Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

My association with Sherlock Holmes started with the story of the “Hound of Baskervilles” in school. It was a thrilling story. I remember the story so well, the Stapletons, Henry Baskerville. One of my relatives had the entire collection of Sherlock Holmes novels and short stories. I remember my brother devouring the whole series. Inspired by him, even I took to reading the stories. I think I read 1 whole volume.

Fortunately I found the complete Sherlock Holmes volumes in my neighbour’s house. I have borrowed the 1st volume and started reading them yesterday. There is something subtle, beautiful and exciting about Sir Conan Doyle’s writing and treatment of the story. You can clearly visualise each scene that he writes. And Holmes is a masterpiece.

I read the story the “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” and wanted to share some interesting sentences from the story

Both Holmes and I had a weakness for the Turkish bath. It was over a smoke in the pleasant lassitude of the drying-room that I have found him less reticent and more human than anywhere else.

Haha!! Watson talks of Holmes being “more human” in the Turkish bath. The wiki link on the Turkish bath is very interesting. It is also called the Hammam in Turkish/Arabic.

Then you have the hour 4:30. Until then we can put the matter out of our heads.

The characteristic Holmes style. “Putting the matter out of the heads” – Something to learn

we are dealing on this occasion, Mr. Holmes, with a man to whom violence is familiar and who will, literally, stick at nothing. I should say that there is no more dangerous man in Europe.

“I have had several opponents to whom that flattering term has been applied,said Holmes with a smile.

What a courageous and witty remark – Love Holmes for such statements

A complex mind,said Holmes. All great criminals have that. My old friend Charlie Peace was a violin virtuoso. Wainwright was no mean artist. I could quote many more.

Here comes the twist and the adventure in the story. Holmes is admiring the man he has to deal with.

Woman’s heart and mind are insoluble puzzles to the male. Murder might be condoned or explained, and yet some smaller offence might rankle.

Aye, Sir. I agree with you

I was sorry for her, Watson. I thought of her for the moment as I would have thought of a daughter of my own. I am not often eloquent. I use my head, not my heart. But I really did plead with her with all the warmth of words that I could find in my nature.

Wow, a side of Holmes’ emotional nature.

I can write a whole series of posts about Holmes. Looking forward to read the entire series. Gainfully occupied for the next few days!!