Browsing the Bibliographies

Everyone knows that bibliographies are not to be read in themselves. They're to be consulted quickly, like the dictionary, and are useful only for pointing one in the direction of a real book to read. Yes, everyone knows that . . . except anyone who's taken a good look at either of Ron De Waal's bibliographies of things Sherlockian.

What good is it, the nonbeliever might ask, to own such a book when only a handful of the thousands of items listed in it are readily available to the average Sherlockian? That's a fair question. After all, there would be little value in a Sears catalog in which only one item on every other page could actually be purchased. Yet the bibliographies, like other "wish books," can be enjoyed not only as tools but as entertaining material for browsing. For those who aren't privileged to own a copy of either bibliography, here's a sampling of what might catch one's eye during a typical flip through the pages of the first volume.

+ Tired of playing the lottery? Try treasure hunting. The various chapters of the manuscript to VALL were sold separately in 1950. They are now reunited, but the "Epilogue" is still missing.

+ Over the years, many newspaper articles have been written explaining the fact that Sherlockian aficionados believe Holmes to be a living person. But a 1952 Parade article titled "Is Sherlock Holmes Still Alive?" seems to examine the issue more thoroughly than most. "Londoners insist they see the sleuth after violent crimes are committed," reads the descriptive excerpt Would that the Master make more appearances on this side of the Atlantic.

+ Sherlockian books and journals are not the only places scholarlywriting on the Canon may be found. An article entitled "SherlockHolmes as an Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Diagnostician" appeared, appropriately enough, in The Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Monthly in September 1957. As a bonus, the article includes "a word on his knowledge of teeth."

+ Most Sherlockians know that various radio adaptations of canonical tales have been made. Probably fewer know that the Sacred Writings were twice the topic on a radio series devoted to "discussions of great books and significant ideas." A 1952 broadcast of "Invitation to Learning" featured panelists Adrian Conan Doyle, Gilbert Highet, and Lyman Bryson. An earlier broadcast (1942 or before) featured Mark Van Doren, Elmer Davis, Rex Stout, and Jacques Barzun.

+ Department of Titles that Sound Even Better Later: "The Adventure of Lady Diana and the Bees," described as "a humorous anecdote about an unruffled Col. Watson and the bees in a titled lady's pants." Too bad it was published in 1961 instead of 1981.

+ Finally, a historical note of special interest to anyone planning to film a new version of HOUN. The Amateur Mendicant Society, a Detroit scion, once met with the Oakland County Kennel Club to debate the breed of the Baskerville hound. Arguments were presented on behalf of the dachshund, the mastiff, and the beagle. The Beagle won.

(Printed in Plugs & Dottles, January 1984)