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Speaking of Sherlock Holmes

By Don Hobbs

One of the interesting and challenging aspects of being a Sherlockian collector is when you are asked to give a talk, especially a talk to a group of non-Sherlockians. This is what has started happening to me.

I once read that giving a speech in public is the number one fear of Americans. I can attest first hand that is pretty frightening. A couple of years ago, I was on a debate team with fellow Diogenes Club of Dallas member Jim Webb. We were in Dartmoor, England as participants of the Hound Centenary held there. We were to debate Jan Stauber and Al Gregory, and our position was that Holmes was not a misogynist -- they took the position that he was. They were from New Jersey and we were from Texas, and thus the conflict was, as of old, the North versus the South . . . and we all know how history repeats itself.

I was not as prepared as I should have been, and staring out at the 50 or so people in the audience didn't help. I learned a valuable lesson that day -- be prepared.

So when Jim and I were asked to speak at the Layland Museum earlier this year, I was, at least, prepared. (See archive #51 -- Sherlocking in Cleburne) Jim does public speaking professionally, so we make good team. Why do Tom and Dick Smothers come to mind when I say this?

This month we were asked to speak at the flagship store of the Half-Price Books chain here in Dallas. Unfortunately, my job required me to be in South Carolina that week, but never fear -- more opportunities have arisen.

The president of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce called and invited me to speak at the Rotary Club Luncheon on July 17th. Her instructions were like music to my ear. She told me that I would only have about 15 minutes because the Rotarians leave promptly at 1 o'clock, even if the speaker is still talking. She also told me there were several other venues that would be interested in hearing about Sherlock Holmes.

My talk is "The Maniac Collector." (Boy, that's original, isn't it?) I like to give a short introduction to the Master, Dr. Watson, and the Literary Agent. I also explain "The Game" and go into some of the highlights of my 25 years as a Sherlockian collector. I have copies of covers of some of the more interesting non-English translations to pass around.

To the seasoned Sherlockian, this may seem a little sophomoric, but it is still a good way to keep the memory green. I feel anything I can do to spread the word to the non-Sherlockians is worth the effort. One never knows when the next closet Sherlockian will come out or who is out there lurking. The director of the Half-Price Books says one of his employees is related to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I am always looking for ways to keep those fires burning even if I have to talk to Rotarians to do so.

Happy collecting!!!!