The Parish Magazine No. 3
The Parish Magazine No. 3 is the newsletter of the The Arthur Conan Doyle Society published in june 1990.
The Parish Magazine No. 3
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY
ISSUE NUMBER THREE: JUNE 1990
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Spiritualism: Editorial Policy
The question of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Spiritualist beliefs and activities is one which many biographers have chosen to virtually ignore, and one which some feel has entered the pages of this Society's Journal too quickly. However, no study of Conan Doyle can be complete if we ignore, or gloss over, the way in which he chose to devote the latter part of his life and, for this reason, an editorial decision was made to include the subject in our Journal from the very beginning.
How one approaches the subject is a different matter. It is easy to adopt the attitude of previous writers and suggest that Conan Doyle's involvement with Spiritualism was merely a quirk of his old age; that his acceptance of fairies and spirit writings was a sign of his gullibility; and that the frequent exposure of mediums which he had endorsed merely illustrates that he was pursuing a lost cause. But none of these arguments deals with the subject objectively and this can only be done by examining A.C.D.'s spiritual development, how he came to be involved with mediums and Spiritualism, and how he spent his time in the pursuit of his chosen religion. In other words, we need to look at the subject through the eyes of an historian.
In my speech at the launch of the Society last year, I expressed the hope that those people who have experience of Spiritualist matters would impart some of their knowledge to those of us trying to understand Sir Arthur's total commitment to the Spiritualist movement. I would reiterate that view now.
Kelvin Jones' recent book, CONAN DOYLE AND THE SPIRITS, and his series of articles currently appearing in this Society's Journal, are good starting points in the debate: but there is much more to be done. We need to examine Conan Doyle's role as a historian of Spiritualism, and his effectiveness as a proponent of Spiritualism. Then, when all the data has been accumulated and examined, the time will be right for opposing and supporting views to be expressed. It simply is not enough to express a view that, because something is beyond logic, it should be pooh-poohed. If we were to accept that as a rationale, we should also use the same argument for disposing of the religious beliefs of the majority of the world.
Time and again, Conan Doyle spoke of the need to test and examine the evidence before acceptance or rejection: we can do no better than follow his example.
Articles which will assist in the study of this controversial subject will, therefore, be welcomed. It is hoped that this outline of editorial policy will assist those who wish to write on the subject.
C.R.
Working for the Society
The appeal, in the last issue of The Parish Magazine, for those interested in Society Committee work to come forward, produced a disappointing response.
We are entering an important stage in the Society's life: membership administration, the first seminar, an Annual Dinner, plans for the Society's publications, and schemes to boost the Society's income are all area of activity in need of urgent consideration.
Frankly, much as I enjoy the work, it's now become too much for one person. Besides, it is vital to have alternative thinking injected into the Society's organisation.
I am, therefore, proposing to organise a meeting in October or November. The venue will be advised in due course to those who wish to devote a little of their spare time to this very important project.
Catherine Cooke, Peter Walker, and Stephen Farrell have already offered help please let me know as soon as possible if you wish to join the Consultative Committee as it will be known for the time being.
The Journal Index
I'm delighted to report that Catherine Cooke and Philip Weller have agreed to compile the Index for Volume 1 of the Journal.
Volume 1 will cover the first three issues, and the index is scheduled to appear in March 1991.
My thanks to Catherine and Philip for their offer of help.
Julian Symons — Our best wishes for a speedy recovery
I know that Society members will wish to join me in sending good wishes for a speedy recovery from recent surgery to our President, Julian Symons.
Mr. Symons is now well enough to send humourous messages, and is preparing to commence work on a contribution for a future edition of the Society's Journal.
He was recently awarded The Diamond Dagger of The Crime Writers' Association — just recognition for his contribution to the genre, and his latest novel DEATH'S DARKEST FACE, was published by Macmillan in May
Julian, Get Well Soon !
Partners in Crime
Ipcress Productions is presenting a new play by F.G. Callan at the New End Theatre, Hampstead from July 24 until August 19, 1990.
