Sherlock Holmes and the Scull of Death

Review: The events surrounding the general acceptance of the Piltdown remains as genuine at the London Geology Conference in 1912 have been described in a number of scholarly works. At least three popular books on the subject have been published in recent years and speculations regarding the perpetrator(s) of that hoax have included most of those involved. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has been accused of knowing complicity in this widely publicized scientific "Cause Cèlèbre."

This book purports to contain Watson’s notes on the investigation as conducted by Sherlock Holmes into the matter, including the participation of The British Government in the suppression of evidence that might have exposed the fraudulent nature of the finds at the time. First, let me make it clear that Doctor Fu Manchu was NOT involved in this matter. It is also clear that the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel took no interest in the situation. On the other hand, The French Government, The Rothschilds and traitors in the service of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were definitely involved and it is also suspected that agents of the Czar’s Cheka may have taken a hand in the matter.

This is truly an intriguing action-adventure tale and a number of familiar Sherlockian apocrypha are included in the narrative. The Holmes/Adler liaison, begun in Montenegro during The Great Hiatus, is confirmed, along with the existence of her son who is well-known to Holmes. The notion of Mycroft as head of covert British Intelligence Services is also confirmed. Watson’s fascination with the fairer sex is repeatedly reaffirmed, as is the survival of Professor Moriarty from theReichenbach affair and the assumption of Mrs. Hudson’s duties by her nephew and his wife. Several other popular Sherlockian myths, such as Holmes’ acquaintance with William Gillette, are also included.

The historical participants in the Piltdown finds are dealt with rather harshly. After years of historical investigation, it is clear that the Piltdown remains were ‘created’ by one or both of two players in the drama, but Mr. McClellan implies that almost all those involved, with the exceptions of Père de Chardin and Sir Arthur were either active participants or were, at best, knowingly complicit in the fraud.

The reasons the finds were not examined critically nor questioned intently are attributed more to greed and politics rather than to the more realistic motives of prior mindset and Victorian gentlemanly scruples in order to feed the author’s need to support a more interesting story line. Actually, lip-service is paid to the historical circumstances and viewpoints involved, although the key popular idea of the day that intelligence preceded erect posture is not mentioned. This is certainly a gripping tale and it provides a lot of adventure and amusement. It does not, however, satisfy one’s hunger for a good Sherlockian read.

Reviewed by: Philip K. Jones; March, 2007.