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The Best of Sherlock Holmes |
The Ten Best Sherlock Holmes Gifts
By Randall Stock, November 29, 2011 (History)
How do you choose the best Sherlock Holmes gift? There are hundreds of books, movies, and other Sherlockian items to pick from. Below are recommended presents for new fans, and a separate section for long-time Sherlockians that highlights top items produced in 2011.
The Top 10 Gifts for New Sherlock Holmes Fans
| Category | # of Items |
| The Best Book of Sherlock Holmes Stories | 1 |
| More Stories of Sherlock Holmes | 2 |
| More by Conan Doyle | 1 |
| Holmes Movies | 2 |
| Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 4 |
| Free Bonus Items |
New in 2011: The Year's Best Sherlock Holmes Items
| Category | # of Items |
| New Holmes Fiction | 5 |
| New Holmes DVDs, Movies, and Related | 5 |
| New Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 6 |
What's New in 2011: Top Holmes Gifts For Long-Time Sherlockians
Classic Sherlock Holmes Gifts for New Fans – The Essentials
The Best Sherlock Holmes Book for New Fans
For someone new to the Sherlock Holmes stories, the best place to start is by reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes followed by The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. These collections include the seven best Holmes short stories.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 60 Holmes tales. These are available in at least 10 different complete collections, plus many other copies of individual books. Because most of the Holmes stories are out of copyright, there are numerous cheap, shoddy, or indifferent versions of the stories. However, there are a number of good-quality editions. Each has strengths and weaknesses. I've listed the ones that are the best for a new Holmes fan.
Best complete collection (all 60 stories)
Best choice under $30 (24 stories, including 7 of the top 10 stories overall)
Best choice under $15 (12 stories, including 4 of the top 10 stories overall)
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Leslie S. Klinger (ed.)
A classy and classic gift for anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes. The complete set includes all 60 original stories, accompanied by hundreds of illustrations and a wealth of notes by Klinger that explain the Victorian world and delve into the nuances of the tales. It consists of three large (10.4 x 9 inches) and heavy hardcover books.
Slipcased Version of The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes – Best Complete Collection
The Complete Short Stories (2 Vol. Set) ($95.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $59.85)
The Novels ($59.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $37.77)
The slipcased versions come with a handsome slipcase to display and protect the book when you're not reading it. It's best to start with the Short Story collection. You can also buy each volume separately without slipcases (see below), and these have exactly the same content as the slipcased versions.
The Short Stories, Volume 1 (non-slipcased edition) ($39.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $29.16) – Best Choice under $30
If your budget is limited, I suggest getting just Volume 1 of the New Annotated Sherlock Holmes (details above). It contains all 24 stories from The Adventures and The Memoirs, including the top seven Holmes tales, and is unquestionably your best introduction to Sherlock Holmes. You can always get the other books later. But if you want a gift under $15 or need a smaller, more convenient book, see the Oxford Sherlock Holmes below.
You can also buy the other two New Annotated volumes separately:
The Short Stories, Volume 2 (non-slipcased edition) ($39.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $30.36)
The Novels, Volume 3 (non-slipcased edition) ($39.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $29.16)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Oxford edition) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Lancelyn Green (ed.)
Oxford paperback edition ($12.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $10.38) – Best Choice under $15
Some people may prefer a paperback volume that's less expensive and easier to carry and hold. I recommend the Oxford Sherlock Holmes series and, for a new Holmes fan, the first collection (The Adventures) in particular. It provides a high-quality text and scholarly annotations that don't interfere with reading the story. This is the best paperback choice for a new fan, with fine background information by Conan Doyle expert Richard Lancelyn Green. The Amazon listing makes it sound like it includes all 9 volumes in the series, but this is just the first book. It contains 12 stories, including 4 of the top 10 stories overall. Unfortunately there are no illustrations. However, for a single book this is the best Holmes gift bargain for a new fan.
More Stories of Sherlock Holmes by Other Authors
There are more than a thousand Holmes or Holmes-related stories by other authors. Some of these "pastiches" are very good, but unfortunately many of them are marginal. Opinions of them diverge wildly, so I've just listed two (plus a bonus) that have been around for 30+ years and are especially notable.