Billed as a new Sherlock Holmes play, PARTNERS IN CRIME centres on an argument between Conan Doyle and his brother-in-law, E. W. Hornung, creator of what might be seen as an inverted image of Holmes in his stories of Raffles The Amateur Cracksman.
Using the characters they have created, the authors pursue their argument through the twists and turns of a case, manipulating their creations and the events that beset them. However, what begins as an intellectual exercise threatens to have disastrous consequences as events unexpectedly move out of control ...
PARTNERS IN CRIME is directed by Michael Hunt and stars Brian Abbot as Holmes, Glyn Grain as Watson, John Duval as Raffles and Michael Rhenish as Mycroft. Conan Doyle is played by Norman Mitchell and E. W. Hornung by Derek Bell.
Performances are nightly, Tuesday to Sunday at 8 p.m., and tickets cost £6.00. The New End Theatre's Box Office may be contacted on 071-794-0022, or write to New End Theatre, 27 New End (off Heath Street), Hampstead, London.
The Challenge of Challenger
by STEVE DUKE
The role of Professor Challenger in the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle reminds us that Conan Doyle was as much a part of the 20th Century as we are ourselves. Challenger, is without possible doubt, the most up-to-date of Conan Doyle's characters; he is also the last major figure created by Conan Doyle before his death. Yet he has been curtly dismissed as a minor figure in the Doylean Valhalla.
The 20th Century is so imbued with science that a new kind of hero has emerged concomitant to such a century. The scientist as hero is now so familiar to us that it is almost a cliche. But in the early years of this Century, the hero-scientist was an outstanding and daring novelty. Conan Doyle was no fool and quickly made the adaptation of art to reality. Challenger was the result.
Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of 19th Century man using science to solve human problems but he is, at heart, the romantic Victorian, as are the readers of the Canon. Challenger, on the other hand, is the academic who can be said to pursue knowledge for its own sake; an altogether different sort of hero: one in keeping with the new scientific spirit of the 20th Century.
Challenger is, just as his name suggests, a challenger. He keeps himself to himself, what is now called a low profile, not unlike Mycroft Holmes. He is married, which is a considerable departure from Holmes. The fact that Challenger is married is, in itself, a shocking revelation. Holmes, as we know, never set out to woo the fair sex; but that the gorilla-like and bellicose Challenger has wooed and won some luckless female well, that is beyond belief! How could any woman ally herself to such a beastly man as Challenger?
The major text of the Challenger cycle of sagas, THE LOST WORLD, now becomes the centre of our focus. The 19th Century exploration of Maple White Land is contrasted with the public meetings prefacing and postscripting the journey. Moments of high comedy and low farce in both these meetings are clearly definite statements of Conan Doyle's abilities as a shrewd observer and humorist.
Challenger not only challenges the unknown (Maple White Land) and the received facts according to Mr. Waldron, but also our notions of scientists as absent-minded professors unable to adjust to the demands of the day. Rather, it is we who are muddle-brained and absent-minded, as he is so quick to point out to us. He is not the fool we think him to be, as his marriage to a decent looking woman shows. He is, after all, human.
This depiction of Challenger which I have been at pains to draw, can be attributed to the shabby treatment which he has received in the past. A whole generation, the T.V. generation, can recall the one pathetic attempt to bring Challenger to the screen. This was the infamous Michael Rennie film. (Rennie was, of course, the ideal man to play any of the four leading characters, but Hollywood wasted him as usual.) Baker Street has been done to death; why can't we now have a Challenger T.V. adaptation similar to THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS or QUATERMASS? The shorter Challenger stories would be a perfect start to a series ending up with a serialisation of THE LOST WORLD. This would serve to give Conan Doyle's other works equal time and introduce millions to his other heroes. It is a tragedy that Challenger was not expanded into more stories.
In closing, I issue my final challenge to the reader of any of Conan Doyle's works. It is this: Challenger must receive his due as the equal of any of the other Doylean heroes. September 8 is Lost World Day, and an appropriate flag already exists. Challenger's Birthday is another matter for action as is Conan Doyle's own Birthday.
Readers sufficiently challenged may contact the author at: P.O. Box 340, Reservoir 3073, Victoria, Australia.
