Happy Birthday, Holmes!

[rusty_armour]

For those of you who don’t know (and I suspect there may be at least a few of you), today is Sherlock Holmes’s birthday. His 155th birthday to be exact. I know. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? I don’t think he looks a day over a hundred. Of course, I remember when Holmes was just the tender age of 133 or 134. Jeremy Brett was still alive and the Granada series wasn’t complete crap. I discovered Sleuth of Baker Street and Without A Clue hit movie theatres. But enough of the nostalgia. For Holmes, nostalgia often seems to lead to depression (e.g. when he laments the lack of true criminals in London) and this is meant to be a happy occasion. So…many happy returns, Holmes! I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon – preferably in something that wasn’t written or directed by Guy Ritchie!

Comments

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think according to fandom, Holmes was in his late 20s at the time of Study in Scarlet. Although he certainly acts much older.

I took a quick look online and I don't think the year 1881 is actually given in A Study in Scarlet. However, Watson says that he graduated from medical school in 1878 and, by the sounds of it, a couple of years pass before he meets Holmes. In any case, I'd argue Holmes' age can be roughly estimated through canon. As for Holmes's level of maturity, this could be a reflection of his intelligence, not to mention the period he lived in.

I don't think the stories themselves specify an age for Holmes. Although following the Baring-Gould timeline means that he would have retired at a relatively young age in his early 50s.

Well, Holmes is described as being 60 in "His Last Bow," which takes place in 1914. However, he had supposedly retired some time before that case, so early 50s would work.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

As I recall, he had already retired (with the exception of a couple post-retirement cases and of course, the Laurie King novels) by the time the Empty House -- or at least the Return collection -- was published. So, he must have retired around 1904 or so.

I forget, in the world of literature versus the Jeremy Brett series, didn't he keep the Blue Carbuncle? That would allow for a particularly early retirement.

Allen

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

As I recall, he had already retired (with the exception of a couple post-retirement cases and of course, the Laurie King novels) by the time the Empty House -- or at least the Return collection -- was published. So, he must have retired around 1904 or so.

That sounds about right to me. I have a vague recollection of it being sometime in the early 20th century in any case.

I forget, in the world of literature versus the Jeremy Brett series, didn't he keep the Blue Carbuncle? That would allow for a particularly early retirement.

Allen

I'm forced to confess that I couldn't remember, so I found the story (http://sherlock.mindcop.net/adventures/blue_carbuncle.html) online. It isn't clear whether Holmes keeps the stone in the end or not. However, I would have thought he'd have to return it in order for Commissioner Peterson to get his reward. Even if Holmes wasn't motivated by generosity, Peterson would know that he has the Blue Carbuncle and surely report Holmes to the authorities if he didn't return it. Well, whether Holmes kept the stone or not, he did well with other clients. For example, he was given a handsome reward at the end of "The Priory School"

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I wonder if there's a pastiche where Holmes does away with Peterson and his wife, and then sells the gem on the black market. I think there are definitely a few stories out there where Holmes has turned his mind to crime.

I know the TV series filled him with the Christmas spirit though.

Allen

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I wonder if there's a pastiche where Holmes does away with Peterson and his wife, and then sells the gem on the black market. I think there are definitely a few stories out there where Holmes has turned his mind to crime.

Ooooh! Cool idea! If there isn't a pastiche in which Holmes does away with Peterson and his wife then there definitely should be! *g* I can't remember the title of the book, but Michael Dibdin wrote a novel in which Holmes was Jack the Ripper. After reading it, I threw it across the room and stomped on it.

I know the TV series filled him with the Christmas spirit though.

Allen

Yes, in the Jeremy Brett episode, Holmes and Watson put off their Christmas dinner to go down to Scotland Yard and ensure Jack Horner is released. Then they show Jack Horner reuniting with his wife and two small children. Call me sentimental but I like the ending of the Brett version.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

The weirdest thing about a modern Holmes will be how much forensic science has advanced - as seen by that whole industry of such shows. At the time of their first meeting, Holmes' invention to definitely identify blood stains was considered revolutionary. I can't remember if fingerprints appear in any of the Holmes stories -- probably the very late if any.

That's the biggest change between a Victorian and a modern Holmes.

On the other hand, the first words between Holmes and Watson will play extremely well in today's context.