The Exploits of Sherlock Holmes by Adrian Conan Doyle and John Dickson Carr
This book includes twelve short stories based on some of the untold tales in Sir Arthur's originals. The stories are written by his son and noted mystery author John Dickson Carr. The book does not appear to be in print, but you will find some copies listed at Amazon US
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer
The book that sparked the Sherlock Holmes revival of the
1970s. Although set in Victorian times, in many ways it provides a modern
revision to the Holmes mythology. It's a bit more of a thriller than a
detective story, but a Sherlockian milestone nonetheless.
($15.95 SRP;
Amazon US listing
$11.96)
Bonus: Almost Sherlock Holmes
The Solar Pons series by August Derleth
Short stories written in the style of the Holmes tales and featuring a very similar detective named Solar Pons. Highly recommended – more like Holmes stories than most pastiches. The series originally consisted of the following short-story collections:
In Re: Sherlock Holmes—The Adventures of Solar Pons
The Memoirs of Solar Pons
The Return of Solar Pons
The Reminiscences of Solar Pons
The Casebook of Solar Pons
The Chronicles of Solar Pons
These are generally out of print, but you will find some used copies on the Amazon Marketplace, or you can buy the complete set in a large two-volume hardcover as The Original Text Solar Pons Omnibus (ISBN 1-55246-077-0 ) for $200 from the publisher (email him for details). There are also Solar Pons stories by Basil Cooper, but I have not read them.
More Stories by Conan Doyle
The Annotated Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Roy Pilot and Alvin Rodin (eds.)
Conan Doyle's other classic creation took readers to a world of dinosaurs and adventure. It inspired numerous movies and books, including Jurassic Park. You can get various basic paperback editions on Amazon, but I recommend the deluxe illustrated hardcover edition with annotations. ($34.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see Wessex Press)
Holmes in the Movies
With his 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey, Jr. joins more than 70 actors who have played the great detective in over 200 films. That makes Holmes "the most portrayed movie character" according to Guinness World Records. New fans should see at least one of the top Rathbone films and one of the more recent depictions of Holmes noted below.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
Rathbone is arguably the best-known Holmes of the movies. In part that's because he made 14 Holmes films, but it's also a reflection of his acting skill, his striking appearance, and the quality of at least some of these movies. All are on DVD, but there are many different versions. For extensive details, see my list of the Ten Best Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes Movies on DVD.
The best value for a new fan is a double-feature
edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / The Scarlet Claw.
It gives you two of the top three Rathbone films, plus extras including audio
commentary for both movies, a photo gallery, and a trailer for The Scarlet
Claw. Ignore the color cover and Amazon details: these are in the original
atmospheric black & white.
($19.98 SRP;
Amazon US listing
$17.99)
If you prefer a film based on a Holmes story, Rathbone's Hound of the Baskervilles is his second-best Holmes film and a reasonably faithful adaptation of Sherlock Holmes's most famous case. You can buy it in a special double-feature with the lower-rated Pursuit to Algiers for a few dollars more than the separate DVD version. The double-feature gets you an extra movie while the separate DVD has a nice booklet and might have a little better picture quality.
There is a Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection 5-DVD set for people who want a good deal on all 14 movies, but be aware that Amazon prices for it have ranged from about $70 to $110.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in the 21st Century
Although not a movie, this new vision of Holmes in present-day London truly captures the sense and spirit of the Conan Doyle stories and characters. Sherlockians will delight in the clever use of elements from the originals, while casual viewers will enjoy the fast-paced modern mysteries and adventures. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman dazzle as Holmes and Watson. The two discs feature all three original uncut UK BBC episodes, which are each 8 minutes longer than the abridged versions shown by PBS in the USA. See my 2010 review of Sherlock: Season One for details on the disc Extras. The Blu-ray has the same content but in 1080i. Like the CSI TV series, some material might be too mature for children. ($34.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $18.98 DVD, $28.99 Blu-ray)
If you really want a Victorian Holmes from the big screen, consider getting the 2010 release of the Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie or my 2009 pick of Murder by Decree.
Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes Handbook: Second Edition by Christopher Redmond
This marvelous book offers the best introduction and general reference to the world of Sherlock Holmes. First get and read the original Conan Doyle stories – then get this book for a background to the tales and everything they've spawned. Besides covering all the stories, it discusses the characters, the themes, the movie and television versions, the Victorian era, Conan Doyle, and the entire Holmes phenomenon. It's an essential book if you don't have an annotated edition, and still useful even if you do have one. While there are other similar types of books, this one gets the facts right and is the best-written. Chris Redmond is a noted Sherlockian expert: be sure to get the 2009 second edition by him, not something by other authors with similar titles. ($32.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $24.32)
The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes: The Life and Times of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Andrew Lycett
This up-to-date, comprehensive biography of Conan Doyle is ideal for new fans and even seasoned Sherlockians. Lycett's careful research included access to the Conan Doyle archives, and unlike almost all other Conan Doyle biographies, it provides extensive source notes. ($16.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $12.71; also in hardcover)
Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters by Daniel Stashower, Jon Lellenberg , and Charles Foley
The first book of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's private letters provides a first-hand, unvarnished account of his life until 1920. See my detailed review of A Life in Letters. While a biography offers a broader view of his life and work, these letters reveal details of everyday life and give a more personal impression of Doyle the man. ($18.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.04; also in hardcover)
The Baker Street Journal / The Sherlock Holmes Journal
Anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle should consider subscribing to at least one of these two leading journals on the subject. The Baker Street Irregulars, an American literary society, has published The Baker Street Journal since 1946. The Sherlock Holmes Society of London publishes The Sherlock Holmes Journal. See the BSJ website and the SHSL website for details.
Free Sherlockian Newsletters
Peter E. Blau produces Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, a monthly newsletter that is available in printed form or for free online at the Sherlocktron Scuttlebutt webpage. Roger Johnson publishes The District Messenger, the newsletter of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, that is available free via email or online at the SHSL District Messenger webpage.
What's New in 2011: Top Holmes Gifts For Long-Time Sherlockians
2011 Sherlock Holmes Books – Fiction
The year's best fictional Holmes books published in 2011. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices.
Prices as of November 2011; subject to change.
World's Greatest Sleuth! by Steve Hockensmith
After the loss of Holmes at Reichenbach Falls, the 1893 Chicago World's Fair hosts a publicity contest to determine the world's greatest sleuth. Big Red and Old Red, cowboys turned detectives after reading the Holmes tales, get included and investigate a murder. Humor, clever twists and witty phrasing set this apart from most pastiches. Parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny. Series newcomers should know that Holmes is not a character, and you may want to read at least the first two books (Holmes on the Range and On the Wrong Track) in the series before reading this one. However, it can be enjoyed on its own and is one of the best in an excellent series. A new collection of related short stories is also enjoyable. ($24.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.49)
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
Warning: I have not read this, and unlike other publishers, Mulholland Books did not respond to queries in July or October about their book. It was published in November after my deadline, so I can only rely on second-hand reports. Those reviews are generally good, but must be taken cautiously since they often include errors about the original Holmes tales and the Doyle estate. That said, the author has done fine work in other productions including the BBC series Foyle's War. Several respected Sherlockians have given it very high marks, so I think it's worth the risk. ($27.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.49)
A Study in Sherlock by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger (eds.)
Top writers produce 16 all-new stories inspired by the Holmes tales. Not your typical pastiches, most do not have Holmes as a character and half take place in the 21st century. Styles, plots, and characters vary widely, which combined with generally strong writing makes for an enticing collection. Many of the tales require only passing knowledge of Holmes, but a few offer special pleasures for Sherlockian insiders. When writers as different as Lee Child and Neil Gaiman both hit home runs, there's unquestionably something for everyone in this book. ($15.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $10.20; also in hardcover)
The Pirate King by Laurie R. King
Laurie King has produced another fine volume in her series where Holmes has married an intellectual younger woman named Mary Russell and they investigate mysteries around the world. This story is lighter and less intense than her most recent work, with a wonderful balance of humor, adventure, and a bit of mystery. King's fluid style remains as charming as ever, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For more about King and her series, see Laurie King talks about writing and Russell. Unlike some others in the Mary Russell series, you can read The Pirate King on its own, or you could start with The Beekeeper's Apprentice.
($25.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.07)
Baker Street Irregular by Jon Lellenberg
This is not a Sherlock Holmes story or a conventional mystery. Instead, it's a novel of historical fiction set in the 1930s and 40s involving many of the founding members of The Baker Street Irregulars literary society. Lellenberg draws on extensive knowledge of the era, the BSI, and his own work at the Pentagon to create a period novel that mixes the literary world and espionage. For those familiar with his BSI History series books, the novel provides new perspectives on the BSI founders.
