While the genius of Holmes is for certain far above the head of anyone alive, even the most rudimentary reader can appreciate it as well as learn a little something about the often maligned skill of’simple’ observation. I know of no other more wonderful way to learn than in story form. if given the choice between reading a fiction book or a school text book most young folk would probably choose the former.
Sherlock Holmes calls out the rather primal and human ability of survival observation, things we should be noticing about everyday life, people and occurrences. The most poignant example of this being the case of the Red Headed League, where Holmes upon seeing John Clay at the door of Jabez Wilson’s pawnbroker shop does not really see the young villain’s face, but notices his trouser knees are stained and worn, drawing the conclusion that the boy has been with digging a tunnel in the cellar and immediately guesses that the bank next door is the inevitable target.(He’s right.)
"You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear."(Sherlock to Watson in A Scandal In Bohemia)
Holmes also displays human traits: at times he is untidy with his personal rooms, demanding, exacting and fitful, but also humorous, polite, musical and above all a cherisher of insight. His worst enemy was ennui, or oppressive boredom; inactivity often left him depressed and snappish. Far from a perfect character, he is everything a detective should be and audiences worldwide enjoy reading about this odd character, even a century or so after his’existence’.
This book consists of the first printing of Sherlock Holmes stories as periodical pieces in’The Strand Magazine’; I was pleased with the non-literature style in which it was presented. It is amazing to me that this great character first made his appearance in a magazine story, where the author was paid$175.00 each for the initial, six-part series.
Doyle himself was surprised by the popularity of Sherlock Holmes and almost annoyed at how much it took out of him to write of the dark, rather private figure. a man whom seemed both elated to be so darn smart, but also unhappy that he was not able to really enjoy life like normal folk did. Indeed Doyle was so exhausted with the consuming character and writing that he attempted to kill off Sherlock Holmes at the falls with Moriarty. Public outcry was so great that eight years later Doyle was finally persuaded to bring back Sherlock Holmes. though I think it was more because, like Holmes, he missed the intellectual challenge that the character demanded and inspired.
While reading the stories, I smiled often as the voice and tone suggest that Doyle felt he *was *Watson and was merely chronicling the genius of another; into the stories he wove details and characters from real Scotland Yard cases, the shops he frequented, music he loved and even his favorite restaurants, some of which are still in operation today. As much as he wanted to be rid of Holmes altogether, even Doyle realized that the stories were an extension of his own life and imagination, not to mention the public adored them.
The writing is simplicity itself, with a fairly straight-forward plots written in the intelligent, half-hidden manner popular with mystery writers. Doyle nobly avoids the literary pitfall of over-dramatization, however, instead utilizing a highly-talented method of letting the dialog lead the reader onward through the story. He does this so well that no one is left confused upon completing the story, indeed they are apt to shake their heads and muse aloud: "Now why didn’t I think of that?"
The greatness of these books lie in the simple powers of observation. a human quality which no one but Holmes seems to have illustrated as completely. A great read by all accounts; suitable for adults, families and youngsters alike.