The Parish Magazine No. 2
The Parish Magazine No. 2 is the newsletter of the The Arthur Conan Doyle Society published in december 1989.
The Parish Magazine No. 2
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY
ISSUE NUMBER TWO: DECEMBER 1989
The Way Ahead
They say that old habits die hard and, as books are a very old habit with me, I suppose it should have been no surprise that some considerable part of my recent holiday in France should have been spent scouring new and second-hand bookshops. Sadly, hopes of an inexpensive Tauchnitz did not bear fruit, and the second-hand shops contained nothing more exciting than more recent imprints of the Sherlock Holmes stories. The new bookshops, however, were much more fruitful and it came as something of a surprise to find just how much of Conan Doyle's work is in print, in modern editions, in a foreign language. For example, RODNEY STONE and THE MYSTERY OF CLOOMBER, whilst being virtually extinct in Britain, still enjoy popularity in France. There was a fine younger person's edition of THE LOST WORLD in the popular Livre de Poche series, and a collection under the title THE HORROR OF THE HEIGHTS containing such classics as 'The Ring of Thoth, The Silver Mirror, Lot No. 249, The Great Keinplatz Experiment, Captain of The Polestar and Playing with Fire'. A predictable series of titles for a collection, perhaps, but nevertheless collected, well promoted and, apparently, well read.
Another advantage which the French reader seems to have over his British or American counterpart is that almost all of the volumes mentioned above contain a short, well-written biography of Conan Doyle. Not merely half a dozen lines on the dust-jacket, but ten or twelve pages with photographs. What better way to introduce an author and his other works than to interest a reader in an outline of his life and activities.
The British book trade seems to suffer from several major ailments: an unwillingness on the part of major publishers to provide the public with anything other than the current 'recognised name'; in cases where a publisher is sufficiently adventurous to re-publish a 'forgotten' novel, insufficient advertising and promotion to ensure that the particular work receives the attention it deserves; and the virtual monopoly of W. H. Smith who seem to think that the public deserves only what that company considers right for it to be reading at a particular time. As an example, I recently came across a remaindered stock of a beautifully illustrated collection of 'The Ghost Stories of M. R. James' published by Oxford in 1986. This collection has certainly never received the benefit of a wide advertising campaign and I, for one, have never seen it in a provincial bookshop. Our literary heritage deserves a better fate.
But where is all this leading? Simply that, in the coming months, The Arthur Conan Doyle Society will vigorously promote Conan Doyle's works to prospective publishers with the aim of seeing them in print once more — hopefully accompanied by sensible introductions to the particular work and to Conan Doyle as a person.
It was particularly disappointing to see that John Murray & Company, whose association with Conan Doyle as a writer goes back to the days when they acquired the firm of Smith Elder, had remaindered their stock of Conan Doyle titles. Even more disappointing is the fact that recent correspondence with them confirms that there are no immediate intentions to return even the better-known titles to their list.
All that is certain is that this Society will do whatever it can to ensure that new editions become available as soon as possible.
In ending, may I wish all of the Society's members a very happy Christmas and a successful 1990.
CHRISTOPHER RODEN
160 — and growing!
As the first issue of THE PARISH MAGAZINE was being prepared, I was able to report that the one hundredth membership application had been received. Membership has continued to grow steadily and now stands at 160. Six months on from the Society's launch, this is encouraging and suggests that the initial target of 250 within twelve months is still attainable.
Overseas Subscriptions
Efforts to open an American bank account in the name of the Society have so far been thwarted by the need for Fictitious Name Certificates and other obscure documents unheard of in Britain. In the light of recent experience, it seems that we shall be able to dispense with such a facility altogether. However, I receive many letters highlighting how difficult it is to obtain Money Orders or Sterling Drafts and it is suggested that Overseas members should remit any payments to the Society either in hard currency or, in the case of U.S. members, by personal cheque. This will save the charges incurred previously and I shall arrange that next year's renewal subscription rates will be quoted in U.S. Dollars as well as Sterling. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ANY PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS.
