I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere

As we finished the last episode, we realized that we never got around to talking more about "The Adventure of the Empty House," as we had promised. We've filled that gap nicely this time out, with a discussion ranging from the multitude of commentary on "The Empty House," to illustrators, to a sneak peek at a future episode. We're also running a contest for our listeners. We have a copy of  DVD set from the BBC / A&E (pictured to the left) to give away. All you have to do to have a chance to win is leave us a comment here on the site, on our Facebook page, an , or an audio comment at (774) 221-READ (7323). Links: Download this episode by right-clicking the icon and selecting "Save As..." (File size: 28.5 MB, 31:09 )

In the Sherlockian world, the "Great Hiatus" is known as the period from 1891 to 1894 when Holmes was presumably dead after his showdown with Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. In the real world, it meant that publication of new Sherlock Holmes stories ceased after "The Final Problem" in December 1893 and didn't resume until The Hound of the Baskervilles appeared in 1901 as a retrospective (not a resurrection) of Holmes. It wasn't until 1903 that the world saw in "The Empty House." For those of you who have been following, this podcast was on a hiatus of its own. Scott and Burt have been busy in our professional lives (not to mention having equipment issues and a hard drive failure thrown in for good measure). But we're back! In this show, we recap of what went on in the world of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts for 2009, as well as what's coming up, and we even looked back at the hiatus of that august publication . Listen now: Links: /li> - including the 2006 edition "Quartering in the 'Fiftie

A visit to a venerable scion society, the Sons of the Copper Beeches, in October 2007. Headmastiff Gideon Hill describes the group's history, assisted by Scott Bond, who then offers remarks about his 25 years as the Baker Street Journal's cartoonist. We close with an Editor's Gas Lamp from July, 1959 featuring Edgar Smith's thoughts "On the Forms of Address." Show Notes: 1:30 The Great Interruption 6:20 En route to the SOCB 7:40 Meeting Gideon Hill 9:00 Gideon's history of the SOCB 11:10 Encountering Peter Blau 12:35 Scott Bond recalls the SOCB in the 1970's 14:45 Making friends at scion society meetings 17:35 Introducing Scott Bond's remarks 18:50 The Lament of the Sherlockian Cartoonist 23:15 Carl Barks and Walt Disney 30:30 A cartoon a month 31:00 How it all comes together 35:30 Camouflage in Japan 41:15 Scott's production process 46:00 Editor's Gas Lamp from the Baker Street Journal Volume 9, No. 3, July 1959: "On the Forms of Address" Links: on Wikipedia

Here we pick up where we left off last time. You'll recall that previously, we interviewed Jerry Margolin about giving up part of his collection; in this episode, we speak with the man who bought that collection. Otto Penzler, BSI ("The King of Bohemia") is a specialty dealer, the proprietor of , and a long-time expert of Sherlock Holmes and mystery fiction.Tune in as Otto tells us a bit about what it's like to have the opportunity to purchase an excellent collection, how he goes about deciding upon a purchase, and his own interests. He also gives some valuable advice to aspiring collectors.Please leave a comment at (774) 221-READ (7323), comment [AT] ihearofsherlock [DOT] com, within the comment section of each entry, or in the Splashcast player. We also encourage you to join the , to vote for us at , and to consider making a donation to the show (in the sidebar on the right). And you might right a reviewShow Notes:1:17 Introduction & housekeeping4:54 Scott & Burt welcome Otto Penzler6:15 Otto and th

This time of year always draws our minds to "," the only Sherlock Holmes story that takes place at Christmas. It's the source of our greeting cards to each other, with the universally applicable "Compliments of the Season," which is exactly the wish that Burt and I give to each and every one of you.Thank you so much for being part of this journey with us throughout the second half of 2007. We look forward to bringing you more episodes of the quality you've come to expect, and we may even have a few surprises in store for 2008.In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy 10 minutes or so of a very special holiday greeting from your friends at I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere.