The A.C.D. Society in America
Al Rodin is keen to organise events and activities for the Society in America, and would like to hear from American members who are interested in attending events and/or meetings.
American members who are interested are asked to contact Dr. A. E. Rodin, 3041 Maginn Drive, Xenia, Ohio 45385, U.S.A.
Articles
Members are reminded that articles, covering any topic relating to Arthur Conan Doyle, are required for future issue of the Journal and The Parish Magazine.
Please contact me if you are in any doubt whether or not your proposed article is suitable.
Wanted
Gerry O'Hara is looking for French translations and original articles in French on A.C.D., including books, newspapers etc, to add to his French collection.
Contact Gerry at: 3912 Canada - 115 A Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6J 1R1
Memorials for A.C.D.
Suddenly, we are witnessing a spate of activity by those who wish to erect statues to honour Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Reports have been emerging from Edinburgh, for some time now, concerning the efforts of The Edinburgh and Lothians branch of The Federation of Master Builders to raise £45,000 for an 8ft bronze statue which is due to be unveiled in Picardy Place in the Summer of 1991.
The bronze statue by sculptor Gerald Laing of Kinkell Castle, Ross-shire features Sherlock Holmes.
I should like to be able to tell you more but, so far, this Society's efforts to communicate with The Federation of Master Builders have attracted no response.
From Crowborough, however, comes the exciting news that The Conan Doyle (Crowborough) Establishment has launched a Memorial Fund to raise money for a permanent memorial to be placed in the centre of the town in which Conan Doyle lived for 23 years from 1907.
The Crowborough Memorial is to take the form of a monolith of Crowborough sandstone, with a metal plate set in at eye-level. The plaque will carry details of Conan Doyle's life and a bas-relief of head and shoulders.
The Society would like to support the efforts being made in Crowborough. Members will, no doubt, appreciate that in our early days funds for ventures of this nature are rather limited. If any member would care to forward contributions towards a Society donation to me, we can then arrange to pass on a handsome cheque to the Crowborough fund. Alternatively, donations may be made direct Mr. Richard Greep, Honorary Treasurer, The Conan Doyle (Crowborough) Establishment, The Cross Hotel, Crowborough, East Sussex.
Further developments will be advised to members as we receive news of progress.
COULD THIS BE THE LAST PARISH MAGAZINE YOU WILL RECEIVE?
To ensure that you receive all copies of the Society's publications, remember to renew your subscription for 1990/91 without further delay.
Fake? The Art of Deception
A report on the latest season at The British Museum
from Philip Wilson
When you're out for a Sunday afternoon stroll in London, why not spend an hour or two visiting the new exhibit at the British Museum. Exhibit rooms 49 & 50 have recently opened a superbly crafted display of "Fake?: The Art of Deception" which runs until 2 September 1990. Amongst the several hundred genuine/fake displays of sculpture, coinage, painting, engraving and general curiosa, two of the exhibits hold particular interest for Conan Doyle admirers.
Gathered within the section of the exhibit labelled "The Limits of Belief" are display #76: The Cottingley Fairy Photographs, and #83-93: Charles Dawson and the Piltdown Man. In the latter, the original skull sections of Piltdown Man are shown together with other findings related to this paleontological hoax. James Cooke's painting, "Discussion on the Piltdown Skull" provides an impressive backdrop for this display. Although Conan Doyle is not mentioned in this particular display, the proposed Conan Doyle connections with this mystery greatly add to the rare opportunity to view these skull fragments.
More striking for Conan Doyle enthusiasts is the display on the Cottingley Fairy photographs. The placard introducing this exhibit reads as follows:
- One Sunday in 1917, Elsie Wright and her cousin Frances Griffiths claimed that they were late for tea because they had been playing with fairies. To back up this claim they borrowed a box camera and produced photos of themselves with the fairies who had detained them. Edward Gardner, a leading Theosophist, saw the photos and was convinced of their authenticity.
- So was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who published them and some more photographs produced especially for Gardner in The Strand Magazine. It was not until 1983, after Geoffrey Crawley had published an article suggesting how the photographs might have been made, that Elsie and Frances admitted that the fairies were cut-outs held in place by hat pins.
