The Maniac Collector's Inbox The Concert in Catalonia: A Review
The visit last week by the Proubastas generated many great moments. In just around 24 hours, we collected a lifetime of memories. Joan and I became friend over books so it is not surprising that one of those grand memories is about a book or at least in this case a booklet. The booklet is The Concert in Catalonia by Richard Hudson, grandson of Martha Hudson and onetime roommate of Dr. John H. Watson. The case occurred during Holmes’ retirement on the Sussex Downs. It involves a stolen violin in Barcelona, Spain. This is the latest of nearly a dozen stories sent by Hamish Hudson to Tulsan Sherlockian Dean Clark for editing. Hamish is the 81-year-old nephew of Richard Hudson and through his uncle, heir to the estates of Dr. John H. Watson, Sherlock Holmes, and Mycroft Holmes. At the request of Hamish Hudson, Dean gave a copy to Joan. This edition, written in English and translated into Catalan by Cousin Dolores (read all about her in last week’s post) and Miguel Ojeda, also includes original illustrations. The story unfolds as Barcelona resident Dr. Roman Masferrer i Pi calls on Dr. Watson and Richard Hudson at 221b Baker Street and reveals his involvement with Holmes, a stolen Stradivarius, and a late night duet. This is more of a thought provoking essay on the mind of Sherlock Holmes than actual crime solving because he solves the case without any explanation. It is the ‘after story’ that holds the intrigue. Another unrecorded event in Holmes’ past, a meeting with Sarasate, entwines itself to a point of direct bearing on this story’s outcome. Finally, who is the mysterious pianist that accompanies Holmes more than on the stage? This is a marvelous story that makes one wonder and hope for more from Cousin Hamish. By asking nicely, you might persuade Dean Clark to send along a copy. Send an email to mailroom@sherlockpeoria.net and ask for the Dean Clark Special Offer. Happy Collecting!!
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Past 2011 Columns January 2, 2011 January 9, 2011 January 16, 2011 January 23, 2011 January 30, 2011 February 2, 2011 February 13, 2011 February 20 2011 February 27, 2011 March 13, 2011 March 27, 2011 April 3, 2011 April 10, 2011 April 17, 2011 April 24, 2011 May 1, 2011 May 8, 2011 May 15, 2011 May 22, 2011 May 29, 2011 June 5, 2011 June 12, 2011 June 19, 2011 June 26, 2011 July 3, 2011 July 10, 2011 July 17, 2011 July 24, 2011 July 31, 2011 August 7, 2011 |