Update
A.C.D. The Journal of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society
All members should, by now, have received their copy of the Society's first Journal which was published in September. Understandably, there has been some adverse comment regarding aspects of the Journal's appearance, and these were not unexpected. It is anticipated that the next issue will be produced by computerised typesetting, which should greatly improve the whole feel of the Journal.
It is pleasing to note that no-one has commented adversely regarding the Journal's content (yet!), and the variety included in the first issue has been the subject of much praise. The line up for issue two is almost finalised, and there is already a certain amount of work in hand for issue three. It is perhaps appropriate, however, to re-iterate comments made in the first Journal that the Society cannot function effectively in a void. Letters, suggestions and enquiries are most welcome indeed, they are our life's blood. A new Journal feature, A POINT OF CONTACT, will appear in issue two specifically to cater for letters and enquiries from members. It's your column let's hear from you!
'The Case of the Neglected Genius' (Owen Dudley Edwards on the trail of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society), appeared in The Scotsman's weekend books section of 4 November 1989. In typical style, Owen reviewed Conan Doylee as the scientific master craftsman of the modern short story, the need for our Society, and the first issue of the Journal. This was an important and prestigious review by a well-respected scholar and biographer of Conan Doyle. It is hoped that permission will be forthcoming from THE SCOTSMAN to make copies available to members in due course.
Thank you Owen.
Planning for the Future
With an eye on the future, I am planning to commence work on compiling a directory of the various collections, documents and photographs of Arthur Conan Doyle in official and private hands.
This is obviously a lengthy and difficult task, as it is realised that many collectors are reluctant to tell the world exactly what they have — and even more reluctant to make parts of the collection available for research. However, it is important that we gather as much information as possible concerning exactly what 'Doyleana' is in existence, and I shall be grateful for contributions, from whatever source, which help to ensure that this becomes a worthwhile project. Should any members wish details of their own collections to remain confidential, the Society will respect their wishes.
The Society will undertake a certain amount of advertising (on a modest scale) in order to reach librarians and archivists, but it is expected that members' reports will form the nucleus of the directory.
Important reports will be published in 'A.C.D.' from time to time, and it is hoped that a comprehensive publication will eventually become available to assist the scholars of the future.
Volunteer(s) Required
Pressures of business and domestic commitments necessitate my seeking help. A volunteer, or volunteers, are required to take over the organisation of the Society's First Annual Dinner.
What this really means is that I am looking for someone who will identify and arrange a suitable location for the event (this does not necessarily have to take place in London!), and arrange for members to be notified well in advance.
A volunteer is also sought to prepare an index for the Journal. The complete index for Volume 1 should be available to appear with the March 1991 edition. (Volume 1 will cover three issues).
Would anyone who is prepared to take on these particular tasks contact me as soon as possible.
Publicity for the Society
The Arthur Conan Doyle Society commanded three quarters of a page to itself in the September 1989 issue of Books Maps & Prints magazine.
In the 'Around the Societies' feature, written by Kenn Oultram editor of Chapter One — the newsletter of The Alliance of Literary Societies, there was a thorough discussion of the Society, Sir Arthur and his various writings, and the topics to be covered by the first Journal.
Mention was also given to the Official Launch and to the forthcoming programme in the B.B.C.'s 'To keep the Memory Green' series.
THE NEAR NORTH NEWS (Chicago?) of 11 November, carried news of the appearance of the Society's first Journal with a contact address.
Owen Dudley Edwards' charming assessment of the first edition of 'A.C.D.' in 4 November's SCOTSMAN is mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter.
Members will be disappointed to learn that Nick Utechin, producer of B.B.C's 'To Keep the Memory Green', has advised me that the programme on The Arthur Conan Doyle Society will not now be broadcast until the second quarter of 1990.
I'm sure, though, that it will be well worth the wait.
Holmes for the Holidays
Readers may recall that the first PARISH MAGAZINE contained certain references to The Chester Baskerville Society (Illinois, U.S.A.). Michael McClure, that Society's founder, has now launched a colourful A5 publication, 'Holmes for the Holidays' containing quizzes, puzzles, articles and comic strips, aimed at the young mystery fan.