There are three original photographs, one painting, and one letter on display:
- 76a) Frances and the fairies, the first and best known of the fairy photographs
- 76b) Frances and the leaping fairy
- 76c) Fairy sunbath, elves etc.
- 76d) Painting of fairies by Elsie Wright
- 76e) The close of a handwritten letter from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Edward Gardner.
The following passage is extracted from this letter:
"They can't destroy fairies by antediluvian tests, and when once fairies are admitted other psychic phenomena will find a more ready acceptance. Goodbye, my dear Gardner, I am proud to have been acquainted with you in this epoc-making incident. We have had continued messages at Seances for some time that a visible sign was coming through and perhaps this was what is meant. The human race does not deserve fresh evidence since it has not troubled as a rule to examine that which already exists."
- - On loan from the Brotherton Collection,
- Leeds University Library
More details of the Cottingley Fairies are discussed on pp. 87-90 of the exhibit catalogue, edited by Mark Jones (Fake?: The Art of Deception, London, British Museum Publications, 1990), available at £14.95 (paper) or £25.00 (hardback). The poster for the exhibit also has an inset of the photograph with Frances and the leaping fairy and costs £3.95.
Although such an exhibit provides the public at large with one of the least attractive connections of Arthur Conan Doyle, perhaps it will stimulate many of those unacquainted with the non-Sherlockian writings and activities of Conan Doyle to more fully explore other aspects of his multi-faceted life.
The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street, and the exhibit is open Monday-Saturday 10.00-4.50, and Sunday 2.30 5.50. Admission price is £3.00 (£2.00 concessions).
The William Stead Society
Members may be interested to know that William Stead, journalist, social reformer, and early supporter of Spiritualism, to whom Conan Doyle refers in his discussion of Spirit Photography in THE HISTORY OF SPIRITUALISM, now has a Society which holds a conference every two years. (The next one is due in 1991).
More information may be obtained from: Prof. Grace Eckley, 744 Chimney Creek Drive, Golden, Colorado 80401, U.S.A.
To Keep the Memory Green
The delayed publication of this issue of THE PARISH MAGAZINE has given me the opportunity to make brief comments on the long-awaited B.B.C. Radio 4 Programme "To Keep The Memory Green" which was broadcast on Friday 6 July, and repeated on Monday 9 July.
Following the broadcast, a colleague who has no interest in Conan Doyle said to me "I came away with the impression that Conan Doyle was just an average author who really didn't justify having a Society to study what, apart from Sherlock Holmes, was very ordinary writing. This shocked me a little but, having listened to the tape again, I have to agree that this was how the programme presented its subject.
There was far too much emphasis on Sherlock Holmes and far too much gibing at Conan Doyle's Spiritualism and, although the programme's presenter Humphrey Carpenter referred to Anthony Burgess' much quoted article which attempted to right the injustice done to Conan Doyle by the Literary Establishment, the overall outcome was that Conan Doyle was done few favours by the presentation.
There were interesting contributions from Society members and, generally the Society, and the idea behind the Society, came out well.
It is not possible to present a full assessment of the programme in the space available here and a full review of the programme will appear in the September issue of the Journal.
Battered Old Books — Lovingly Restored
On a recent visit to Bath, I came across George Bayntun, Antiquarian Booksellers and Bookbinders.
In their workshop, Hilton Bayntun-Coward, one of the proprietors, showed me battered copies of Conan Doyle classics awaiting the loving care and attention which would be given to them in due course.
The bindings which Bayntuns put onto old books are works of art which would enhance any collection. Of course, such treatment does not come cheaply, but binding is carried out in cloth as well as leather.
Hilton Bayntun-Coward also has a more personal reason for taking an interest in Conan Doyle's works: he lives in the house where "The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place" was written.
Book News
Book News for this issue is confined to giving information regarding new titles: everything mentioned here and some others will be fully reviewed in September's issue of 'A.C.D.'
