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No. 480, August 14, 2011

The Concert in Catalonia: A Review
By Don Hobbs

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
The Sherlockian Christmas Tree

January 9, 2011
Sherlocking in New York City, 2011

January 16, 2011
SherlockPeoria Episode #450

January 23, 2011
The Numbering Police

January 30, 2011
Sherlockian Potpourri

February 2, 2011
Sherlocking in Columbia, Maryland

February 13, 2011
Sherlocking on My Birthday

February 20 2011
No Fog Countries Meeting II

February 27, 2011
Six Degrees of Sherlockian Separation: The 83rd Academy Awards

March 6, 2011
A Don-B-Fete

March 13, 2011
Sherlocking at the Circle Brewery

March 20, 2011
Days Like This

March 27, 2011
Sherlocking in Tulsa

April 3, 2011
Sherlocking in Windom, Texas

April 10, 2011
Sherlockian Overload

April 17, 2011
The Hansom Cab Clock Club

April 24, 2011
The Sherlockian Wall of Fame

May 1, 2011
Sherlocking in Manila

May 8, 2011
No Tagalog To Be Found

May 15, 2011
Sherlocking in Destin, Florida

May 22, 2011
Sherlocking With Bill Mason

May 29, 2011
Le Petit Journal Illustré

June 5, 2011
Toothy Tales Without A Single Dentist In Sight

June 12, 2011
Sherlocking with Tim Evers

June 19, 2011
Around the World in 80 Days -- The Rest of the Story -- A Review

June 26, 2011
Sherlocking in Forth Worth, Texas

July 3, 2011
Sherlocking with Debbie and Ralph Hall

July 10, 2011
Sherlockian Potpourri

July 17, 2011
You Know You Are
A Sherlockian When...

July 24, 2011
Sherlocking in Pebble Beach with Michael Kean

July 31, 2011
Non-Sherlocking in San Luis Obispo, California

August 7, 2011
Sherlocking with Joan Proubasta in Flower Mound, Texas

August 14, 2011
The Concert in Catalonia: A Review