It's an excellent introduction for junior Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and Michael is to be congratulated on his initiative. It is regrettable that some of the British Societies are not doing more to introduce more young enthusiasts of the future to Holmes and the other works of Conan Doyle.
A subscription to 'Holmes for the Holidays' costs U.S.$5.00 from The Chester Baskerville Society, 1415 Swanwick Street, Chester IL62233, U.S.A.
Wanted
Your news, views and letters are required for future edition of A.C.D. and THE PARISH MAGAZINE. All correspondence to Christopher Roden, Grasmere, 35 Penfold Way, Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML
JOHN BENNETT SHAW is working on filling gaps in the Holmes Canonical volumes translated into languages other than English. He would welcome any offers of these especially books or pamphlets published before 1970. Write to: 1917 Fort union Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, U.S.A.
GERRY O'HARA is looking for French translations and original articles in French on A.C.D. including books, newspaper articles etc. to add to his A.C.D. French collection. Write to: 3912-115A St., Edmonton, Alberta, T6J 1R1, Canada.
ROBERT C. HESS requires Sherlock Holmes items — figurines, statuary, sculpture, dolls, advertising, illustrations, timepieces, games, artwork, ephemera and all related items. Buying, selling and trading. He has a free list and colour catalogue available. Write to: 559 Potter Blvd., Brightwaters, NY11718, U.S.A. (516-665-8365)
The 7% Convention: A Sherlock Holmes Event
News has reached me of a convention to be held at The Shepperton Moat House Hotel during the weekend 25-26 August 1990.
Miss Donna Lauchlan is the mouthpiece of an otherwise un-named 7% Convention Committee, although it is understood that one of the Committee members serves on the Council of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London.
Donna Lauchlan reports: "We hope to have as much audio-visual 'Holmesian' material, old and new, that we can 'pack' (my punctuation) into the weekend. We also plan panels and quizzes. On a lighter note, there will be a fun Murder hunt running throughout the event, plus an optional 'Victorian/Holmes' theme banquet on the Sunday evening after our closing ceremony. It is hoped to welcome Mr. Edward Hardwicke and Mr. Jeremy Paul, and other guests will be announced as they confirm. There will also be a Dealers' room.
I am not in a position to offer further comment, except to say that publicity is slow in becoming available, and what has appeared so far has not been particularly professional in appearance. One wonders why such a major Sherlockian gathering is not being run with the blessing of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London.
Miss Lauchlan advises that proceeds will be donated to charity although what expenses are to be deducted prior to the donation are not specified.
If you're interested, and can spare £50-odd plus accommodation costs, contact 'The 7% Convention', c/o Miss D. Lauchlan, 16 Tonbridge Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 OEL for further details.
Membership List
A full list of current members will be published with the March 1990 edition of A.C.D.
An Evening with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Mark McPherson is an actor, writer and film-maker. He is also Director of the DAEDALOS Investigative Agency. His casework has taken him in quest of many of the world's great literary and historical mysteries, including nine expeditions to Loch Ness, Scotland, excavations at the British 'Camelot' site, an affiliation with Scotland Yard and psychical investigations around the globe.
Recently, Mr. McPherson served as writer, producer and co-star of the award- winning PBS documentary film 'The Great Shakespeare Duel'.
Two years ago, Mr. McPherson suggested to Dame Jean Conan Doyle that he would like to undertake a unique tribute' to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — rather in the style of the American actor, Ha! Holbrook's, characterisation of Mark Twain. The script of 'An Evening with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle' has been carefully prepared to reflect Conan Doyle as he sounded as distinct to his style of writing. A number of eminent Doyleans have offered help and useful comments, and a tour with an abridged version of the two- act play is now planned to take place in America in the New Year. If this is successful, a more professional production will be staged in America and then, hopefully, in London.
Mr. McPherson's publicity flyer includes the following statement from Dame Jean Conan Doyle:
- "The moment I met Mark McPherson I was struck by his physical resemblance to my father — and knew that my father would have so enjoyed meeting him and discussing Mark's researches into the mysteries of the world. They would have got on well together."
