Today marks the 165th birthday of Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective.
From dispatching hounds on Dartmoor to helping red headed clients with their vexing conundrums, Holmes has seen it all. He has had more than his share of cases involving saving step daughters from their money grubbing step fathers.
Holmes has survived a number of murder attempts - some at the behest of Professor Moriarty. In addition to physical attacks, Holmes has also been the target of being infected with rare tropical diseases. Plus, it does not help that Holmes himself took several life threatening risks himself, the most famous being when he exposed himself and Dr Watson to the experiment involving Devil's Foot.
All said and done, Holmes is immortal. People will continue to read ACD's original stories and perpetuate the myth of the greatest detective who never lived.
In addition, there are numerous pastiches and adaptations, many of which are enjoyable. Fans of the author have paid tribute by letting their imagination run wild - Holmes has battled the Loch Ness monster, has been reincarnated in the 22nd century, and not only has he been partnered with a female Watson and a female Moriarty, but even has had Irene Adler and Moriarty combined into the same person.
To commemorate ACD's 160th birth anniversary, the Royal Mint has designed 50 pence Sherlock Holmes coins listing some of the most popular stories and novels from the Canon.
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Image Source: The Royal Mint
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That's a nice coin! Happy birthday! I still teach The Speckled Band to my Year 8 classes every year! They love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Speckled Band is one of the best and is in fact ACD's # 1 favorite out of the entire Canon.
DeleteI didn't know that! I'll have to tell the class tomorrow!
DeleteHere is the list of ACD's 12 favorite short stories.
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