Sherlock Holmes is one of the greatest and best-known fictional characters in English literature. He was the central character in fifty-six short stories and four novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is a "consulting detective" specializing in crime, and the stories are told by his friend and chronicler, the famous Dr. John H. Watson. Holmes is known for using his amazing art of deduction to solve what seem to be unsolvable crimes—though he would be the first to tell anyone who asked, as he frequently tells Dr. Watson, that he is only observing "elementary" facts that anyone having eyes to see, would see just as well.
Holmes' observation of the significance of the "dog that didn't bark" in the presence of someone thought to be a stranger in Silver Blaze is an important lesson about the immense meaning of things not seen or heard:[1]
The character of Holmes is likely based on Joseph Bell, a medical lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Bell emphasized the observation of detail before making a diagnosis and was a pioneer of forensic science. Conan Doyle worked for Bell as a clerk at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.[2]
Of Holmes' early life and family, Conan Doyle said but little, though many dedicated fans have attempted to supply the details. Christopher Morley, founder of the first Sherlock Holmes fan club, "The Baker Street Irregulars,"[3] estimated the date of Holmes' birth at January 6, 1854.[4]
Sherlock Holmes is the younger by seven years of two brothers. The other brother, Mycroft Holmes, has a reputation for having as much power of observation and deduction as does his brother Sherlock. But instead of being a consulting detective, Mycroft is a sort of minister-without-portfolio in Her Majesty's government (Victoria of the United Kingdom)--and in fact Watson observes that "occasionally he is the British government."[5]
Speculation as to the full extent, and the pedigree, of Holmes' family abounds. However, only Mycroft Holmes, which Conan Doyle specifically mentions, may be considered a canonical relative of his.
The one love of Holmes' life was Irene Adler, whom he called The Woman. Holmes never married.[4]
Sherlock Holmes lived at 221b Baker Street in London.[4] When he was not being a consulting detective, Holmes could be found playing his violin, or taking cocaine, an addiction that he never fully conquered, but in later life was able to manage, with Watson's help.[6]
Novels:
Short story collections:
Sherlock Holmes greatly influenced other writers of detective stories. Some authors have written their own Holmes books. Larry Millett is one. These extra-canonical works fall into three broad categories:
Recently a movement has sprung up to place a plaque on this residence, this although Holmes was a fictional character. Several films and parodies have been made based on him as well. One such parody is Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler from VeggieTales.
The complete body of Sherlock Holmes' work is not yet in the public domain. The last canonical collection, The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, is still under copyright in the United States. This copyright will expire between 2016 and 2023, as per the terms of the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act of 1998.[8] The Estate of Dame Jean Conan Doyle owns the remaining US copyrights.[9]
However, copyrights in Canada are already expired (since 1980), as are copyrights in the United Kingdom (expired 2000).[9]
Many different actors have portrayed Sherlock Holmes in a variety of motion picture and television projects. Perhaps the two actors who portrayed Holmes most often were:
Categories: [Fictional Characters]