Sherlock Holmes For Dummies by Steven Doyle (PDF)

Description

Get a comprehensive guide to this important literary figure and his author. A classic literary character, Sherlock Holmes has fascinated readers for decades — from his repartee with Dr. Watson and his unparalleled powers of deduction to the settings, themes, and villains of the stories. Now, this friendly guide offers a clear introduction to this beloved figure and his author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, presenting new insight into the detective stories and crime scene analysis that have has made Sherlock Holmes famous.Inside you’ll find easy-to-understand yet thorough information on the characters, recurring themes, and locations, and social context of the Sherlock Holmes stories, the relationship of these stories to literature, and the forensics and detective work they feature. You’ll also learn about the life of the author.Better understand and enjoy this influential literary character with this plain-English guide.Gain insight on these classic Doyle tales — from the classic Hound of the Baskervilles to the lesser-known short stories to Holmes stories written by other mystery writers.Explore the appearance of Sherlock Holmes on film, TV, and stage.Examine Holmes today — from the ever-expanding network of fans worldwide to story locations that fans can visit.It’s elementary! Sherlock Holmes For Dummies is an indispensable guide for students and fans alike!

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: From the Back Cover Your comprehensive guide to this important literary figure and his authorIt’s elementary! Sherlock Holmes is a classic character who has fascinated readers for decades, and now this indispensable guide explores the enduring detective’s stories like never before. Discover the rich characters, recurring themes, and social context of Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales; the influence of Holmes on literature and pop culture; and why his stories still offer endless and fascinating new discoveries to readers.See where it all began — meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the man who created the world’s greatest detective, and learn about Victorian London, where the Holmes stories take placeGain new insight into Doyle’s tales — from the classic Hound of the Baskervilles to the lesser-known short stories, get a closer look at the forensics and detective work that made Sherlock Holmes famousGet to know the characters — discover why Holmes and Watson are such beloved characters, and meet other characters such as cops, bad guys, victims, and damsels in distressExperience Holmes today — from the ever-expanding network of worldwide fans to story locations that fans can visit, discover how the character continues to resonate with so many devoted followers”Move over, Arthur Conan Doyle. Make room for Steve Doyle, whose handy Sherlock Holmes For Dummies will constitute addictive reading for Holmes fans and novices alike. Doyle has merrily put together a compendium of every sort of information regarding The Great Detective, from animal, vegetable, mineral, comical, tragical, and geographical. He even recommends ten Holmes books no aficionado should be without — but make that eleven. Sherlock Holmes For Dummies is essential reading.” – Nicholas Meyer Author, The Seven-Per-Cent SolutionOpen the book and find:A list of all Sherlock Holmes short stories and novelsA detailed picture of Britain during Holmes’s timeIn-depth analysis of Holmes and Watson as charactersDetailed coverage of the four novels in the Sherlockian canonHolmes portrayals in television, movies, onstage, and in fan fictionThe most memorable quotes of HolmesActive Sherlockian societies in the United StatesLearn toIdentify key themes, settings, and charactersSee the influence of Holmes stories and their impact on literature, mystery writing, and detective workDiscover Holmes through his contemporary fan following, and stage and screen adaptationsAppreciate the literary genius of the Sherlock Holmes canon About the Author Steven Doyle is co-founder of Wessex Press/Gasogene Books, a small press specializing in Sherlock Holmes books, including the landmark Sherlock Holmes Reference Library. David A. Crowder is the author or co-author of several For Dummies titles.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Reads like almost all of the Dummies books… which works less effectively for literature, I think, than it does for the technological world. The Dummies sidebars and other “extra content” features felt clunky to me. I got the Kindle version, which does not do a good job of flowing them into the general content, so it’s possible that is influencing my opinion.Probably most interesting to Sherlock-media beginner fans, who haven’t yet read the books and are trying to use a resource to decide if it’s worth it or not (note: yes, it is, the original stories fall easily onto the modern ear and usually live up to the hype). If you are new to Sherlock, this book could be helpful, because it doesn’t assume you are already deep into it.I was generally disappointed, however, as I was looking for more in-depth analysis of the characters. There’s a bit of it, but based on the general research I’d already done, it was scant and left out some of the more interesting questions or else presented certain opinions as fact instead of making it more clear that there are lots of other views. Not enough time spent on Watson. A lot of time is spent on telling you how to join a Sherlock club, or where to go in London/etc. to find Sherlock-related locations.There are some good details on Victoriana that helps you understand the context of some of the stories, though, and some good summaries of the post-story media/movies/etc.Feels in fact more like a Cliff Notes version of Sherlock, which is fine if that’s what you are after. I can recommend this for true beginners, but people who have already done a lot of research on their own may find it feels hasty and way too brief.Oh, and it was written before the new BBC Sherlock series came out, so don’t expect any discussion on that show here. Hopefully it will get updated, though, as that show more than deserves a mention!

