The Sherlock Holmes Companion: An Elementary Guide - Hardcover

"In this beautifully illustrated volume, Daniel Smith explores Holmes in historical context, and as a timeless figure constantly reinterpreted, investigating Holmes and his craft. Offering synopses of his cases, discussing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as author, justice campaigner and fmaily man, he examines the legacy of Holmes and his creator, the enduring appeal of the stories and their interpretation on screen and stage. A delightful, comprehensive and fascinating guide to a phenomenon that continues to enthral readers and audiences the world over, this detailed study is a great tribute to the detective and his world; literature and legend" 

'Engaging dip-into book'

"We wholeheartedly recommend The Sherlock Holmes Companion. It’s a great celebration of part of our cultural heritage. Smith’s prose is lucid, economical and informative, and the book is a treasure trove of details about the world of the famous detective and his human creator. It’s the kind of book likely to persuade you to revisit the literary canon once again, and as each generation finds inspiration from the stories, to remember the richness of the world that Conan Doyle created. It’s one that resonates with readers and audiences worldwide to this day." 

A beautiful and lavishly illustrated book on one of the greatest and most enduringly popular literary characters of all time: Sherlock Holmes.

Since it's original printing five years  ago, we are re-issuing The Sherlock Holmes Companion with a full update of all the exciting detective developments from both the small and big screen as well as further details on all the major characters and locations. 

Illustrated throughout with more than 150 pictures ranging from period engravings and book jackets to modern-day location shots and film stills from TV adaptations, this is a compendious guide to all the stories, their author and the enigmatic pipe-smoking creation at their heart. 

Daniel Smith’s witty and informed text provides plot summaries of every single Sherlock Holmes story, potted biographies of Holmes, Moriarty, Watson and of course Conan Doyle. Interviews with actors and contributors who’ve helped bring the great detective to life over the years, including a new interview with Mark Gatiss who not only plays Mycroft Holmes but is also co-creator of the BBC series Sherlock. 

This is a book aimed at both the Holmes aficionado and at the gift market – comprehensive and nostalgic while also rigorously critical and not afraid to rank the better Holmes stories against the lesser.