It is hoped that 'An Evening with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle' will be the subject of a special preview for members of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society in Britain and further information will be made available as soon as there are any positive developments.
Meanwhile, enquiries concerning booking arrangements may be made to Daedalos Productions, 24140 East River, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138, U.S.A. Tel:(313) 675-8692.
We wish Mr. McPherson well with his venture.
A Neglected Classic
THE STORY OF MR. GEORGE EDALJI by Arthur Conan Doyle:
Edited with an introduction by Richard & Molly Whittington-Egan:
Grey House Books (1985); 124pp: £10.00
To judge by the number of members who included the Edalji case amongst their special interests in the membership questionnaire, Conan Doyle's involvement in events which took place over 80 years ago still holds great fascination.
The original pamphlets on the case are now rare and expensive collectors' items. Members may be interested to know, therefore, that in 1985 Grey House Books published Conan Doyle's complete writings on the subject. together with the Statement of The Case against Royden Sharp. in a limited edition of 1,000 copies.
As a result of what may, perhaps, be tactfully described as poor marketing, a large number of the original edition remains available, and presents Conan Doyle scholars with the opportunity to study and re-assess the contribution made to this case.
The book is nicely produced and illustrated and, whilst the Whittington- Egan's introduction tends, at times, to be verbose, members will find the book fascinating reading. For many it will be the first opportunity to see the full case presented as it was in the early 1900s.
Rupert Books has access to a virtually unlimited supply of the book, and anyone interested should contact David Kirby, 59 Stonefield, Bar Hill, Cambridge CB3 8TE (Tel:0954 781861) for further details and, maybe. bargain price!
The Sherlock Holmes Society of London
Sherlock Holmes Anniversary Pilgrimage
26th April 6th May 1991
I have received the following letter from Tony Howlett of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London:
"You will already have received, as a Member of this Society, the preliminary details of our next Swiss Pilgrimage on 26th April 6th May 1991. I am now starting on the planning of this our fifth trip, with Albert Kunz O formerly Director of the Swiss National Tourist Office in London.
We want to widen our activities this time to include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who visited Switzerland on several occasions. Not only do I think it right to do so, but it will also enable us to avoid some repetition of what we have done on previous trips.
First of all, I write to enquire whether the A.C.D. Society would be interested in joining with the S.H. Society to make this a joint venture under the aegis of both Societies. It would certainly add to the scope of what we could do and also bring Doyle's name to the fore, as well as giving publicity to your Society. Please think it over and let me have your reactions.
Secondly, I need some help. My Doyleana, though not bad, is not equal to my Holmesiana. I need to know the details of A.C.D.'s visits to Switzerland — where he went and when etc., etc.. These are very necessary in planning the itinerary and what we can do at the various places. Can you help please?
I have, incidentally, written to Richard Lancelyn Green about Doyle's visit to Switzerland in August 1893. As you know, he made some interesting discoveries, as set out in his 'The Uncollected Sherlock Holmes' (Penguin 1983), pp.60,62 et seq.
I hope that this suggestion of joining with us is of interest to you and, in any event, I should be most grateful for your help on Doyle's Swiss travels.
With all best wishes,
Yours ever,
Tony"
Background Information
In order to provide a little more background information, the text of a letter which was enclosed with The Sherlock Holmes Society of London's September Circular is reproduced here:
Hotel Englischer Hof'
MEIRINGEN
Dear Mr. Chairman,
My name is Peter Steiler. I am an intelligent man. I speak excellent English. I am delighted to tell you that the Peoples of Switzerland would be honoured to invite the Members of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London to visit their country again in 1991.
It would be a source of great personal satisfaction for me to know that, on the fourth day of May 1991, I should be joined by esteemed Members, so that we can remember together, with the appropriate solemnities, that fateful struggle at the Reichenbach Falls, which so shocked the subjects of Her Late Majesty, Queen Victoria and indeed the whole world on that very day 100 years ago.