⭐As a WWII history buff I was never very knowledgable about Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. I admit I was one of those who didn’t know if Holmes was fact or fiction. In London a few years ago on business I had a pint at the lengendary Sherlock Holmes Pub where my host and a few others tried to fill me in on Holmes. I had promised to give Doyle’s work a chance although I didn’t commit to the “Canon”. Well a few years went by and my promise went unfulfilled. Then I noticed the Steven Doyle “Sherlock Holmes For Dummies” book here on amazon. I am an owner of several books in the dummies series and thought I would give it a try. Boy am I glad I did! Doyle (Steven, that is) has done a masterful job.I couldn’t believe all the detailed attention this book has on every phase about Holmes be it the original “canon” of Arthur Conan Doyle, Doyle’s wife, every play, television show and motion picture about the great detective. Steven Doyle is a historian, english professor, literary critic, television and movie critic and travel guide all rolled into one. This book is for anyone who has even an inkling of interest in Sherlock Holmes. Thanks to the author for sharing his love of the subject with the reader in such an informative, fun and caring way. I recommend this book to both lovers of fiction and non-fiction. My one question? Is Steven Doyle related to Arthur Conan Doyle?

⭐As the other reviews have stated, this is an excellent resource for new fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as seasoned ones. Many of us have been fans of Holmes since our middle-school years or earlier,and enjoy introducing young people of all ages to discover the Master Detective. This book is perfect for the budding “Sherlockian.” In fact, my local Sherlock Holmes group sponsors an annual Sherlock Holmes essay contest for 7th grade students in our area and, along with a copy of all of the Sherlock Holmes stories, copies of “Sherlock Holmes for Dummies” has been added to the prizes for the winning students! If you know of a young person around 11 years old or older whom you would like to encourage to read the Sherlock Holmes stories, this book would be a perfect reference to have on hand for them (and yourself!).

⭐An impressive achievement! I’m surprised to find myself writing that about a “Dummies” book, but Steven Doyle has hit a home run with this volume. Although the publisher’s main target audience most likely is novices who are interested in finding out more about The Great Detective after having seen the recent movie starring Robert Downey, Jr., even the most seasoned Sherlockian might be surprised to find they are learning a new tidbit or two from this offering. Especially impressive is that the author doesn’t merely give a survey of the original Holmes stories, their many adaptations in other media and Holmes’s impact on popular culture. That has been done often before. This volume goes beyond that by putting the Holmes stories in social and historical context, providing welcome richness for readers the next time they go back to the originals by Arthur Conan Doyle. Speaking of Arthur Conan Doyle, Steven Doyle (no relation) does a great job of outlining the Sherlockian “Game” — the happy fantasy that Sherlock Holmes really lived and that Dr. Watson’s writings are actual historical accounts that just need a bit of explaining to reconcile apparent contradictions — while still giving full credit to Conan Doyle’s genius. Heartily recommended!

⭐I am a Sherlockian/severe fan. I have bought all sorts of research type books, but this is a Must-Have. I spent the weekend reading cover to cover (skipped 2 chapters to read later – the book is set up to do that). Very interesting even for someone who is a lay-expert on SH. I especially liked how it tied Conan Doyle’s writing to actual world history – no one writes in a vacuum. Now the “later” SH stories make sense, realizing in what area of history they were written (WWI/roaring 20s). And I like the sections on TV/Movie portrayals.If you are NEW to SH – a must have as well – first chapters are great “Cliff Notes” to get up to speed on Sherlock Holmes, etc (can skip the detailed chapters til later).Seller – came quick, perfect condition.

⭐This is a great book. It is full of marvelous information for all fans and readers of Sherlock Holmes.SPOILER ALERT. READ THE ORIGINAL STORIES,ALL OF THEM, BEFORE READING THIS!

⭐I bought this as a last minute gift to go with other Sherlock Holmes items. I was worried that it would be very nerdy but it isn’t (or else I am more nerdy than I realise!)and it is full of interesting information. A great book that you can just dip into for a few minutes at a time if you wish – just as well as I keep borrowing it from the recipient!

⭐Item as described. Excellent service.

⭐Interesting read.

⭐MUST HAVE !!!

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