Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street

Review: William S. Baring-Gould (1913-1967) was one of the world's foremost Sherlockian scholars. His "biography" of Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street demonstrates his knowledge and passion for all things Holmes.

Originally published in 1962, the book is an interesting, if a bit un-even, portrait of the great detective, examining his childhood, formative years, early detective career, his cases and his last days. There are some great items in the early part of the book, describing his family and including some allusions to some famous "relatives " (cousin Professor Challenger) and descendents (Nero Wolfe has long been speculated to be Sherlock Holmes' son). Baring-Gould as a storyteller leaves much to be desired, the book is replete with direct prose from John Watson's accounts of his adventures with Holmes; but Baring-Gould does include a few very nice asides. There are a couple of news reports of the Jack the Ripper slayings, followed by an account of Holmes involvement. And he does a very nice study of the years Holmes traveled in Tibet as Sigerson the Norwegian after his "death", even describing his investigation of the Abominable snowman and his relationship with "The Woman" - Irene Adler.

Sherlock Holmes of Baker Street contains quite extensive footnotes from many well- known Sherlockian works, as well as from the Canon, making it an enjoyable read. It isn't a great work, but it is a nice addition to any fan's collection.

Reviewed by: Kevin C. Belton, November 2004