It was only recently that I discovered the real reason why Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson so eagerly wished to visit my country in 1891. It was in order to participate in the celebrations of the 600th Anniversary of the foundation of the Confederation of Switzerland. Not many people know that!
Your members will be humbly requested to transmogrify themselves into dramatis personae of the Canon, and in suitably discreet costume of the 1890s, flee from London to Switzerland on 26th April 1991. Between then and 6th May 1991, when they mount their flying horseless carriages to return to the Metropolis, a series of unparalleled adventures in a number of Swiss towns and villages can confidently be expected. This account I have from all quarters received. I regret that, at this moment, the details are a story for which the world is not yet prepared.
The Citizens of Meiringen, in particular, wish to welcome your Members to celebrate with them:
- - the official inauguration of the redesigned village square, in which the Statue of Sherlock Holmes by Mr. John Doubleday is a prominent feature;
- - the official opening of the Sherlock Holmes Museum in the former English Church in the square. Your Society and Dame Jean Conan Doyle are, as you will recall, Patrons of the Museum, which is currently being created by your Chairman, Tony Howlett, and the architect John Reid.
- - the 700th Anniversary of the Confederation of Switzerland, founded in 1291, which is being feted throughout the year in my country;
- - the 100th Anniversary of the Sherlock Holmes/Professor Moriarty death struggle at the Reichenbach Falls on 4th May 1891.
Further details (including the cost) will of course be supplied when plans are further developed. In the meantime, you may care to note the dates of this momentous event in your diary.
Assuring you of my best attentions at all times, pray give my greetings to all my fellow Members of your Society, and believe me to be, my dear sir,
Very sincerely yours,
Peter Steiler, the elder.
What Herr Steiler's letter does not say is that is is hoped that the main square of Meiringen will be re-named 'Arthur Conan Doyle Platz', and that this Society has already joined with Tony Howlett to send letters to Switzerland supporting this move.
And now, of course, we have a situation where we are invited to join an expedition which is expected to 'play the game'.
This Society is author-based, and I hope that I have made it clear all along that it was never the intention that The Arthur Conan Doyle Society should develop into another Holmes appreciation Society.
Against this has to be balanced the view that it would be proper for The Arthur Conan Doyle Society to be represented at any re-naming ceremony which took place in Meiringen and, as I am aware that it is Tony Howlett's intention to give a part of the Sherlock Holmes Museum over to Conan Doyle, it would also be proper for us to be present at that ceremony. Our members would also, I am sure, thoroughly enjoy re-tracing Conan Doyle's itinerary on his various trips to Switzerland.
However, and without wishing to sound snobbish about it, this Society should remain at a little distance from the frivolities upon which the popular press appears to pounce with regular monotony. Whilst acknowledging that A.C.D. himself enjoyed dressing up on occasion everyone will recall the practical joke he played on Willie Hornung by dressing in the guise of Professor Challenger — it would not be suitable for our members to engage in Reichenbach 'death struggles' dressed as would-be Moriartys.
There has to be a balance, and I am sure that no-one would object to entering the spirit at, say, an Official banquet. However, if we are to remain a serious Literary Society, the line has to be drawn.
My initial response was as follows:
"Dear Tony,
Further to your letter of 3 November, I am writing to acknowledge the suggestion that the S.H. Society of London and The A.C.D. Society should join forces on the 1991 Switzerland trip.
I personally think that it is a marvellous idea, with the reservation that there are likely to be A.C.D. Society Members (myself included) who do not necessarily enjoy dressing up at any opportunity, and who would, certain reserve perhaps, wish to maintain a as representatives of this Society. Should you agree that this will not dampen the event for others, I see no reason why we should not proceed."
As this edition of THE PARISH MAGAZINE was being prepared, I received a further letter from Tony Howlett confirming that, because of Swiss insistence that the whole affair should be conducted in costume, this was therefore obligatory. I have discussed the matter at length with members whose interests lie with Conan Doyle rather than Sherlock Holmes and, regretfully, have had to respond as follows:
"Dear Tony,
Anniversary Pilgrimage 1991
Thank you for your further letter dated 17 November which provides greater detail regarding the requirements of the Swiss that members of the party should be attired in Victorian costume throughout.
