May 18th 1900: Heidegger’s body was discovered on the lower Gill moor. (PRIO) Ruben Hayes was arrested in Chesterfield for the murder of Heidegger
On May 17th…
May 17th 1900: Dr. Thorneycroft Huxtable fainted on the hearthrug at 221B Baker Street. (PRIO)
A Poem from 1939
Judith “Cocoa” brought attention to a poem from 1939 that was featured on the Almost Holmes website (and found on this site as well):
‘The stately Holmes of England, how beautiful he stood
Long, long ago in Baker Street–and still in Hollywood
He keeps the ancient flair for clues, the firm incisive chin,
The deerstalker, the dressing-gown, the shag, the violin.
But Watson, Doctor Watson! How altered, how betrayed
The fleet of foot, the warrior once, the faster than Lestrade!
What imbecile production, what madness of the moon
Has screened my glorious Watson as well nigh a buffoon?
Is this the face that went with Holmes on half a hundred trips
Through nights of rain, by gig, by train, are these the eyes, the lips?
These goggling eyes, these stammering lips, can these reveal the mind
How strong to tread where duty led, his practice cast behind?
His not to reason why nor doubt the great detective’s plan–
The butt, maybe, of repartee yet still the perfect man,
Brave as the British lion is brave, brave as the buffalo,
What do they know of England who do not Watson know?
We have not many Sherlocks to sift the right from wrong
When evil stalks amongst us and craft and crime are strong,
Let not the Watsons fail us, the men of bull-dog mould,
Where still beneath the tight frock-coat beats on the heart of gold.
Watson, who dared the Demon Hound nor asked for fame nor fee,
Thou should’st be living at this hour. England hath need of thee!’
Thus did I muse and muse aloud while wondering at the flick
Till people near me turned and said, ‘Shut up, you make us sick!’
– E. V. Knox, editor of Punch
Isn’t it curious to think that there was a time, several years ago, where Watson was often portrayed as a buffoon on screen and rarely viewed otherwise? Yet adaptions in the past thirty or so years have often gone in quite the opposite direction by featuring truer qualities that we know from the Canon. Perhaps, from this generation onward, interpretations of Dr Watson will continue to lean towards him being seen as the loyal and heroic companion instead of the convenient comedic foil.
A Challenge from Chips!
Chips asks: Can you find the Sherlockian link?
On May 15th…
May 15th 1900: Gypsies left the moor near the Priory School. (PRIO)
On May 14th…
May 14th 1900: Lord Saltire disappeared. (PRIO)
Weekly Forum 2015: #19
This week, let’s discuss the newest publications from the John H Watson Society!
Our Spring 2015 volume of The Watsonian was special to us for a number of reasons. Not only is it the largest volume to date (over 200 pages of content) but it was also one of the last great works from our dear Buttons before going beyond the terrace. I will always treasure this book for its literary and emotional significance to me.
The Adventure of the Duke’s Study by Luca Sartori “Victor” is the first in The Fiction Series and has received a good deal of praise from readers. I personally enjoyed it as it was not only a well-written story, but it also taught me about art and history in the process of reading. Wonderful work, “Victor”!
Some Observations Upon the Early Writing of John H Watson, MD, 1887-1894 by James C O’Leary “Pippin” is the second work to be featured in our Monograph Series and it is one of my favorite pieces of Watsonian scholarship. Pippin put a great deal of thought and effort in his endeavor, which makes it a lovely read. I hope this work will spark further conversations on Dr Watson’s early writings and what we can learn about the dear doctor in the process.
(Please note: Although the books were mailed out in late April and many of you received your books by now, a few of you may not have gotten them in the mail yet, particularly for some of you overseas. If you do not receive your package in the course of the next week or so, please contact me and I can look into this for you.)
