Paul R. Spiring's Blog

Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes & Devon

My thanks to MX Publishing for releasing a audiobook version of Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and Devon: A Complete Tour Guide and Companion. This book examines the impact, which Devon had on the various literary and non-literary activities of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It also contends that the success of Sherlock Holmes is attributable in part to three former Devon residents; Doctor George Turnavine Budd, Bertram Fletcher Robinson and Sir George Newnes.

Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes and Devon was coathored with Brian W. Pugh (Curator of the Conan Doyle [Crowborough] Establishment) and Doctor Sadru Bhanji (a retired Consultant Psychiatrist and brother of the acclaimed international actor, Sir Ben Kingsley who played Doctor John H. Watson in the 1988 British film, Without a Clue). In 2011, the original paperback version of this book was nominated for the Tony & Freda Howlett Literary Award in 2011 (awarded by the Sherlock Holmes Society of London).

To read a review of the original paperback version of this book by Professor Mark Brayshay, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/4ntjdt47 .

Sur La Piste D'Arthur Conan Doyle

I am pleased to report the publication of the French language edition of 'On the Trail of Arthur Conan Doyle'. Between 1882 and 1923, Conan Doyle, the creator of the legendary character of Sherlock Holmes, visited Devon on no fewer than ten separate occasions and resided for no less than four months in total. This book sets these visits within the wider context of Conan Doyle's life and works. The lives of two other men are inextricably bound up with Conan Doyle's experiences in Devon: Dr. George Turnavine Budd, who took him on as a partner at the Plymouth practice, and Bertram Fletcher Robinson, who played an essential part in conceiving and planning 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. This novella is without doubt Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes story. It has been adapted for film, stage and television and employed the talents of some of our finest actors. Similar treatment has also been afforded to another Doyle story entitled 'The Lost World' that features a character called Professor George Challenger. 'Sur La Piste D'Arthur Conan Doyle' is the fouth language edition of 'On the Trail of Arthur Conan Doyle' and it explores the extent to which, Devon, Budd and Robinson influenced each of these stories and other works by Conan Doyle.

A Footnote to The Hound of the Baskervilles

I am pleased to report the recent publication of the audio book version of my second book titled, 'Bertram Fletcher Robinson: A Footnote to The Hound of the Baskervilles'. In 1901, Arthur Conan Doyle "resurrected" Holmes for what turned out to be his most popular story, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'. It first appeared as nine episodes in the British edition of 'The Strand Magazine'. The first episode was accompanied by a brief footnote that acknowledged the assistance provided by a young journalist called Bertram Fletcher Robinson. Almost immediately, there was speculation about the extent of Fletcher Robinson's contribution to the narrative of the story. Fletcher Robinson's early death did little to end such speculation. This book explores the life and work of Fletcher Robinson, and it also examines the extent of his involvement with 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.

The Case of the Grave Accusation

I am pleased to report the publication of 'The Case of the Grave Accusation: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure' by Dicky Neely (and edited by myself). This pastiche is available in both paperback and Kindle formats from all major bookstores. For further information, please visit my website at the following URL address: http://www.bfronline.biz