cover image The Real World of Sherlock

The Real World of Sherlock

B.J. Rahn. Amberley, $16 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-4456-5055-5

English literature professor Rahn provides a competent introduction to the background for Conan Doyle's stories, focusing on the personalities that shaped Holmes and the state of policing during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. She begins with a comparison of Poe's Dupin stories with the canon before moving on to parallels between Holmes and Conan Doyle himself, as well as the influence of Dr. Joseph Bell, one of Conan Doyle's medical school instructors, on the detective. Not everyone will agree with her contention that other writers have underestimated Bell's role "in shaping both Holmes' character and methods of investigation." Rahn presents a solid survey of the history of London's Metropolitan Police and the investigative tools available to them at the time, though little of this material will be new to those who have read biographies of Conan Doyle. Devoting a chapter to "Sherlock Holmes and the Fair Sex" will strike some as odd, given topics not covered that might seem more relevant to Rahn's goal, such as an examination of the criminal underworld and real-life inspirations for Professor Moriarty. Still, Sherlockians will find plenty of interest. (Feb.)