Following various conversations with Members whose interests lie with Conan Doyle over and above Sherlock Holmes, I regretfully conclude that it would be wrong, at a time when we are attempting to establish The Arthur Conan Doyle Society as a serious literary Society, to be seen by the world at large to be 'playing the game'. I therefore have to advise you that it will not be possible for this Society to join forces with The Sherlock Holmes Society of London on the 1991 Anniversary Pilgrimage. Of course, many of our members are also members of your Society and they will, doubtless by attending as Sherlockians.
It will, naturally, be a cause of regret that we shall not be present at the opening of the new Museum and, should it take place, the re-naming of the town square at Meiringen. You know, however, that our thoughts will be with you at that time.
On behalf of this Society's members, may I wish you a successful pilgrimage in 1991.
Sincerely,
Christopher Roden
Members of this Society who are also members of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London, and who are interested in joining the trip should write to Mrs Pamela Bruxner, St Cuthbert's Cottage, 23 North Street, Barming, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9HE for further details.
Members are, of course, invited to comment on this particular decision. Letters on the subject will be published in the next edition of THE PARISH MAGAZINE.
Would any members who can assist with Tony Howlett's request by providing information regarding Conan Doyle's Swiss trips, please forward their letters to me, so that the information may be collated before passing it on to The Sherlock Holmes Society of London. C.R.
Book News
No apologies this time around for concentrating rather heavily on books. In fact, just lately, there has been so much landing on my desk that it's difficult to know where to begin.
I suppose that it's useful to know where most of these titles can be obtained without too long a wait. Readers will be glad to know, therefore, that RUPERT BOOKS, Britain's premier dealer in volumes relating both to A.C.D. and Sherlock Holmes have just published their latest catalogue (Number 10). Its 48 pages are crammed with highly desirable items (some 571 of them). David Kirby has obviously mastered his recently acquired computer system to produce an interesting, illustrated catalogue which is available by writing to him. (See his advert for address and telephone number). RUPERT BOOKS NEWS also seems to be a first: an up-to-the-minute Newsletter which has just made its first appearance. I understand that it is to be issued on a regular basis.
British readers who have been having difficulty in obtaining Jon Lellenberg's 'The Quest for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle' will be interested to know that Rupert Books will have stock of this fascinating analysis of Conan Doyle biography available shortly.
CONAN DOYLE AND THE SPIRITS
by Kelvin I. Jones (1989); Aquarian Press; 256pp: £8.99
We have been expecting Kelvin Jones' study of Arthur Conan Doyle's spiritualist career for some months now and it was, therefore, somewhat surprising that the publication date arrived with no warning from Kelvin himself. Aquarian Press (an imprint of Thorsons publishing), present the biography as an unillustrated paperback. So important a subject as the one covered by this volume cannot receive justice in the brief pages of a Newsletter, and members will be pleased to learn that the book is to be reviewed by Richard Lancelyn Green for the next issue of A.C.D.
For the moment, it is sufficient to report that whilst the subject is treated with a certain sympathy, a large number of typographical errors and some very elementary mistakes (for example, Sir Nigel is classed as a Napoleonic novel, and the Lippincott meeting which took place at The Langham Hotel undergoes a geographical shift to Greenwich, echoing a mistake previously made by Pearsall in his biography) detract from the study of a highly important aspect of Conan Doyle's life and lead one to suspect that, for reasons unknown, the publication of this book has been somewhat rushed.
THE DEVIL'S MODE
by Anthony Burgess (1989); Hutchinson; £12.95
The inclusion of a collection of short stories by Anthony Burgess in these pages may be a cause of puzzlement to many readers. All will become clear, however, when it is revealed that Mr. Burgess has joined the long line of Sherlock Holmes pasticheurs and, it has to be said, has provided a piece of prose which requires far more probing than the average pastiche.
THE DEVIL'S MODE is Burgess's first collection of short stories and, in way, it is a development of Conan Doyle's 'A Literary Mosaic', in that it introduces real people none other than Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Cervantes and Debussy find themselves in these pages. But the piece which will most interest our members is 'Murder to Music.'