($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see the author's website.)
See also the Best 2010 Holmes fiction and the Best 2009 Holmes fiction for other excellent choices.
2011 Sherlock Holmes DVDs, Blu-ray Movies, and Related
The year's best DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, videos, movie-related and audio items released in
2011. See also About the
Choices.
Prices as of November 2011; subject to change.
The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes: Dr. Bell and Mr. Doyle (DVD)
This engaging mix of fact and fiction should appeal to all mystery lovers even if they don't know the Holmes tales, and Sherlockians will get extra enjoyment from how it combines elements of the Holmes stories with real biographical details from Conan Doyle's life. Ian Richardson is excellent as Dr. Bell. This 2011 DVD re-release of the 2-hour pilot episode from the BBC/PBS series Murder Rooms contains the same material as the 2003 DVD, including several text-based extras about ACD, the cast, and the production. The rest of that BBC series consists of four 90-minute episodes and is available as Murder Rooms in a separate 2-DVD set.
($19.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $15.99)
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (DVD)
Sherlock Holmes and Sigmund Freud join forces in a strong adaptation by Meyer of his own bestselling pastiche. The all-star cast is excellent with the exception of Robert Duvall as Watson, and even his performance is fine except for a terribly unsuccessful British accent. A quirky film with moments of excellence, it doesn't quite live up to its potential but is certainly worth watching. This new Universal Vault Series release is a no-frills product, lacking subtitles or even a scene index. The mono sound is weak, and a DVD-R is not as good as a standard pressed DVD, but at least the movie is again available on disc. Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) and the original 114 minutes. ($19.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $17.99)
The Sign of Four Starring Ian Richardson (DVD)
When Granada Television developed the Jeremy Brett Holmes series it derailed another project starring Ian Richardson, and his two made-for-TV Holmes movies are often overlooked. This is the weaker of the two, with a disappointing Watson and an adaptation that leaves out much of the detective work and replaces it with action scenes, including a truly ludicrous fight between Holmes and Tonga. Richardson is a believable Holmes despite being a little too genial. It's worth watching, but I thought Richardson's performance as a Holmes-like figure was stronger as Dr. Bell (above), and his version of The Hound was a better adaptation. Full-screen, in color.
($22.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $20.49)
The Hound of the Baskervilles Starring Ian Richardson (DVD)
It's fascinating to compare the 1939 Rathbone Hound with this 1983 TV version. This Ian Richardson movie uses many points from the original novel that did not appear in the Rathbone version, and omits some found in that earlier film. It also incorporates phrases and scenes from other Holmes tales, most notably from "The Speckled Band." Outdoor Devonshire location shots enhance the movie and the moor scenes are quite realistic. See the insightful reviews about this movie for prior VHS/DVD releases, which are more accurate than the comments on this new release. Overall the 1939 Rathbone Hound is better, but Sherlockians should also watch this version. A couple scenes might be too mature for children. Full-screen, in color. ($22.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $19.88)
The Search for Sherlock Holmes (DVD)
Holmes fans will find this 45-minute documentary provides a nice introduction to the life of Conan Doyle and his writing of the early Holmes stories. While visiting many key Doylean and Sherlockian locations, you'll also get to see a rare Holmes manuscript, a superb copy of Beeton's 1887, and materials from the Lancelyn Green collection and the British Library. The documentary appeared in 2009, but the DVD also contains more than 90 minutes of extended interviews with additional insights and Sherlockian rarities.
($22.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.16)
See also the Best 2010 Holmes DVDs and movies and the Best 2009 Holmes DVDs and movies for other excellent choices.
2011 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
The year's best books about Holmes or Conan Doyle published in 2011. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices.
Prices as of November 2011; subject to change.
