Episode 273: Close to Holmes

by Scott Monty September 30, 2023

“The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan” [REDH]

The wonder and magic of the Sherlock Holmes stories is that they were set, for their contemporary audience, in a city and its surroundings that were very familiar and very real.

Alistair Duncan set out to capture that in his book Close to Holmes, taking us on many journeys by foot and other conveyances, with wonderful photographs supported by vivid descriptions. Even though we weren't alive when the stories were written, we can feel as if we were there.

We discuss the impetus for this book, as well as Alistair's four other Sherlockian books — the first of which was the impetus for MX Publishing to focus on Sherlock Holmes.

We have news from the Sherlockian world and another easy-peasy Canonical Couplet. Did you win last time? Will you win this time? The winner will receive a copy of one of Alistair's books.

Send your answer to comment @ ihearofsherlock .com by September 29, 2023 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.

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And for Episode 273, we have bonus material: more conversation about the locations, including Conan Doyle's likely connection with the Anerley Arms and a possible inspiration for Professor Moriarty. Listen to it by becoming a Patron today.

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