THE SHERLOCK HOLMES TREASURY

ALL ABOARD!

I've always been an avid fan of detective stories, mysteries and the proverbial "whodunnits".  One of my favorite all time sleuths had to be the incomparable Sherlock Holmes.  At first it may have been that many of Holmes' adventures were based in England - in places I'd never heard of.  Views of the countryside, and the interesting people were some of my favorite things.

A long time ago, I belonged to one of those Book of the Month Clubs.  I was very discriminating back then as I wanted classic, timeless books that were all hardbound.  One of my greatest treasures was an anthology entitled The Complete Sherlock Holmes Treasury.  Having done some research, I discovered that these stories, all written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, had been published at one time in the Strand Magazine.

Strand Magazine was quite popular and was published in its original version from January 1891 through March 1950.  Doyle had been one of the main contributors and his novels, short stories, poems and articles were regulars.  Searching the book's index, I was pleasantly surprised that Doyle's famous detective had appeared in so many stories!  The first novel to appear on the silver screen was The Hound of the Baskervilles.  Of the fourteen films starring Rathbone/Bruce, only three were not based on Doyle's stories - Sherlock Holmes in Washington, The Scarlet Claw, and Terror By Night.

Also included in this anthology were illustrations by Sidney Paget.  He was one of three brothers who were also illustrators for magazines of the day.  A strange twist of fate made Sidney famous.  In 1891, Strand Magazine's editor, George Newnes charged his art director with finding someone to do the Holmes' illustrations. The request was originally for brother Walter Paget but came to Sidney instead.  Thus, from 1891 to 1904, 589 illustrations were done for Arthur Conan Doyle by Sidney Paget for Sherlock Holmes stories and non-detective works.

Another unique characteristic of these stories is that they are relayed by Doctor Watson from all of the notes he took while accompanying Holmes on his case investigations.  As a storyteller, the terminology and flavor reflect Watson's medical background.  Arthur Conan Doyle ascribes more importance to Watson than just being the sidekick to Holmes.

We are also privy to a unique description of Sherlock by his friend Watson:
As methodical and neat Holmes was in his methods, he was none the less in his personal habits one of the most untidy men.




With all this in mind, as I read each story, I imagine the familiar voice of Basil Rathbone in perhaps his most famous role.  While the actor had done other villainous roles, including teaching Errol Flynn how to fight with a sword, the detective is his signature character.  Likewise, Nigel Bruce is a perfect balance to Mr. Rathbone.  Bruce had other roles as well, including the original Lassie films, Lassie Come Home and Son of Lassie.  Yet he will most likely be best remembered as Dr. John Watson.

I was surprised to learn that Arthur Conan Doyle had studied to be a doctor.  After two years in medical school he began to write short stories.  And while he graduated with a medical degree, and his practice was thriving, his passion was for the writing.  I've often wondered if he himself was the inspiration for Dr. John Watson.  

At any rate, I can see why these stories were so popular in Strand Magazine.  I myself find it difficult to put the book down when in the middle of one these Sherlock adventures.

https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php/Sidney_Paget
https://www.arthurconandoyle.com/biography.html