

85. Sherlock Holmes
Dive into the enduring allure of Sherlock Holmes, as Tom and Dominic unravel why this iconic detective has captivated generations. Discover the unique dynamic between Holmes and Watson, blending brilliance with humor. Explore the cultural impact of Holmes against the backdrop of Victorian society and British imperialism. From intriguing theories about his name to Arthur Conan Doyle's multifaceted life, the conversation reveals deep insights into literature, justice, and the evolution of this legendary character.
57:42
Holmes's Impact on Victorian Image
- Sherlock Holmes profoundly shapes our perception of the late Victorian era.
- He's arguably the most recognizable literary figure globally, defining Victorian and Edwardian London.
Conan Doyle's Inspiration and Ambitions
- Conan Doyle, from a poor Edinburgh family, used his medical background and the inspiration of Dr. Joseph Bell to create Holmes.
- Doyle's historical novels, like "The White Company", were his true passion, but Holmes became his most famous creation.
Short Stories and Conan Doyle's Success
- Short stories were lucrative in the late Victorian era, published in magazines like The Strand.
- Conan Doyle's Holmes stories were incredibly popular, adding thousands of readers to the magazine's circulation.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Intricacies of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson's Dynamic
01:42 • 2min
The Enduring Legacy of Sherlock Holmes
03:39 • 18min
Sherlock Holmes and British Imperialism
21:19 • 8min
Holmes, Society, and Support Systems
29:37 • 5min
The Origins of Sherlock Holmes
34:20 • 5min
The Multifaceted Legacy of Conan Doyle
39:02 • 17min
Exploring the Roots of Sherlock Holmes in Brixton
56:11 • 2min

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Published in 1892, 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a compilation of 12 detective stories originally published in monthly installments in 'The Strand Magazine' between July 1891 and June 1892.
The stories include 'A Scandal in Bohemia,' 'The Red-Headed League,' 'A Case of Identity,' and others, showcasing Holmes's exceptional deductive abilities and his encounters with a variety of mysterious cases.
The collection introduces key characters and themes that have become central to the Sherlock Holmes canon, including the complex relationship between Holmes and Dr. John Watson, and the enigmatic figure of Irene Adler, known as 'the woman' who outwitted Holmes.

Sir Nigel
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Nigel is a historical novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the early phase of the Hundred Years' War. It follows the life of Nigel Loring, a young squire who seeks to become a knight and win the hand of Lady Mary by performing three acts of bravery.
The novel explores themes of honor, chivalry, and war, providing a vivid portrayal of 14th-century life in England and Europe.

Bleak House
Charles Dickens
Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique.
The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past.
The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.

The Name of the Rose
Umberto Eco
The novel, set in 1327, follows Adso of Melk, a young Benedictine novice, and William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as they investigate a series of murders at an abbey in northern Italy.
The story is framed by a complex narrative structure and involves debates on theology, science, and politics.
The abbey's labyrinthine library, which houses a forbidden book, is central to the mystery.
As the investigation unfolds, William and Adso uncover a conspiracy related to the library and a hidden manuscript that could undermine religious and societal order.

The moonstone
Wilkie Collins
Wilkie Collins's 'The Moonstone' is considered one of the first and most important examples of the English detective novel.
The story centers around a stolen Indian diamond and unfolds through the perspectives of multiple narrators, each offering a unique piece of the puzzle.
The novel masterfully employs suspense, red herrings, and unexpected twists, showcasing Collins's innovative approach to storytelling.
Themes of obsession, colonialism, and the complexities of human nature are woven throughout the narrative.
Its intricate plot and memorable characters have secured its place as a classic of the genre.

Murders in the Rue Morgue
Edgar Allan Poe
Published in 1841, 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' is a pioneering work in the detective fiction genre.
The story revolves around C. Auguste Dupin, an amateur detective, who investigates the gruesome murders of Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter Camille in Paris.
Dupin uses his analytical skills to unravel the mystery, which involves an orangutan as the unexpected perpetrator.
The tale introduces several elements that became standard in detective fiction, including the brilliant amateur detective, the locked-room mystery, and the use of ratiocination to solve the crime.

Arsène Lupin
Maurice Leblanc
Edgar Jepson
This book is a novelization by Edgar Jepson based on the play by Maurice Leblanc and Francis de Croisset.
It introduces Arsène Lupin, a charming and cunning thief who outwits his adversaries with his wit and disguises.
The story follows Lupin's exploits as he targets wealthy individuals, often with a sense of justice in his actions.
The novel explores themes of class, morality, and the cat-and-mouse game between Lupin and his pursuers.

The seven-per-cent solution
Nicolas Meyer
In this novel, Sherlock Holmes' cocaine addiction is addressed through a unique collaboration with Sigmund Freud.
The story delves into Holmes' past, revealing a traumatic childhood event linked to Professor Moriarty, and culminates in a thrilling mystery that could spark a European war.
The book offers a fresh perspective on the iconic detective while maintaining the style of the original Conan Doyle tales.

The Golden Age of the British Short Story
Not Available
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle was a prolific author known for his Sherlock Holmes stories and other literary works.
While he contributed significantly to the British short story genre, there is no specific book titled 'The Golden Age of the British Short Story' attributed to him.

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story
Michael Dibdin
In this novel, Sherlock Holmes is tasked with solving the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London.
The story takes a dark turn when Holmes suspects his arch-nemesis, James Moriarty, but the truth behind the crimes leads to a shocking revelation about Holmes himself.
The book combines historical and fictional elements, offering a unique perspective on the Sherlock Holmes universe.

Arthur & George
David Edgar
Julian Barnes
Julian Barnes's novel 'Arthur & George' intertwines the lives of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji, a solicitor wrongly accused of a crime.
The story delves into themes of identity, nationality, and the pursuit of justice.
David Edgar's stage adaptation brings this gripping tale to life, highlighting the intersection of reality and fiction.

The Five
The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper
Louise Brealey
Hallie Rubenhold
In this book, Hallie Rubenhold delves into the lives of the 'canonical five' women believed to have been killed by Jack the Ripper in the Whitechapel murders of 1888.
Rubenhold challenges the traditional view of these women, often portrayed as sex workers, and instead presents a detailed and compassionate account of their lives, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The book is a critical examination of the true-crime genre and its treatment of victims, advocating for a more humane and respectful approach to historical narratives.

The white company
Arthur Conan Doyle
The White Company is a historical adventure novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the Hundred Years' War. The story follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in a monastery, as he joins the White Company, a band of English mercenaries led by Sir Nigel Loring.
Together, they embark on a series of adventures and battles in France and Spain, culminating in the Battle of Nájera.
Doyle's vivid depiction of medieval life and his exploration of themes such as chivalry and social class make this novel a compelling read.
The games afoot! Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss the world’s favourite consulting detective. Why has the popularity of Sherlock Holmes survived more than a century and what do the stories tell us about Victorian and Edwardian London?
A Goalhanger Films & Left Peg Media production
Produced by Jack Davenport
Exec Producer Tony Pastor
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