A Study in Celluloid: A Producer's Account of Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes by Michael Cox
Long out of print, the first edition of this book is difficult to find and sells for more than $100 as a used book. This new edition should prove very welcome indeed to Sherlockians who couldn't afford the original but want the inside story of the Brett series. While I have not yet read either it or the original, the first edition garnered strong reviews from Sherlockian experts, and the publisher has provided some details about this new edition. It includes a new introduction by Cox and some additional photos. Many photos are now in color, while they were all black & white originally. In addition, some factual errors have been corrected and a few of Cox's opinions have evolved since he wrote the original book. ($28.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see Wessex Press)
On Conan Doyle: Or, The Whole Art of Storytelling by Michael Dirda
Michael Dirda takes you on delightful guided tour of Conan Doyle's life and writings, and along the way provides a very personal account of his own lifelong involvement with Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle. He turns what might have been a dry academic discourse into an engaging and wide-ranging discussion in a slim volume that's a quick and entertaining read. You'll learn about some excellent Conan Doyle stories, find out about some other stories and authors that you'll want to read, and get an insider's look at The Baker Street Irregulars literary society. Dirda, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic, writes with deep expertise but keeps it interesting for those who just enjoy reading. ($19.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $12.96)
The Narrative of John Smith by Arthur Conan Doyle
Unpublished until 2011, Conan Doyle's first attempt at a novel should be read more as a notebook about Conan Doyle and the 1880s than as a novel, and so appears under this non-fiction section. The editors provide an excellent introduction and numerous annotations that highlight how Conan Doyle would later use material from the book in Holmes tales and his other writings. See my full review of The Narrative of John Smith and read more about its history on the same web page. ($15.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $10.20)
The Grand Game Volume One: 1902–1959 by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger (eds.)
Sherlockians interested in the "grand game" of treating the Holmes stories as true historical events will find many treasures in this collection of mock-historical scholarship. These are not Holmes stories—they are writings that speculate about the stories. Long-time Sherlockians may have read most of these already, but it's nice to have so many in a single volume. New material includes an introduction by Laurie King and capsule biographies of the contributors. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see BSJ website)
Bohemian Souls by Otto Penzler (ed.)
Many consider "A Scandal in Bohemia" to be one of the best Holmes stories, so this facsimile of the original handwritten manuscript provides a unique perspective on the tale. It includes an annotated, line-by-line transcription facing the facsimile pages, and essays on the manuscript's history and about the story itself. See my longer review. ($35.00 SRP; not on Amazon; see BSJ website)
Italy and Sherlock Holmes by Enrico Solito and Gianlucca Salvatore (eds.)
Sherlockians from Italy have written some fine essays about the Holmes stories and the Victorian era. Not surprisingly, many focus on aspects of the tales involving Italy or Italians. These translated essays give English-readers a chance to experience some of the best "grand game" scholarship from Italy. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see BSJ website)
See also the Best 2010 books about Holmes & Doyle and the Best 2009 books about Holmes & Doyle for other excellent choices.
This site first published its "Best of Year" reviews and recommendations in 2009. See the prior selections for the Best 2009 Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs and the Best 2010 Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs. People just getting started with Holmes should see the top of this page for the best choices for new Sherlockians.
This page's 2011 list was first posted on November 5, 2011. It was revised and one item added on November 19. A final item, published at the end of November, was added to the current November 29 version of this page.
The good news for people interested in Sherlock Holmes is that there are so many books and related items beyond the original 60 tales. The bad news is there are so many items – how do you choose what to get? I've tried to simplify things by highlighting the best material for a new Sherlockian, and some of the best new items for long-time Sherlockians.
My choices are based on 30+ years of reading and collecting Sherlockiana. I'm a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, have written numerous Sherlockian articles, and have spoken about Conan Doyle rarities for conferences at Harvard and the University of Minnesota.
Selection criteria include my personal evaluation, other reviews, and price/value considerations. I start by assessing items that I own. I also read numerous Sherlockian publications for recommended new material and try to examine their top choices. For very new or unpublished items, I try to get advance copies or enough information to render a judgment. However, in order to publish this review before the holidays, items released after October 15 are usually evaluated for next year's list.
I've found all the items on this page to be enjoyable and/or useful, and place them among the best in their category. They've also received strong positive reviews from Sherlockian and/or general publications. Finally, in selecting items I consider both quality and price/value.
I limited the number of items in order to make this list easier and faster for people to use. However, that does mean there are some very good items that didn't quite make my list. And it's possible that I simply didn't get a chance to evaluate some 2011 items – feel free to send me email if you think there is something that should be on the list.
In most cases I've given both the U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) and the price at Amazon as of November 2011; those prices are of course subject to change.
The Best 2010 Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray
The Best 2009 Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray
The 10 Best Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes Movies and DVDs
The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories
The Top 10 Quotes from the Sherlock Holmes stories
Other Top 10 Lists for Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle
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