We're pleased to welcome Jerry Margolin, BSI ("Hilton Cubitt") to this show this week. Jerry has been a collector of something or other nearly his whole life, but his Sherlockian collection was the thing that occupied most of his adult life. Recently, Jerry decided to sell his collection, and we wanted to understand what went into that process, from the making the very difficult decision, picking a buyer, and what's happened along the way. Those who know Jerry will be pleased to know that he did not sell the core of his collection - his Sherlockian artwork - which contains a wide array of original comic art, many made specifically at Jerry's request. You can see some of Jerry's art collection in the slideshow beneath the flash player for the show below. Please leave a comment at (774) 221-READ (7323), comment [AT] ihearofsherlock [DOT] com, within the comment section of each entry, or in the Splashcast player. We also encourage you to join the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere Facebook group, to vote

In the previous episode of the show, you heard us get into some pretty interesting topics with Mike Whelan, head of the Baker Street Irregulars. We continue in this vein in Part 2, talking about the , the in much greater detail, the Dr. Watson Fund, and a very exciting contest that you can participate in!Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Please contact us using the information in the sidebar to the right.Show Notes: 2:33 The evolution of the archives of the BSI, thanks to Dan Posnansky and Harvard5:43 Mike's leadership style and getting things done8:18 What happens at the BSI Weekend, anyway?14:30 The Dr. Watson Fund - what it is, how it works, and how to contribute16:01 Listener contest!!! Listen, participate and win!17:10 Mike's favorite part(s) of the BSI Weekend20:16 Follow the BSI Weekend activities - live - on the and the site21:48 How does Mike explain this avocation to civilians?23:04 Mike spends his free time doing...26:15 The secret to enjoying the Game27:30 Getting Mike into the 21st century - m

In this episode of the only Sherlockian podcast, we begin our interview the head of the Baker Street Irregulars - the internationally renowned literary society that remains at the forefront of the study of Sherlock Holmes. Michael Whelan has been "Wiggins" of the BSI for the last decade, and here he shares some thoughts on his own personal history, the organization, the annual gathering known as the , and more.The Baker Street Irregulars is the umbrella organization for a host of so-called scion societies around the world and has been in existence since 1934.Show Notes1:15 Introduction & welcome5:10 Mike's first experience with Sherlock Holmes9:50 A Rotary-like element to being a Sherlockian10:15 Mike's first Sherlockian dinner, 1969 - Hugo's Companions11:18 Mike's first BSI dinner, 197313:16 The Montgomery tradition begins and other Irregularities15:36 Mike gets his investiture and discussion of the "wait list"17:54 How Mike became the head of the BSI22:59 That's a lot of dinners!23:26 The BSI's style -

We're pleased to welcome two noted authors to the show this week: Jon Lellenberg and Daniel Stashower. The recently edited a biography about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle along with Doyle's great-nephew Charles Foley. Comprised of hundreds and hundreds of letters, the book is already a critical success and is gaining popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. We talk with Jon and Dan to get some of the behind-the-scenes information from them. Please do consider subscribing to this podcast for free; you may also join our Facebook group, where there's an additional opportunity to interact with the community. Show Notes Introduction of Jon & Dan, their qualifications Why this biography is so different, after 20 others Where did all of these letters come from? Working with the Conan Doyle estate The heavy influence of Mary Doyle in her son's life Jon & Dan share perspectives of working with original letters - the good & the bad More of the bad: a chronologist's nightmare Looking at Conan Doyle's faith and

We pick up where we left off in Episode 11, talking with Bob Thomalen, BSI ("The Three Garridebs") about how he was able to make his events so successful so early on, how he went about selecting speakers, what it was like to work with Tom Stix, and a wonderful legacy left to us by Bob's closest Sherlockian friend. Show Notes Getting a critical mass at events Selecting speakers Some memories of Tom Stix, former head of the BSI One of Bob's inspirations and best friends: Bill Schweickert, BSI ("Cox & Co.") Bob's support system No Gas-Lamp this week; instead a special reading of "A Long Evening with Holmes" Listener comments An appeal to join us online Links Product placement: The  

Scott and Burt interview Bob Thomalen, BSI to learn more about his involvement with the Sherlockian world, including his claim to fame, Autumn in Baker Street (aka “The Great Sherlockian Sleepover?). Join us as we learn more about this veteran drummer, guitarist, magician, chessman, and corporate presenter. Bob will also share his insights as to how to start a Sherlock Holmes society or event . Show Notes 03:05 Bob shares his late start with Sherlock Holmes 06:37 Ron Burt De Waal’s World Bibliography of Sherlock Holmes 07:55 Bob discovers the Sherlockian scene through societies 12:30 The Beginnings of Autumn in Baker Street 17:10 Giving the people what they want – for 25 years 17:50 The latest AIBS (September 2007) was a major success 21:50 Some insight on planning a Sherlockian event 26:51 A description of Autumn in Baker Street for the uninitiated 31:18 Listener comment - a memory of John Bennett Shaw 35:22 Wrap-up, join our Facebook group, consider subscribing for free Links – site of the very firs

