About the Society
Founded April 11, 2013, during a time of burgeoning momentum in “Things Doyle,” the John H. Watson Society seeks a level of equality in scholarship and enthusiasm for the life and work of John H Watson, M. D. We are an open and inclusive Society, seeking the collegiality and conviviality of Members worldwide and at all stages of involvement in Watsonian, Sherlockian and Holmesian interests. Really, we are about having fun.
The Members are committed to recognition of Doctor Watson’s contributions, albeit often masked and misunderstood, to the cases, adventures and memoirs he wrote as the first biographer of Sherlock Holmes. The Society believes that Watson has an equality of stature with Holmes and that his accomplishments and talents deserve further scholarship and research. The various film and TV depictions of John H Watson have introduced opportunities for Revisionist concepts and writing never before entertained, and the endless research into the Traditionalist relationship of Watson to the Canon is, equally, verdant with new potential.
The impetus for the Society, conceptually and philosophically, comes from the highly energetic and enthusiastic culture of The Napa Valley Napoleons of S. H., a scion club of the Baker Street Irregulars, with three decades of tradition in the Sherlockian experience and guided for all those years by Prof Don Yates and Dr Joanne Yates. Now, with the wisdom and background of great Sherlockians and the enthusiasm of those newly drawn to The Game, The John H Watson Society seeks to elevate the broader objectives of the study of Doctor Watson and his relationship to Sherlock Holmes, and to bring yet deeper layers of understanding, innovation and enthusiasm to future generations of Watsonians and Sherlockians equally.