I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

"a fair balance of military power." [SECO]  The BSI Professions Series marches on, this time in military time. The latest volume in the series is Corporals, Colonels, and Commissionaires: Military and the Sherlockian Canon, edited by Michael Quigley, BSI ("A Large, Brass-Bound Safe") and Marsha Pollak, BSI ("A Small But Select Library").   Together, they tell us the story behind the book: the curious case of the new editor, a unique and helpful structure for the chapters, the classification of military as a profession, and how Watson's central role in the Sherlock Holmes stories was also rooted in the military.   Marsha's and Michael's backgrounds served them well in their editorial roles, and the book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Canon and the military. The Canonical Couplet quiz winner this time will win a mystery prize from our vaults.  Answers are due by April 14, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.   Please do consider becoming a Patron of the Ar

"he does not care for general practice, which distracts him from his literary work" [MISS]  There must be something in the water. Or the air. Have you noticed an uptick of interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle lately?   We spoke with Mark Jones of the Doings of Doyle podcast last season. Since then, a new society has met, another has been formed, and an academic journal has begun its path.   To help us understand the impetus behind this movement, we invited three well-informed and energetic individuals who are responsible for some of it: Ross Davies, BSI ("The Temple"), Cliff Goldfarb ("Fordham the Horsham Lawyer"), and Ashley Polasek, BSI ("Singlestick"). Each of them plays a unique but essential role in the development of these public-facing entities, and they each help us understand how it all fits together.  The Canonical Couplet quiz winner this time will receive the official lapel pin of The Literary Agents (seen below).  Answers are due by March 29, 2021 at 11:59 a.m.   Information on sponsors, links, a

"you must acknowledge, my dear Holmes" [HOUN]  When you hear about Richard Ryan's writing projects, you might make an exclamation much like Watson did in the presence of Sherlock Holmes. The self-described "pantser" already had five books to his name on MX Publishing (The Vatican Cameos, The Stone of Destiny, The Druid of Death, The Merchant of Menace, Through a Glass Starkly) and is at work on his sixth, Three May Keep a Secret. In addition, he is also completing an anthology series for Belanger Books called 1881, has authored a children's book B Is For Baker Street, and is an editor with the Dear Holmes project, where subscribers receive actually letters by mail that challenge them to solve mysteries. What inspires this former newspaperman and how does it do it? Join us as we uncover the secrets of his Sherlockian success. The Canonical Couplet quiz winner this time will receive a copy of one of Richard Ryan's books from MX Publishing (your choice).  Answers are due by March 14, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. Informati

"Unique, perfectly unique" [BRUC]  When Vincent Starrett set out to write his cornerstone pastiche in 1920, it wasn't intended for an audience of Sherlock Holmes fans. For one, he didn't know of any others who were as fixated on Holmes as he was. Fortunately, Richard Sveum, BSI ("Dr. Hill Barton") is well connected in the Sherlockian world and was able to tap the talents of other Starrett experts and enthusiasts to assist him in creating the 2020 Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual: The 100-Year Adventure of The Unique Hamlet. This look at Vincent Starrett's classic work will bring you new understanding of the man and his contribution to the world of book collectors and Sherlock Holmes. The Canonical Couplet quiz winner this time will receive a copy of the 2020 Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual: The 100-Year Adventure of The Unique Hamlet. Answers are due by February 27, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below. Please do consider becoming a Patron of the Arts. We

"a group of people who seemed to be intensely amused" [BLAN]   Once upon a time, a man invited a group of his friends to join him for lunch and conversation about his favorite literary figure. Eighty-seven years later, the Baker Street Irregulars continues, but what about that early set of people? Thanks to the incredible research skills of Linda and Terry Hunt, we know more about these 60+ people than we have in quite a while. Terry Hunt, BSI ("The Something Hunt") joined us to talk about the inspiration for Aboriginals, the book in which he and Linda outlined the lives of these people, from the insiders to the irregular Irregulars. These were fascinating people in a half-remembered, half-forgotten time, and a window into their worlds make ours that much richer. The Canonical Couplet quiz takes on a new form this time around. Our prize is a copy of Performing Arts magazine from January 1981. Answers are due by February 14, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below. Become

