Close to Holmes - A Look at the Connections Between Historical London, Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Softcover

An old schoolmaster once gave me sound advice; - A sense of place is a fine way to learn your history! - This is so true of the canon too! Alistair Duncan has visited the significant Sherlockian and Doylean London locations and has shared his enthusiasms in this very readable guide, the first book to give equal attention to canonical locations and important places in the London live of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. As an informed and unique addition to further our studies, it is a rare treat! Mr. Duncan's location chapters are easy to follow and he communicates the facts in an engaging and straightforward manner. It is as if an old friend is visiting London for the day and s/he and the author are enjoying a relaxed conversation whilst the latter points out, with great accuracy, important canonical and Doylean locations and their context. He is particularly helpful in his explanations of the south London 'Norwoods' (Lower/West; South; Upper and Norwood Junction) where much action happened. The author is again helpful in providing interesting background detail about senior Scotland Yard officers, the British Museum, the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, hotels, railway stations and many other people, places and organisations that Holmes and Doyle knew well. The writing is very well supported with over 140 black and white photographs, many showing how buildings looked over a hundred years ago and their appearance today. This is a delightful book, as useful on your reference shelves as in your pocket when on your field trip. --Sherlock Holmes Society of London Journal - Vol 29, No.2, Summer 2009, PP75

If London and its various 19th century connections (not just those associated with the great detective and the author) fascinate you, you will adore this book. Even if you have only a casual interest, this very readable and enthusiastic book will surely whet your appetite. --The Bookbag, Five out of Five Stars

The London of the late nineteenth century was home to both Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous detective - Sherlock Holmes. This book looks at some of the many locations in both central and outer London that have connections to one or both of these famous names. In addition to examining the history this book also looks at some of the theories that have been woven over the years around Holmes and these locations.