In the late 1980s, Jeremy Brett commissioned Jeremy Paul to write a play for him. The collaboration yielded The Secret of Sherlock Holmes, which ran for a year in the West End and toured for three months around England. The shores of the United States have never seen the play - until now. In honor of the 120th anniversary of the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes in print (1887-2007), Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts is producing the play. In this episode, we interview the actors Michael Hammond and David Demke and director Robert Walsh, in anticipation of the play's run from September 28 - October 28, 2007. In addition, there will be a Sherlockian weekend in Lenox from October 19-21, 2007. And at the end of the show, there's a listener challenge. Note: because of some technical difficulties, you may notice us "stepping on" each other's words. For some reason, the audio misaligned, and as I don't record separate tracks for each line, there was no way to edit it. I apologize, but I hope the

This week, we take a break from our interview schedule to get back to the basics. We discuss the man who determined the foundations of a good Sherlockian collection and heap lavish praise on our favorite tomes related to the great detective.Show topics:3:50 The Shaw 100 as the basis of a number of good Sherlockian books4:40 A bit about John Bennett Shaw7:32 Do you have memories of John Bennett Shaw? Call us at (774) 221-READ, email us at comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com, or comment below9:03 Burt's favorite book15:40 What "the hunt" was like before the Internet19:27 Paxton Whitehead reads "221B" by Vincent Starrett21:08 Scott's favorite book28:50 Editor's Gas Lamp, "Let Me Recommend This Book," Vol. 2, No. 2 (Old Series)Links in this episode:The Shaw 100 - the books John Bennett Shaw, BSI thought were essential; they are listed on our Shelfari shelf here, or you can click on the Amazon link below to purchase them.The Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota Library Paxton Whi

Editors Steven Rothman and Nicholas Utechin join us for a chat about a book they have co-edited: To Keep the Memory Green, some recollections from the life of Sherlockian/Doylean scholar and collector Richard Lancelyn Green. We also hear about their respective experiences as editors of the Baker Street Journal and the Sherlock Holmes Journal and the formation of the Quartering Press. Topics in this episode: 1:30 Listener audio comment 4:30 Nick & Steve give some perspective on their editorial experiences 14:29 A bit about Richard Lancelyn Green 17:20 The genesis of To Keep the Memory Green 21:12Steve recalls memories of Richard, a bus station and plastic carrier bags 23:17 Nick harkens back to the early 1970s and an Oxford connection with his professional Sherlockian friend 24:57 The Baker Street Irregulars and the Sherlock Holmes Society of London join forces 27:00 Quartering together – the fruits of labor 30:35The impetus behind the project – capturing the essence of a “one-off? 40:14 An alternative to

The chatfest with Peter Blau continues as we enjoy more conversation in an even more interesting vein, if you can imagine. From the early days of the BSI to radio connections, professional societies, collecting and traditions, and even Sherlock Holmes in a far-flung place, Peter gives his unique perspective.Topics in this episode:1:52 Meeting Rex Stout at the BSI dinner and the resulting shift in the paperback book industry7:05 Sherlock Holmes on radio10:13 The Practical, But Limited Geologists and other professional Sherlockian societies13:30 Some interesting books15:04 Peter's collecting interests17:00 An annual Sherlockian Christmas tradition23:50 Sherlock Holmes in the Smithsonian Institution - and beyond!30:52 What are your society's traditions?31:54 The Editor's Gas-Lamp: June 1982, Vol. 32, No. 2 - Peter Blau's first Gas Lamp as editor of the BSJLinks: and Reference to "F.U." from The Sherlockian Societies worldwide"That any civilized human being in this nineteenth century should not be aware t