 "You are a collector, this set has come your way" [ILLU]  In our previous episode, we talked about some of the items in our collection, so we thought this time, we'd give you a glimpse into the collection of another Sherlockian as we launch Season 15 of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere. Charles Prepolec, BSI ("The Man with the Twisted Lip") is a Sherlockian whose collecting bug has run the gamut before settling on the Strand Magazine. In particular, bound volumes. He takes us on his collecting journey, from comic books to pastiches, Doc Savage to Dan & David Day, and original appearances to entertainment. We learn what motivated him to focus on the Strand and where his collecting bug will take him next.  Our new tiers are up on Patreon, including access to our exclusive community for supporters. Be sure to check that out - including exclusive photos from Charles' collection. The Canonical Couplet quiz is back, plus a new direction for the year. Answers for this episode are due by 11:59 pm EST on January 28.

 "Maybe you collect yourself, sir" [EMPT]  It's the end of 2020, and we thought it would be fun to interview each other about some of the favorite items in our collection. Even better: we thought we'd do it on live video. In addition to pulling out some items that may make your raise your eyebrows (either at the value of the items or our mental state upon purchasing them), we talked about the nature of collecting, the intrinsic value and feeling that some items bring, and gave a few tips on what collectors might think about. But mostly, we enjoyed connecting with our listeners and viewers, who were kind enough to tune in and pepper us with comments throughout the show. We also discussed a new structure for our Patreon and PayPal supporters, including a forthcoming community we're building for them on Discord. Stay tuned for more on this in future posts and episodes. We announced the final winner of this year's Canonical Couplet where we give you two lines of poetry that describe one of the stories, and you n

"I picked up a magazine from the table" [STUD]  It's not common thinking that a print publication would be needed in 2020, but Sherlock Holmes Magazine seems to have come along at just the right time. Founder/editor Adrian Braddy joins us to talk about the inspiration for this well-produced and successful magazine that he launched earlier this year. It was a mixture of his background and experience, and his nearly life-long love of Sherlock Holmes. It also helps that he lives in close proximity to the location where Conan Doyle spent his first honeymoon—a location with an eerie occurrence that may have led to the selection of the Great Detective's name. You'll want to see if you can test your knowledge with the Canonical Couplet: we give you two lines of poetry that describe one of the stories, and you name it. The winner will receive a copy of Sherlock Holmes Magazine. Entries are due by 11:59 pm EDT on December 28, 2020. Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.   Please do consider beco

  "What sort of a game is that—eh?" [DYIN] While it's customary for us to utter "the game's afoot!" at the end of each episode, in this case it's more appropriate to say it as we commence. We're joined by Dave Neale, researcher in play and psychology, writer and game designer. Dave is responsible for the the game Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars. In our wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the series of Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective games, how one goes about creating a game, the difference between playing games as a child and as an adult, the common psychology behind storytelling and game design, and much more. We have a special announcement about our Patreon/Paypal supporter community and we discuss what's ahead. You'll want to see if you can test your knowledge with the Canonical Couplet: we give you two lines of poetry that describe one of stories, and you name it. The winner will receive a copy of the game Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street I

 "striking illustration of those powers for which my friend was famous" [SOLI]  The name Frederic Dorr Steele is legendary among Sherlockians. Even for those who don't know his name, his iconic rendering of Sherlock Holmes (as partly inspired by William Gillette) has left us with distinctive imagery. Sadly, Steele was buried in an unmarked grave in his family plot at the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, NY. But the Frederic Dorr Steele Memorial Committee was assembled to solve that. Our own Burt Wolder administers the group, and he asked fellow committee members Andrew Malec, BSI ("The Strange Old Book Collector"), Harrison "Terry" Hunt, BSI ("The Something Hunt") and Linda Hunt to join us to talk about those efforts as well as the life of artist Frederic Dorr Steele.   TRIOLET On Frederic Dorr Steele by Bliss Austin With joyful skill he breathèd life Into a name, a street, an age. With kindness and with humor rife, With joyful skill he breathèd life His pen outdid Pygmalion's knife In quickening the inkèd