Many members will already be aware of the high praise which Mr. Burgess has given the work and writings of Conan Doyle (see Founder's Speech, A.C.D., Vol.1, No.1) and I, for one, have no doubt that Conan Doyle would have been flattered to have so distinguished an author re-lighting the Baker Street gaslamps.
'Murder to Music' finds Holmes, recently returned from some nameless assignment in Marrakesh, clad in dressing gown, winter comforter and a jewelled turban (the gift of the mufti of Fez) and all this on a London July day. Some of the old favourites make an appearance: the plot revolves around Sarasate; and Inspector Stanley Hopkins fills the role as investigating detective, but there is no need for me to give away the plot here.
What is most interesting is the way in which Burgess introduces veiled references to Conan Doyle into this pastiche. Holmes recalls his own youthful days at Stonyhurst College, where he was apparently taught Greek by a young priest of exquisite delicacy of mind — Gerard Manley Hopkins. In a later scene, Sir Arthur Sullivan is introduced, but it is difficult when Burgess writes of 'Sir Arthur, to decide whether he is actually discussing Sullivan or Conan Doyle.
All told, this is an enjoyable read a little deeper than most pastiche — and a book which will surely find its way onto every enthusiast's shelf.
THE LONGMAN COMPANION TO VICTORIAN FICTION
by John Sutherland (1988); Longman; 696pp; £35.00
It has to be said, straight away, that this is a reference book. The Companion has over 900 biographical entries, synopses of over 600 novels, and a wealth of background material on publishers and reviewers. Conan Doyle's life and major novels receive good coverage, as do the publications to which he contributed, and the major literary figures of his time.
Viewed as a whole, the book is a highly useful guide to the fiction of the period in which Conan Doyle lived and wrote and, for me, is fast becoming an indispensible source of information.
CONAN DOYLE PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
by Julian Symons (1979) (This edition 1988); The Mysterious Press (New York); 137pp; U.S.$9.95
The original Whizzard Press edition of Julian Symons' respected short biography of Conan Doyle is becoming harder to obtain and it was, therefore, pleasing to find that Mysterious Press had reprinted the book as a paperback.
Whilst this edition lacks the colour plates of the original, there are copious illustrations and Mr Symons' knowledge of the social background of the times helps us to understand a little better some of the things which motivated Conan Doyle's actions.
'Conan Doyle - Portrait of an Artist' is a good short biography and serves as a splendid introduction to the subject.
THE BEST SUPERNATURAL TALES OF ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
Selected and Introduced by E. F. Bleiler (1979); Dover Publications (New York); 302pp; £4.90 ($6.50 in U.S.)
In view of the very poor selection of Conan Doyle material which is available in Britain at the present time, I felt it important to tell Members that this collection by Dover Publications is still available.
That Dover has gained a reputation for the publication of neglected fantasy, science fiction and ghost stories by such masters as Algernon Blackwood, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Charles Dickens, M. R. James, Sheridan Le Fanu, Wilkie Collins and H. G. Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle, is to their credit, and whilst this is, perhaps, a predictable collection it serves as a useful introduction to Conan Doyle's supernatural writings, especially for those seeking release from Sherlock Holmes for the first time.
The collection includes such classics as 'The Bully of Brocas Court', 'The Captain of The Polestar', 'The Brown Hand', 'The Leather Funnel', 'Lot No. 249', 'Playing with Fire', 'The Ring of Thoth', 'John Barrington Cowles', 'Selecting a Ghost', and others, and represents remarkable value for the cover price.
THE SECRET OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
A stage play by Jeremy Paul (1989); Ian Henry Publications; 59pp; £5.95
There is no need for me to discuss the success of the stage play. That it is now in the middle of a British nationwide tour is evidence of how well it was received. In view of such success, therefore, it was reasonable to expect a special production aimed at the many Sherlockian collectors when the script was finally made available in book form. Advance publicity suggested that the book would have illustrations — it does not. One hoped that it would be lavish it is not. Perhaps, a contribution from Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke could have been expected wrong again!