We do another interview show, this time when we have a conversation with longtime Baker Street Irregular Peter Blau ("Black Peter"). Peter is one of the center points of the Sherlockian hub and has plenty of great stories to tell. Add to that an audio comment from a listener, and we've got a show that should not be missed.Topics covered in this week's show:01:50 Listener comment03:55 Begin interview with Peter Blau04:50 Peter defines the "average Sherlockian"06:25 My First Meeting with Sherlock Holmes09:20 Memories of visiting Ben Abramson's Argus Bookshop in New York11:22 Ben introduces Peter to The Baker Street Journal13:05 Memories of Edgar Smith, BSI dinners in the 1950s, and what "keeking" is18:10 Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press27:00 The Red Circle of Washington, DC29:28 Peter discusses his role in the Baker Street Irregulars and the BSI Trust33:15 Peter's editorship at The Baker Street Journal34:04 A brief history of the BSJ editors35:10 Julian Wolff's one-man BSJ editorship & mana

The discussion continues from last week's episode's topic of the basics of the Sherlockian world. You'll hear us discuss the societies, scholarship, international groups, regular gatherings and a healthy how-to of getting involved.Topics covered in this week's showThe Baker Street Irregulars and the origins of Sherlock Holmes societiesThe Baker Street Journal Christmas AnnualsSome society proceedingsOverview of the past & present heads of the Baker Street IrregularsWhy the "Baker Street Irregulars"?Some international groups, including the U.K., Canada, Japan, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy and FranceHow to join a Sherlockian society / what goes on at meetingsHow to find out when the meetings areAnswering the age-old question: "How can I become a member of the BSI?"The BSI Weekend activitiesOther online resources for your edificationAnd some offline resourcesThe Editor's Gas Lamp, from Vol. 9, No. 4, 1959 LinksThe Baker Street Journal A list of The entire and the by p.j. DoyleWhat goes on at

We've received a lot of correspondence from listeners asking us about some of the basics of the Sherlockian world – thank you for taking the time to contact us and let us know what's on your mind. In order to ensure that we're all working from the same level of knowledge, we'll cover some of the fundamentals of "the Game." Since this is such a broad topic, this will be a two-part show – and rather than make you wait two weeks for the second part, we'll release it next week.Show topics: Listener mail - how do I get into a Sherlockian society?What do we mean by Canonical?Which are the best Sherlock Holmes stories to read? Where should I begin?Holmes and Watson as real people - the beginnings of Sherlockian scholarshipSome details about Baker Street - particularly 221BHow we use short-hand to refer to the storiesClose connection with and nostalgia for the Victorian/Ewardian era when the Baker Street Irregulars was founded in 1934You say Sherlockian / I say Holmesian Links for this episode: (William S. Baring-G

In this episode, we sit down for a chat with Mike Berdan, BSI to discuss his article "The Adventure of the Dead Detective" in the Spring 2007 Baker Street Journal. Mike tells us about:How he came to be interested in HolmesHis origins with Sherlock Holmes societiesSome of his previous 12 published articles in the JournalThe life of a freelance writerHis inspiration behind the current articleResponse to Mike's thesis in his articleAdvice for aspiring Sherlockian scholars looking to be publishedA surprising revelation It's worth noting that this episode was actually our first recording session; the audio, while not ideal, is leveled better than the previous interview. We hope that you'll be able to listen to it without any difficulty.Links from this episode:Following is a list of some Sherlockian journals that consider contributions for publication: (from the Societe Sherlock Holmes de France) (Japan) Mike's article from the BSJ: From now until July 15, the nomination process is open at . Please consider for an

In this episode, Scott & Burt interview Steve Doyle and Mark Gagen, who run the very successful Wessex Press. You'll hear us speak with this very dedicated team about their publishing experience and how they go about planning and executing some very successful Sherlockian events. We also have our first audio comment from John Pforr (thanks, John!) and Burt reads a Gas Lamp from an old issue of the Baker Street Journal.Show Notes:01:05 Introduction02:21 Welcome to Mark & Steve07:17 All about Wessex Press/Gasogene Books13:12 The Sherlock Holmes Reference Library20:15 Planning conferences, lessons learned and successes25:32 From Gillette to Brett26:38 From Gillette to Brett II33:12 Listener voicemail34:37 Gas Lamp: from Volume 2, Number 1 of the Baker Street Journal, 1947Links mentioned in this show:Let us know what you think of the show, ask us a question or make a recommendation. Please make comments below, or call (774) 221-READ (7323)