Episode 117: Arthur and Sherlock

"it is the only personal introduction" [SUSS]

"Just what the world needs," you tell yourself. "Another biography of Arthur Conan Doyle." Full disclosure: we thought the same thing.

Until we read Arthur and Sherlock by Michael Sims.

And then our attitudes changed. And then even more so after having a conversation with the author. Fortunately, we recorded that conversation and we're sharing it with you here.

Michael shared with us the impact of books on his young mind, his journey to writing, and how his earlier works on E.B. White and Henry David Thoreau inspired his style for this book. From Baring-Gould to Joseph Bell, we touch on many familiar names and go deep into this exploration of the elements that inspired Conan Doyle to create his master detective.

And, if you listen carefully, you'll discover how a certain intestinal discomfort prevented Doyle from killing himself.

And please consider joining our Patreon community. Your support helps us to ensure we can keep doing what we do, covering file hosting costs, production, and this year, transcription services.

Sponsors

This episode includes our two longtime sponsors. Please support our sponsors by visiting their sites:

• Wessex Press, where you can find The Illustrated Speckled Band: The Original 1910 Stage Production in Script and Photographs.
• The Baker Street Journal, which includes the written transcripts of the annual Baker Street Irregulars Distinguished Lecture series.

Notes

2:21 Welcome
5:53 Sponsor: Wessex Press
7:37 Welcome Michael Sims
11:47 Michael's uncanny ability to time the market
17:00 Michael's first meeting with Sherlock Holmes
22:31 Beginning a writing career
28:39 Bringing Joseph Bell to life
38:07 Sponsor: Baker Street Journal
39:42 Bell's own mentor
47:40 Doyle and Teddy Roosevelt
51:25 The origin of "Sherringford Hope"
55:09 Why stop now?
57:15 Conan Doyle's fan mail
1:05:47 Interview conclusion
1:12:26 Sherlock Holmes Brand ad
1:13:19 Closing remarks

Links

• Arthur and Sherlock (Amazon)
• Arthur and Sherlock (Barnes and Noble)
• Laurie R. King and Leslie Klinger on IHOSE - Episode 105: Echoes of Sherlock Holmes.

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Full transcript available at ihose.co/ihose117.