“A trusty comrade is always of use, and a chronicler still more so.” (TWIS)
Hip Hip Hoorah! This is a toast to the Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia and to its creator, Alexis Barquin. Also to its many knowledgeable contributors. This splendid resource was and is a daily helpmate during the writing of my Sherlock Holmes novels, These Scattered Houses and Remarkable Power of Stimulus. Always open on my internet browser right next to the thesaurus, dictionaries, and London ordinance maps.
It’s true my dogeared copy of The Original Illustrated Strand Sherlock Holmes is very well-thumbed, too. And this is my second reference book, my twin Doubleday Sherlock Holmes was retired because it was literally falling apart. I have Baring-Gold’s and Leslie Klinger’s Annotated Sherlock Holmes books, Bradshaw’s Handbook, and Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management open on my research table, too. For 19th-Century London & British history they can’t be beat!
There were many many times when I searched through the Encyclopedia for Holmesian accuracy and quotes and always found what I needed. As the forward thinker, he was, I’m sure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud and happy to find this tribute to his life and works so easily accessible on the internet.
Furthermore, it is a compendium of everything Doyle. Filled with images of original magazine pages, artwork, and history of the man and his works. I have been led many times to purchase or read from the site books and stories I discovered there from this prolific author. It is for me one of those most necessary writer’s companions. And for an author of new Sherlock Holmes novels, it is a constant well of inspiration. Much gratitude and many thanks.
Gretchen Altabef is an MX author of Sherlock Holmes novels. Mondadori Publishing has contracted to translate her novels into Italian. Ms. Altabef strives to emulate Dr. John Watson’s and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary style. The first, These Scattered Houses, is in Holmes’ own voice and resourcefully chronicles the last two months of his ‘great hiatus’. The second in the series is, Remarkable Power of Stimulus. After 3 years away, Holmes finds London awash in murders, No. 221B under siege, anarchists threatening Paris, and the return of Irene Adler. Fully aware he is being watched by Moriarty’s men, Holmes steps out of the cab into Baker Street knowing he will find Watson’s friendship and unerring aim are as dependable as the British Rail.
Features of Interest 