The Great Detective: The Amazing Rise and Immortal Life of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes, at a first, uneducated glance, seems to be but a simple detective; he is intelligent, sure, and his tales are, somewhat unusually, told from the perspective of another, but a detective he remains. Why, then, is he so wildly popular? Why is Sherlock Holmes a byword? What causes millions of fans to flock to Sherlock Holmes clubs, conferences, and conventions every year? How can a figure created more than a century ago remain so monumentally prevalent? In this revelatory book, the circumstances of Holmes’ inception, Doyle’s inspiration, and the zeitgeist that has supported Sherlock through the ages are proclaimed in a manner benefiting both Holmesian veterans and catechumens.

What can be said? This book is the best introduction to Sherlock Holmes lore and a most uplifting record for even the most effervescent Sherlock fan. The prose is quick, light, and humorous, but conveys all necessary information and then some in a brief and engaging tour de force. The history of Holmes, Doyle, the fandom, and even Dundas’ own misadventures are set forth in a engrossing nonstop narrative. It’s a must-have for any zealot or neophyte.