"that strange wireless by which such people collect the news" [LION]  Moving from the definitive Sherlock Holmes on radio in our last episode to the definitive Sherlock Holmes of television, we're joined by Gus and Luke Holwerda, the fraternal team responsible for The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast. This duo is as enthusiastic about the Granada series as we are (perhaps more!) and they bring their professional backgrounds of audio and film production to the microphone as they demonstrate that enthusiasm. We talk about a range of topics, from locations to wardrobe, favorite episodes and more. Plus, we talk about their newly-available offering of Sherlockian Relics and how you can get their version of Granada props. It's the perfect collision of Sherlock Holmes podcasts in one episode. You'll want to see if you can test your knowledge with the Canonical Couplet: we give you two lines of poetry that describe one of stories, and you name it. The winner something from our vaults—it's a mystery! Entries are d

 "an incomparable actor" [STUD]  Anyone who is interested in the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and audio (that's why you're here, isn't it?) is familiar with the name Clive Merrison. The definitive Sherlock Holmes of the audio realm, Clive Merrison holds the distinction of being the only actor to play Sherlock Holmes in dramatized form in every one of the 60 stories from the Canon, as well as in 15 additional pastiches. Together with Michael Williams (and later Andrew Sachs), Merrison brought Holmes to life and gave him real humanity—particularly in the sometimes prickly, sometimes tender friendship with his Watson. We talked with Clive Merrison about his real-life friendship with Michael Williams, his time on the stage, what his Uncle Norman did to influence him, his adventures with "Hobbo," the actor he would sneak into the sound booth to watch perform and the actor from whom he wished he could flee from the recording studio, what made Sir Laurence Olivier hug him, the Sherlock role he turned down, the ne

"The stage lost a fine actor" [SCAN]  David Stuart Davies, BSI ("Ralph Musgrave") is the world's leading authority on Jeremy Brett. David has written extensively about Brett, including in his landmark 1996 biography Bending the Willow: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes, published the year after Brett's death, and having spent many hours interviewing him. We just marked the 25th anniversary of Jeremy Brett's death on September 12. We took the opportunity to talk with David about Brett, as well as his memories of interacting with the late Peter Cushing. David is a prolific writer, with novels and non-fiction to plays and short stories, and decades of editing. A fascinating and funny raconteur, we could spend hours listening to him.  You'll want to try your hand at the latest Canonical Couplet. The prize we're offering is a book by David Stuart Davies. Entries are due by 11:59 pm EDT on October 14, 2020.   Information on sponsors, links, and notes available below.       Please do consider becoming

"I should like to see a sister of mine" [COPP]  The name Enola Holmes ought to be familiar to most Sherlockians by now. Aside from her appearance in six books, on September 23, 2020, the youngest Holmes sibling makes her debut on Netflix. Nancy Springer author of the Enola Holmes series, joined us to talk about how her creation sprang to life and where she finds her strength. We go so far as to uncover the true identity of her inspiration and hear about how Millie Bobby Brown herself was the sparking plug behind bringing this young heroine to the screen. Along the way, we discover a fascinating personal and professional journey of Ms. Springer, about whom we can unequivocally say is one of the most reflective, thoughtful, and self-aware authors we've had a chance to interview. You won't want to miss her backstory and discussions of her other works such as I Am Mordred, Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest, and of course the Enola Holmes Mysteries. Happy 200th to us. We'll be planning something just for

 "so many remarkable adventures" [MAZA]   David Marcum has a good 45 years of Sherlockian fandom under his belt. Based on his output of writing and editing Sherlockian pastiches, you'd think he's been at it ever since his childhood. As the editor of the series of MX Books of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, he's responsible for bringing scores of new tales to the world, and his pace doesn't seem to be slowing down. His work has helped raise money for the Stepping Stones School at Undershaw, to the tune of $65,000. When it comes to hats, David is a deerstalker-only guy, but when it comes to editing, he has other interests as well. We discuss these, as well as how someone who's interested in writing a Sherlock Holmes story can get David to consider theirs. Also, we have a little news on the Enola Holmes film. And of course, the latest round of Canonical Couplets. The prize this time around is The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Vol. XXI. Entries are due by 11:59 pm EDT on September 14, 2020.   Information o