On May 10th…
May 10th 1857: Sepoy mutiny began at Meerut. (CROO)
On May 7th…
May 7th 1902: Holmes confronted Sir Robert Nortberton in the crypt. (SHOS)
On May 6th…
May 6th 1891: Account of Holmes’s death appeared in the Journal de Geneve. (FINA)
May 6th 1902: Holmes and Watson took the train to Shoscombe Old Place (SHOS)
On May 5th…
May 5th 1900: Sir Charles Baskerville died. (HOUN) Dr. Mortimer comments in answer to Holmes’s questions is probably the most remembered actually said phrase in the tales.
May 5th 1902: John Mason found a mummy that was dug up from the crypt. (SHOS)
Weekly Forum 2015: #18
From The Adventure of the Creeping Man:
“We can but try.”
“Excellent, Watson! Compound of the Busy Bee and Excelsior. We can but try—the motto of the firm.”
What do you believe Sherlock Holmes meant by “Busy Bee” and “Excelsior”?
(Note for Next Week: The Weekly Forum on Tues, May 12th will be about the newest publications from the John H Watson Society – so enjoy reading and be set to discuss the Watsonian/Fiction/Monograph publications next Tuesday!)
On May 4th…
May 4th 1847: John Ferrier and his daughter, Lucy, where rescued by the Mormons. (STUD)
May 4th 1882: Ad asking for Mary Morstan’s address appeared in the Times (SIGN)
On May 3rd…
May 3rd 1891: Holmes and Watson arrived in Meiringen. (FINA)
A New Phonebook Moment!
A few days ago, some very special parcels started making their way to the mailboxes of JHWS members, and Greg Ruby, “Robin”, wrote from Maryland yesterday to say:
Hello all!
I am pleased to report that The Watsonian plus two other pamphlets arrived in today’s post.
The video in the attached link mimics my reaction at the mailbox –
Hope everyone has a great day.
Greg aka Robin
As that movie just happened to be a favourite of our dear Buttons, that clip is extremely apropos.
We on the West Coast tend to get everything a few days after folks out East, so I’m still eagerly waiting!
Weekly Forum 2015: #17
Today’s topic is from our fellow JHWS member “Gwen.” Thank you!
What is a moment that you find particularly funny in the Canon? Quote it to share with us.
New Publications from the John H Watson Society
Hello Everyone!
As we are nearing the end of April, you may be wondering if the Spring edition of The Watsonian will be delayed. The circumstances were certainly not ideal for us and there were some surprises along the way… but I’m very happy to say that the latest Watsonian is being mailed out just as you’re reading this!
I think everyone is in for quite a treat. Our dear Buttons was very ambitious this volume and I believe the hard work and warmth he put into this edition can truly be felt. It’s over 200 pages of content and filled with fascinating contributions from our fellow John H Watson Society members.
This volume features a heartfelt memorial from Don Yates “Pal” concerning our friend and mentor beyond the terrace. I really believe that Button’s influence can be found throughout the book and it is all of the more lovely as a result.
I could tell you more about its contents, but I’d rather you experience reading it for yourself. You’ll find this special package in the mail in the course of the next few weeks, depending on the post. I hope it will arrive safely and in good speed.
However, that isn’t going to be the only book to enjoy. We are also sending our members the first volume of a series that Buttons had inspired and cultivated over the course of the past year. The first installment of The Fiction Series will be a pastiche that draws a great deal from Italian art and history: “The Adventure of the Duke’s Study” by Luca Sartori “Victor”
Our dear “Victor” put a great deal of thought and effort into his tale and his hard work shows. His mentor, Alessandra Calanchi “Bianca”, asked for me to convey this message to everyone:
“I am overwhelmed with emotion since I wish I could thank Don for this gift he has made to my student and myself. I do miss him… I would like everyone know my gratitude. Thanks a lot to everybody and congratulations for the wonderful work you all make.”
