlock [via Sherlockology]
The first image of Sherlock Series 3
Jude Law breaks the silence on the third Sherlock Holmes film.
The International Sherlock Holmes Exhibition is open and they even are running a social sweepstakes.
The John H. Watson Society releases The Watsonian.
The e-book version of The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
Sherlock Holmes London Itinerary [Visit London]
Sherlock filming sites in and around London [Metro UK]
TEDx talk about Sherlock Holmes and jealousy
A Kickstarter for a Sherlockian deck of cards
Bonus: The First Family Rides Again album [Amazon]


Please subscribe to us on iTunes and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show.


Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email, call us at (774) 221-READ (7323) or use the Speakpipe app right here on the site. Connect with us and other interested Sherlockians on The Sherlock Holmes Community on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. And of course, our web- and app-based Flipboard magazine is a nice collection of links, articles and images.


And above all, please let our sponsors know that you heard us rant and rave about their excellence during the programme: Wessex Press and The Baker Street Journal. Don't forget to get your free audiobook download with your trial membership from Audible, at audibletrial.com/sherlock. 

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Episode 58: Thankful for Sherlock

“I’ve read enough of the slush” [VALL]

Following our appearance on Sherlock Mondays, we revisited Christopher Morley's wonderful introduction to the Baker Street Irregulars' edition of "The Blue Carbuncle" from 1948. 

For our Patreon supporters we have Burt's full reading of Morley's essay, followed by commentary and discussion with Scott afterward. You can hear a sample here.     

You can listen to the full version if you're a patron for as little as $1 a month. https://patreon.com/ihearofsherlock

Or if you'd prefer to purchase this single episode, it is available here: https://www.patreon.com/ihearofsherlock/shop/christmas-story-without-slush-90373?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=productshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Full show notes: https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2023/12/special-episode-christmas-story-without.html

A Christmas Story Without Slush

As you know, December 27 marks "the second day after Christmas," the day on which Dr. Watson called up on Mr. Sherlock Holmes to wish him "the compliments of the season"in "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle."

Peter Blau, 2s., BSI ("Black Peter") has been with us previously (on Episode 6 and Episode 7), so we'll spare the full introduction. We asked Peter on as our very special guest in order to tell the story behind his very unusual Sherlockian decoration: a Sherlock Holmes-themed set of ornaments - each inspired by one of the original 60 stories. He regales us with the challenges involved in trying to identify these ornaments without a copy of the Canon handy.

Episode 72: The Sherlockian Tannenbaum

As the holiday shopping season nears, we thought it was a great time to create a shopping guide for the Sherlock Holmes fan in your life.
&nbsp;
If you're into Sherlock Holmes in any way, it's likely that you have a wish list. Whether it's an early edition of the stories, a complete collection of Arthur Wontner films, a Sherlock Holmes chess set, or something else.
&nbsp;
We recently asked your assistance in creating the ultimate Sherlockian gift guide, and you responded in force. We took those suggestions and ran with them, and created a show to highlight some of the many things for the Sherlock Holmes fanatic in your life, whether it's you or a loved one.
&nbsp;
Of course, we cover the latest Sherlock Holmes news and enjoy a little banter to boot. We also mention a contest&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;leave us a review on iTunes&nbsp;and show us the proof (screenshot or similar) &mdash; and we'll enter you for a chance to win a 1950s-era Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual.

&nbsp;

Listen closely and you may hear who our next interview guest is. And remain on the lookout for our regular Easter Egg feature.
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As a reminder, consider supporting our show through&nbsp;Patreon, for as little as $1 per episode.
And thank you to Mary Miller and Christian Mongaard for your extraordinary support!
&nbsp;
We've been enjoying your photos and plan to post a number of them soon, so if you want to be part of this effort, please purchase as many of of our&nbsp;221B or 1895 oval stickers&nbsp;as you like and then&nbsp;send us a picture&nbsp;of where you've put it.
&nbsp;

Notes:


1:35 Hello
3:45 Just the two of us
7:07 iTunes review and contest
8:26 The Sherlock Holmes News
21:21 Our holiday gift recommendations, powered by our readers and listeners, beginning with books.
41:50 Recommended DVDs
47:15 Ephemera: physical objects
59:56 What Burt and Scott want
1:07:02 Wrapping up

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&nbsp;
Links:

Our Sherlockian Gift Guide&nbsp;- pick out your gifts now! ihearofsherlock.com/merchandise
Stan Lee was inspired by Sherlock Holmes
BSI Weekend announcement - site updated
The new home of the William Gillette Luncheon (and a history of the event)
Elementary Season 4 has begun, with John Noble as Morland Holmes, Sherlock's father.
Sherlock: The Abominable Bride will air on January 1 in the US and UK, and will have limited theatrical releases around the globe.
A spooky tour of Dartmoor, courtesy of The Guardian.
The&nbsp;I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Patreon&nbsp;page



&nbsp;
Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard and Scoop.it sites at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;and&nbsp;ihose.co/scoopsherlock, as well as on the&nbsp;The Sherlock Holmes Community&nbsp;on Google+ (now over 2,800 members), as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tumblr.
&nbsp;
Please&nbsp;subscribe to us on iTunes,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.
&nbsp;
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT&nbsp;ihearofsherlock&nbsp;DOT com), call&nbsp;us at (774) 221-READ (7323).
&nbsp;
Sponsors
This episode includes our two longtime sponsors that deserve your attention:
&nbsp;
Wessex Press&nbsp;(check out ) and&nbsp;The Baker Street Journal, where you should get&nbsp;your annual subscription&nbsp;in now to secure all four issues and a very special Christmas Annual about&nbsp;The Seven Per-Cent Solution.
&nbsp;
Interested in becoming an advertiser? You can find&nbsp;more information here.

Episode 84: Our Favorite Sherlockian Things

"dreaming of the bright green fields" [CROO]
&nbsp;
Mid March means it's time for the wearing of the green, as St. Patrick's Day approaches. Accordingly, we grab our shillelaghs and affect a brogue as we discuss some of the Irish connections in the Sherlock Holmes stories.
&nbsp;
While there are many Irish references, both subtle and overt, we concentrate primarily on two of the stories where the Irish connection is a central plot point. And interestingly enough, both involved some sort of Irish secret society and the need to go undercover.
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We also include a bit of history of some musical instruments, discuss a handful of news items that have come to our attention, and welcome Al Gregory, BSI ("The Grimpen Postmaster") to the show as a contestant on Mental Exaltations. We of course wrap things up with another Editor's Gas-Lamp, this time "The Fortunate Ones" from Vol. 2, No. 3 of The Baker Street Journal (OS).
&nbsp;

Easter is later this month, and we've got another Easter egg for you.
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&nbsp;
Our special thanks go out to Mary Miller and Christian Mongaard for their Patreon support! Won't you join them?
&nbsp;


Sponsors
This episode includes our two longtime sponsors and a special sponsor who is supporting us for the first half of this year:&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Wessex Press, featuring&nbsp;A Curious Collection of Dates,&nbsp;
The Baker Street Journal, where you should get&nbsp;your annual subscription&nbsp;in now to secure all four issues plus the Christmas Annual.&nbsp;
And Paula Berinstein's&nbsp;Amanda Lester, Detective&nbsp;series for young adults and the&nbsp;John H. Watson Society Manuscript Series.

&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Would you care to become a sponsor? You can find&nbsp;more information here.
&nbsp;

Links:

The Morris Museum's&nbsp;Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata
Joe Rinaud's American Photoplayer
The story behind the missing footage of The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Apply for a Jan Stauber Grant from the Beacon Society
Music:&nbsp;Irish Washerwoman - medley of jigs&nbsp;from the UCSB Cylinder Audio Archive
The&nbsp;I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Patreon&nbsp;page



&nbsp;
&nbsp;


Many more links, articles and images are available in our Flipboard and Scoop.it sites at&nbsp;ihose.co/flipsherlock&nbsp;and&nbsp;ihose.co/scoopsherlock, as well as on the&nbsp;The Sherlock Holmes Community&nbsp;on Google+ (now over 3,500 members), as well as through our accounts on&nbsp;Facebook,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tumblr.


&nbsp;
Please&nbsp;subscribe to us on iTunes,&nbsp;Soundcloud,&nbsp;Stitcher&nbsp;or&nbsp;Spreaker&nbsp;and be kind enough to leave a rating or review for the show. And please tell a friend about us, in any fashion you feel comfortable.
&nbsp;
Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT&nbsp;ihearofsherlock&nbsp;DOT com), call&nbsp;us at (774) 221-READ (7323).

Episode 92: An Irish Stew

The first podcast for Sherlock Holmes devotees, covering the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and popular culture. Discussions about the timeless characters of Holmes & Watson, goings-on today in a variety of media, and interviews with interesting people who share a passion for the great detective.