SHERLOCK HOLMES AMONG THE PIRATES
by Donald A. Redmond (1990); Greenwood Press; U.S.$34.95, £34.95
Don Redmond's latest contribution to Doylean and Sherlockian scholarship presents a case study of the publishing history of Conan Doyle's works and the problems encountered with copyright in the United States.
The various editions of A STUDY IN SCARLET and THE SIGN OF THE FOUR together with the textual variations are noted in this fascinating study of American publishing at the turn of the Century.
NOVA 57 MINOR: The Waxing and Waning of the Last Adventure of Sherlock Holmes
by Jon L. Lellenberg (1990); Gaslight Publications; U.S.$15.95 (plus $1.25 shipping (U.S.), $3.00 (elsewhere in the world)
(Gaslight: 626 North College Avenue, Bloomington, Indian 47404) (Visa and Mastercard accepted)
Jon Lellenberg's engaging account of the history behind 'The Man Who Was Wanted provides a fascinating insight into events following the discovery of the story by Hesketh Pearson and the subsequent quarrel with the Conan Doyle family until,, and even following the story's eventual publication.
Drawing on previously unpublished letters, the book is well written, nicely presented and a valuable addition to the library of anyone with the remotest interest in Conan Doyle.
THE CASE OF THE COTTINGLEY FAIRIES
by Joe Cooper (1990); Hale; £11.95
Society Member, Joe Cooper first met Elsie and Frances, the two "girls" at the centre of the Cottingley Fairies mystery, in 1976. They worked together for six years and, slowly, as he researched the case, he saw their prevarications give way to confessions. Cooper has brought together the various photographic evidence and presents a new perspective on this fascinating case a strange and twisting tale that reveals a great deal about the human will to believe the incredible.
The Arthur Conan Doyle Society List of Members as at 31 May 1990
President: Mr. Julian Symons
Honorary Members
- Air Cmdt. Dame Jean Conan Doyle, D.B.E.
- M. Pierre Nordon
- Mr. Owen Dudley Edwards
- Mr. Richard Lancelyn Green
- Mr. Jeremy Brett
Founder: Mr. Christopher Roden
Institutional Members
- Central Public Library, Edinburgh
- American Society for Psychical Research Marylebone Library, London
- Toronto Metropolitan Reference Library
- The Eileen J. Garrett Library
- Baker Street Miscellanea
Members
- Anderson, Ms.R.
- Andrews, A.G.
- Barnard, R.
- Batory, D.M.
- Bellin, H.
- Bennett, M.E.
- Bentata, D.A.
- Blain, Mlle L.
- Bone, Ms. H.
- Booth, J.A.
- Bostrom, M.
- Bradley, G.H.
- Brazzill, J.
- Brettell, C.
- Brosnan, V.M.
- Bruhns, O.
- Burger, Ms.E.
- Burr, R.C.
- Callanan, Ms. A.
- Chadderton, M.G.
- Coffin, J.A.
- Coleman, P.D.
- Collins, D.F.
- Cooke, Miss C.M.
- Cooper, H.J.
- Coote, M.
- Costello, P.
- Cox, M.
- Croft, J.C.
- Crouch, J.D.
- Crouse, T.
- Crupe, P.J.
- Darak, G.
- Davies, D.S.
- De Waal, R.B.
- Dean, Miss P.A.
- Dewar, Canon Dr. M.W.
- Digby, M.A.
- Doyle, M.
- Doyle, Mrs. G.M.J.
- Doyle, Ms. Pj
- Duke, S.
- Duncan, D.A.
- Dunn, Miss R.
- De Freitas, W.M.
- Eckrich, J.J.
- Einbinder, H.
- Elliott, D.
- Ellis, R.J.
- Emerson, W.J.
- Erickson, G.E., Jnr.
- Evans, Miss D.A.
- Farrell, S.J.
- Fawell, Miss C.A.
- Fredman, Dr. L.E.
- Fremantle, Cdr.Hon. J.
- Furukawa, H.
- Geddes, J.
- Gibson, J.M.
- Goldberg, S.
- Goodwin, J.J.L.
- Goold, Mrs. R.
- Goold, S.
- Gordon, Miss H.