Also, you will find one more volume in the package once it arrives. Due to the difficult challenges we’ve had to face this past month, this particular book had not gone out nearly as early as originally intended and for that I apologize deeply. However, I think this work is well worth the wait, as it is a very carefully thought-out piece and an absolutely wonderful read. I’m speaking, of course, of the latest edition of our Monograph Series: “Some Observations Upon the Early Writing of John H Watson, MD, 1887-1894” by James C O’Leary “Pippin”
If you are intrigued by the title of this Monograph, you will be even more interested to know that our friend James “Pippin” shall be the new Editor-in-Chief of the Watsonian. We have assembled a talented editorial team around him composed of (but not limited to): Stephan “Dalton,” Elinor “Misty,” and Harrison “Dash,” in addition to helpful advisers such as Bob “Willow,” Andrea “Asta,” and Joanne “Sandy.” (I will continue to do design and layout for all JHWS publications.)
I would like to thank “Pippin” and the new JHWS Editorial team for their willingness to take up such a momentous task. Also, if anyone has ideas to contribute for the next Watsonian (coming this October!), then please contact our new Editor-in-Chief at pippin[at]johnhwatsonsociety.com
Now you may have noticed that I said the Monograph is one more volume in the package heading your way. Yes, that’s a total of three books! Although the Monograph Series is meant to be sold and distributed separately, we have been blessed with an incredibly generous gift for this one very special occasion. For this one time, all current members will receive a free copy of the latest volume in the Monograph Series.
In a sense, this is the final gift from our good friend Don “Buttons” as well as a heartfelt act of generosity from the lovely Andrea “Asta.”
I don’t have words powerful enough to express the full extent of my gratitude to you, “Asta,” but I hope you understand how much this amazing gift means to me. I hope my fellow members will join me in thanking you for going above and beyond to ensure the prosperity and happiness of the John H Watson Society.
I hope all of you will enjoy the new publications!
With Love,“Carla Buttons”
A Boy in Buttons
Weekly Forum 2015: #16
Today’s topic is from our fellow JHWS member “Willow.” Thank you!
If you wish to offer an idea for a Weekly Forum topic, please contact me at carla@johnhwatsonsociety.com
Enjoying the Canon
When you sit down to read the Canon purely for the pleasure of doing so (not counting research or studying for a quiz), which version do you read:
Doubleday, Baring-Gould Annotated, Klinger Annotated, Oxford, John Murray, Limited Edition, an illustrated version, paperback edition, something else? …and also, why?
Weekly Forum 2015: #15
Today’s topic is a thought offered by our fellow JHWS member “Dash.” Thank you!
If you wish to offer an idea for a Weekly Forum topic, please contact me at carla@johnhwatsonsociety.com
Doctor Watson’s Descriptive Words
“Cut out the poetry, Watson,” Holmes famously declared in RETI.
What are your favorite examples of Watson’s descriptive writing?
Weekly Forum 2015: #14
Another one of our members was kind enough to contact me and anonymously offer an interesting topic for us to discuss. If you wish to offer an idea for a Weekly Forum topic, please contact me at carla@johnhwatsonsociety.com
The Detective’s Capacity for Love
In SCAN, Watson notes of Holmes:
“It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen; but, as a lover, he would have placed himself in a false position” (emphasis added).
Yet, one or two years later (depending upon which chronologist you consult), Watson seems to have hopes that Holmes will find a match in Violet Hunter of COPP. The good doctor notices how Holmes is “favourably impressed by the manner and speech of his new client.” Watson also notes that Holmes calls Miss Hunter an “exceptional woman.” Then, at the story’s end, the good doctor says:
“As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one of his problems…” (emphasis added)
According to Klinger, TWIS, IDEN, BLUE, FIVE, BOSC, STOC, NAVA, ENGR, HOUN, CROO, and REDH occur between SCAN and COPP. Is there something about Holmes that Watson observed or discovered during these cases that would cause him to change his mind about the Great Detective’s capacity for love or, at the very least, his ability to find and keep a suitable mate? Or, are the good doctor’s musings in COPP merely a reflection of his hopeful character and perhaps his misguided wishes for his friend’s marital happiness? What evidence (or lack thereof) leads you to your conclusions?