"step up, Wiggins" [STUD] Earlier this year, Mike Whelan, BSI ("Vincent Spaulding") passed the gavel to Michael Kean, BSI ("General Gordon") as the latter assumed the position of "Wiggins," or head administrator of the Baker Street Irregulars. It was a momentous occasion, as Kean is only the sixth head of the BSI since its founding in 1934. Burt and Scott had an opportunity to speak with Michael on a wide range of topics, including his Sherlockian origins (which were induced rather than pursued), his career in the publishing industry, early days in Sherlockian scions, and his role with the BSI Press. Michael also takes us behind the scenes to give us the story of his selection as the next BSI, going back a number of years. We discuss his vision for the role of a literary society in the twenty-first century and more pointedly, the difficult decision to make the 2021 BSI Weekend a virtual affair. Also covered is our upcoming 200th episode: we are looking for your feedback. And of course, the latest round of Can

"one would like to know the reason for such elaborate deception." [MISS]  In the west end of London, an apparently crazed individual is on the loose, breaking into art galleries and private homes to slash valuable paintings of women. Enter Joanna Blalock and the Watsons, protagonists in the latest in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes mystery series.   Leonard Goldberg, a USA Today bestselling author, has done a clever job with The Art of Deception, his fourth in the series, from Minotaur Books (St. Martin's Press). He joins us to talk about his inspiration, his experience in the medical profession (and kinship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), the writing process, and why Sherlock Holmes continues to fascinate him.   Listeners may want to try to solve the mystery of the disappearing co-host, and hear about our next show.   And don't forget to try your hand at our latest Canonical Couplet quiz for a chance to win a copy of The Art of Deception. Entries must be submitted by noon EDT on August 14, 2020.    Informati

"the little man was much more favourable to me" [REDH]  In their 86-year history the Baker Street Irregulars have had six leaders. Of them, Julian Wolff, BSI ("The Red-Headed League) seems to have been the least likely.   As Malvolio says in Twelfth Night, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em." Julian was in the third category, as there was a leadership vacuum following the unexpected death of Edgar W. Smith in 1960, after 20 years of leadership, and Julian's name was put forth to fill Edgar's considerable shoes.   The latest entry in the BSI Press Biography Series is Commissionaire: Julian Wolff and his Baker Street Irregulars by Sonia Fetherston, BSI ("The Solitary Cyclist"). Sonia returns to I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere to explore Julian's life inside and outside of the BSI, the secrets behind some of the back room jockeying, and the dry humor and self-control that powered this well-respected leader who saved the BSI from near extinction.   Inside this epis

"enterprise and originality" [COPP]  When Steve and Sharon Emecz founded MX Publishing, it had a very different purpose than it does today. And while most Sherlockians know the outfit for its many pastiches (particularly through the MX Collection edited by David Marcum), there's much more going on here than one might realize. Steve Emecz joined us to talk about what drives him and how MX has grown to become a wide-ranging publisher with over 400 books and 150 authors under its imprint. Not to mention how they support a number of charitable causes such as Stepping Stones School at Undershaw, Happy Life Children's Home in Nairobi, the American Cancer Society, and the World Food Programme, and how it's possible that a publisher can be carbon-positive.   There's definitely more than meets the eye with MX Publishing.   Once again, our popular Canonical Couplet quiz is back, and we reveal the secret behind the origin of these short stanzas. The prize for this edition is a book from MX Publishing. Answers are due b

"Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation" [CHAS]  Holmes and Watson turn to burglary in "The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton," seeking to thwart the designs of "the worst man in London." The story holds a unique place in the Canon for its distinctive villain and the Great Detective's "strong natural turn" for criminal enterprise, as well as the host of thorny ethical questions raised by his actions.   There's so much to pick apart from this, one of the shortest in the Sherlock Holmes canon. So when Constantine Rossakis, BSI ("St. Bartholomew's Hospital") and Daniel Stashower ("Thurston") took on the job of editing The Worst Man in London, the latest in the BSI Press Manuscript Series, it was an embarrassment of riches.   We talked to them about finding an editorial voice and the history of the manuscript, feelings when holding original Conan Doyle materials, the Frederic Dorr Steele and Sidney Paget illustrations, and more. Don't miss the latest Canonical Couplet, as we give you an opportunity to