Category: Uncategorized

An Entirely New Country- Arthur Conan Doyle, Undershaw and the Resurrection of Sherlock Holmes” by Alistair Duncan

SAM_0655 I admit that I knew a little about Arthur Conan Doyle.  A little. Now I know much more. Alistair Duncan writes in such a clear way as to enable us to envision the events as they were unfolding during the Undershaw years – the years that Arthur Conan Doyle and his family resided at this home which he had built in Hindhead in Surrey. Witness its birth, life and uncertain future.
Built in 1897, the house soon became alive with activity.  Children playing, friends and relations visiting, author creating.
 The years that followed showed scandals, speculations, successes, controvercies and conflicts.Within these walls more happened in the life of ACD than most people realize.  Mr. Duncan diarized the life of the Doyles in and around Undershaw.There were new beginnings, followed by sad endings. There was news of great importance, disapointments, literary genius was exercised, distinguished visitors walked the halls.Eventually, the house, although still physically visible, was leased. And after all the awards and achievements bestowed upon its famous resident, time went on and its life faded.Throughout the book, are rarely-seen drawings and photographs from the author’s collection.

With the more recent photos of Undershaw we can see how we need to breathe life back into the home, as ACD did with Holmes.

Also by Alistair Duncan:

  • “Eliminate the Impossible”
  • “Close to Holmes”
  • “The Norwood Author”

There is an introduction by Mark Gatiss, and praise from Roger Johnson.

For me, this book filled in many blanks.  It pulled the puzzle together.

Definitely a must-read.
0

“MASTER’S DINNER” and MORE!

The Stormy Petrels will gather for their “Master’s Dinner” in this, their Silver Jubilee year, on March 17th.

The dinner, as in the past, will be enjoyed at the Bessborough Armoury (2025 West 11th Street, Vancouver), an Art Deco style heritage building constructed in 1932.

Please be there at 6:00 for 7:00.  Entertainment guaranteed.  Victorian dress is encouraged. 

It is also not too late to let Fran know if you wish to propose a toast.

Please RSVP to Elsa as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.

MORE:

Thanks to Mr. Eric Swanick, head of special collections at SFU Burnaby Campus, there will be a dedication of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle/Sherlock Holmes collection.

Admission is free, but seating is limited, so please call or e-mail the library to book your spot.

There will be speakers, and a reception to follow.  Find out how this all came about and where the books came from.

The Stormy Petrels have been very enthusiastic about this since the idea was first brought to light, and are very excited to see it all come together.

Please call 778-782-6704 or e-mail library@sfu.ca before March 16th.

0

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Up ↑