Apart from an interesting introduction by Jeremy Paul, and the addition of stage direction which wa apparently missing from the original, we are presented with a playscript pure and simple in a somewhat uninspiringly designed paper cover.
This particular publisher has, in the past, provided us with Sherlock Holmes pastiche and E. W. Hornung reprints and, each time, we are left hoping that the next volume will be something better. This particular volume does not do justice to Jeremy Paul's fine work and, from the collector's point of view, it simply is not good enough. Add to this recent reports that the price is being increased to £6.25, and there is good reason to be disappointed.
SHERLOCK HOLMES IN LONDON
A photographic record of Conan Doyle's Stories
by Charles Viney (1989); Equation; £14.95
There is absolutely no cause for complaint about the marvellous collection of photographs which Charles Viney has gathered for 'Sherlock Holmes in London'.
A certain standard was set, a few years ago, with the publication of Kobayashi's 'Sherlock Holmes's London' which illustrated many of the locations of the Canon with modern photographs.
Mr. Viney, has gone one better and, with the help of more than 250 contemporary photographs, he traces the footsteps of Holmes and Watson through the London of their time. Each photograph illustrates an extract from one of the stories in THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES and its location is pinpointed on a Victorian street map. The result is a tribute to the authenticity of Conan Doyle's writing, a record of a vanished world, and an invaluable reference book for all Holmes devotees.
Reviews
DRACULA'S BROOD
Neglected Vampire Classics
Selected and introduced by Richard Dalby (1989); Equation; 348pp: £3.99
NINETEENTH CENTURY SUSPENSE From Poe to Conan Doyle
Edited by Bloom, Docherty, Gibb and Shand (1988); Macmillan (Insights); 139pp: £8.95
Reviewed by David Stuart Davies
CONAN DOYLE — A Biographical Solution
by Ronald Pearsall; Richard Drew Publishing (1989); 208pp; £5.99
SHERLOCK HOLMES investigates The Murder in Euston Square
by Ronald Pearsall; David & Charles (1989); 186pp; £9.95
An Invitation to you
If you have come across a book which you feel would be of interest to members of the Society, and would like to submit a review to THE PARISH MAGAZINE, I shall be pleased to consider it for publication.
Please forward to Christopher Roden, 'Grasmere', 35 Penfold Way, Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML, England.
A.C.D.
Back Issues
In anticipation of the demands of a growing membership, there will be a generous over-printing of each issue of A.C.D. The Journal of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society.
Copies may be obtained by members and non-members by writing to Christopher Roden.
The price to members is £3.75 (including Postage & Packing) (U.S.$8.00 including Air Mail postage)
The price to non-members is £5.75 (including Postage & Packing) (U.S.$13.00 including Air Mail Postage)
To all members around the World
A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND A SUCCESSFUL 1990
Thank you for your support during 1989
As a certain number of THE PARISH MAGAZINE will be available at the next meeting of THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS in January, I am taking the opportunity to include a membership application form for anyone who is interested in joining:
THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY
Application for Membership
Please return to:
- Christopher Roden,
- 'Grasmere', 35 Penfold Way,
- Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML, England
I wish to apply for membership of THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY and enclose the appropriate membership fee.
Name................
Address................
Telephone................
Date of Birth................
I do/do not agree to my name being distributed to other members of THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY.
I agree/do not agree to these details being stored on a computerised data retrieval system.
Signature................ Date................
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
including two issues of the Journal and Newsletters as issued
- United Kingdom and Europe £8.00
- Rest of the World £10.00
- Supplements for Air Mail Postage:
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For ease of remittance, an overseas Air Mail subscription for one year should be costed at U.S.$25.00
THE PARISH MAGAZINE is published by THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY from Grasmere, 35 Penfold Way, Dodleston, Chester CH4 9ML, England and Edited by Christopher Roden. Copyright (c)1989, The Arthur Conan Doyle Society. All individual copyrights retained by the authors.
- Article courtesy Christopher Roden, founder of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society (1989-2003).