- Gordon-Smith, Mrs. D.
- Granger, M. M.
- Greenhouse, P.
- Greenwood, L.B.
- Greep, R.
- Halewood, M.H.
- Hall, R.E.
- Hall, R.H.
- Harrington, H.T.
- Harvey, Miss S.
- Hazelrigg, Dr. D.E.
- Hazlett, G.
- Hess, R.C.
- Hinrich, D.
- Hirayama, Y.
- Hill, W.M., Jnr.
- Hodge, B.C.
- Horrocks, P.L.
- Howlett, A.D.
- Imburgia, S.
- Ishimura, K.
- Johanson, Dr. G.A.
- Johnson, R.
- Jones, K.I.
- Jordan, Mrs. A.
- Kanda, Y.
- Kawamura, S.
- Kawamura, M.
- Kean, M.H.
- Key, J.D.
- Kilford, S.A.
- King, R.S.
- Kirby, D.G.
- Kittle, C.F.
- Kulasavage, Dr. A.
- Ledger, Miss G.
- Lellenberg, J.L.
- Lentin, Mrs. H.K.
- Li, Miss J.
- Liebow, E.M.
- Lifante, S.E.T-D.
- Linton, Miss R.
- Lodge, J.H.
- Long, Miss D.
- MacDonald, Miss C.A.
- Macia, Miss C.
- Mackler, A.
- Malec, A.
- Maltby, Dr. J.R.
- Mariner, C.
- Martell, Ms. O.
- Martin, Miss C.
- Martin, C.P.
- Mason, A.
- Matanky, A.
- McClure, M.W.
- McPherson, M.
- Meaby, Mrs. K.J.
- Meighan, Mrs. D.
- Merriman, C.
- Mills, C.Y.
- Mitchell, A.G.
- Morton, M.
- Nathan, H.R.
- Negus, M.
- Nowlan, P.A.G.
- O'Hara, G.
- Olding, A.C.
- Payne, Miss J.
- Payne, M.
- Peace, P.H.
- Pilot, R.E.
- Prepolec, C.V.
- Purchase, H.F.
- Purves, Mrs. S.
- Redfern, Mrs. S.E.
- Redmond, C.
- Redmond, D.A.
- Rice, Miss M.L.
- Richardson, Ms. J.L.
- Ridd Ms. L.
- Roden, C.
- Roden, Mrs. S.M.
- Rodin, Dr. A.E.
- Rosenbaum, N.L.
- Rutter, Dr. R.R.
- Sasso, Dr. B.
- Saunders, J.T.
- Schulz-Sembten, M.
- Sexton, P.
- Sharma, Dr. O.P.
- Shaw, J.B.
- Shimizu, T.
- Simmonds, A.
- Sinclair, Miss A.
- Smith, R.D.
- Southworth, B.E.
- Speck, G.R.
- Spivak, P.B.
- Stavert, Cdr. G.S.
- Steele, Mrs. O.M.
- Stern, R.C.
- Stoddart, J.
- Stus, R.
- Surridge, C.
- Tanaka, K.
- Tietze, T.R.
- Townend, S.
- Trace, M.
- Tregale, Ms. J.A.
- Tyler, D.
- Upton, Miss J.
- Utechin, N.R.
- Wachs, Dr. G.N.
- Walker, P.
- Walters, Mrs. M.C.
- Waltho, Miss C.
- Walton, R.
- Warren, D.S.
- Weir, Maj. J.L.
- Weller, Sqn.Ldr. P.
- Whelan, M.F.
- White, Miss K.
- White, R.S.
- Whittle, K.
- Whorlow, C.
- Williams, R.M.
- Williams, J.
- Wills-Wood, M.C.
- Wilson, P.K.
- Woodland, C.
- Wood, I.J.
- Worland, R.
- Zaranko, T.
(c) THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY 1990. THE PARISH MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY THE ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE SOCIETY FROM 35 PENFOLD WAY, DODLESTON, CHESTER. EDITED BY CHRISTOPHER RODEN.
- Article courtesy Christopher Roden, founder of The Arthur Conan Doyle Society (1989-2003).
