Sherlock Holmes in Books, Movies, and TV Show

Sherlock Holmes “The Consulting Detective” known for his proficiency with observation, forensic science, and his flirty sex appeal. Over the years Sherlock made huge fan base, from every categories let it be a Novel, Movie or a TV Show. Today we bring you the closer take on Sherlock Homes in Books, Movies and TV Show.

Sherlock Holmes “Where it all began”

It began with him. “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle” a British writer and a physician. The one who created the most intelligent character in the crime fiction genre the “Sherlock Holmes”.

Doyle in his younger days struggled as a writer. Until his fortune changed when he was 27. Conan wrote “A Study in Scarlet” in a record-breaking time of three weeks. After struggling enough to find a publisher, his work was finally accepted for publication by Ward Lock & Co on 20th November 1886, which gave Doyle £25. In today’s case, it would be more than $3,500 bucks. Soon the popularity of the character became widespread.

The inspiration to create Sherlock Holmes came from Sir Arthur’s university teacher Joseph Bell. In a letter to his teacher in 1892, Sir Arthur admitted it in the following words

“It is most certainly to you that I owe Sherlock Holmes … round the center of deduction and inference and observation which I have heard you inculcate I have tried to build up a man”

Sherlock Holmes went on fan-fire when it got featured in The Standard Magazine with the series of short stories.

Conan wanted to end Sherlock once and for all, as he wrote to his mother in his letters. But being encouraged by his mother to continue writing Conan continued. To discourage publishers, from asking more of Sherlock Holmes. He raised the fees but was astonished to know that publishers were ready to pay. Thus Sir Arthur Conan Doyle became, the highest-paid author of his time.

After living a legendary life, Sir Arthur passed away of a Heart Attack at the age of 71 on 7th July 1930.

Sherlock Holmes in Books

Coming to Sherlock Holmes in Books. Inspired by Sir Arthur’s University Teacher Sir Joseph bell, the character Sherlock Holmes made his debut in A Study in Scarlet. Soon Sherlock became a well-known personality when the character got featured in “The Strand Magazine” beginning with A Scandal in Bohemia.

Canon of Sherlock Holmes

The word “Canon” is used to differentiate the original works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Sherlock Holmes from other authors. Due to the Popularity, Sherlock Holmes as a character was adopted by numerous authors all over the globe.

Until 1927 the original works totaled up to 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories.

Novels

1. A Study in Scarlet (1887)
2. The Sign of the Four (1890)
3. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901–1902)
4. The Valley of Fear (1914–1915)

Short Stories

1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)
2. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894)
3. The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905)
4. His Last Bow (1917)
5. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927)

Best Stories of Sherlock beyond Sir Arthur

1. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King
2. The Seven-Percent Solution by Nicholas Meyer
3. The Empress of India by Michael Kurland
4. Sherlock Holmes: The Liverpool Demon by Matt Triano, John Reppion and Leah Moore

The Death of Sherlock Holmes(The Great Hiatus)

Sir Arthur decided to kill Sherlock Holmes in “The Final Problem” in 1893. Sir Conan Doyle felt that “my literary energies should not be directed too much into one channel.” But it resulted in fan Outrage, resulting in 20,000 people canceled the subscription to The Strand Magazine. Sir Arthur himself received many protest letters. After resisting things for more than 8 years, the author finally had to change his mind and in 1901 The Hound of the Baskervilles was published.

In The Adventure of the Empty House set in 1894, the author made Sherlock explain to Dr.Watson how he faked his death to fool his enemies. From “The Final Problem” to “The Adventure of the Empty House” people name it as The Great Hiatus.

Sherlock Holmes in Movies

Sherlock made it to movies just two years after, “A Study in Scarlet”. Sherlock Holmes made his debut in “Sherlock Holmes Baffled” a silent feature film. It is known as the oldest movie that featured Sherlock Holmes, tracing back into the year 1900. After many silent feature films, finally, in 1931, Sherlock’s “The Sleeping Cardinal” debuted with a full audio experience.

Sherlock Holmes 1939 film series

The series of 14 films from 1939 to 1946 was released featuring the two most talented British personalities, Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively. Fans name 1939 film series “The Best”. Every movie is said to be worth watching. let it be original work or based on Sir Arthur’s tales. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is considered to be the best of best. Basil and Nigel were accompanied by the all-time talented beauty Ida Lupino, it also made audiences remember a very famous line: “elementary, my dear Watson.”

The Worst Sherlock Holmes Movie

Sherlock Holmes 2009

To clearly mention what’s the worst about the 2009 film is, it dosen’t come close to the original work. Robert Downey Jr aka (IRON MAN), has struggled to put up to the characteristics of Sherlock Holmes from books. The movie seems more of Action-oriented, whereas the original Sherlock Holmes movies and books are more story oriented. Still the film collected over $524 million globally.

The Upcoming Sherlock Holmes 3

Sherlock Holmes is an upcoming movie and the third sequel to the 2009 film series. Jude law and R.D.J will reprise there role as Dr.Watson and Sherlock Holmes. Plus the legendary actor, in the film industry Johnny Deep aka(Captain Jack Sparrow) will play the main villain. The film series has chnged the director this time and is trying to go more closer to the original work. Sherlock Holmes is rumored to be released on 22nd December 2021.

Sherlock Holmes TV Show

Sir Arthur’s Novel’s featuring Sherlock Holmes got TV adaption way back in 1984. Over it’s 10 years of Span, the show focused on the short stories by Sir Arthur, going by the same names.

In the year 2010 a British version of the Sherlock Holmes was released. Starring “Benedict Cumberbatch” and “Martin Freeman” as Sherlock and Dr. Watson. This show introduced Sherlock Holmes in a modernized way. Leaving the original canon stories aside except one special episode featuring the Victorian period fantasy resembling the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

The Series up till now has 17 episodes, airing from 2010 to 2017. The Stardom and excellent acting skills of Cumberbatch and Freeman along with the best writers made the Stardom of Sherlock Holmes to grew up to new heights. The Show was nominated for multiple awards. Including Emmy Win’s.

Difference between Sherlock Holmes TV Show and Books

The major thing that differs the Show from books is Sherlock is more modernized. He uses iPhone, cool clothes and refer to Dr. Watson as “John”. Whereas in books he is addressed as “Watson”. Sherlock also has a twitter account, which gives a glimpse at, the show is highly and frequently being developed using the main story as a base.

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