Thank Holmes It's Friday - 4th July - American Connections

It's that time again - Thanks Holmes it's Friday! Today marks Independence Day, a perfect time to explore Sherlock Holmes's significant American ties. While he's a London icon, his influence profoundly shaped US literature and popular culture across the pond.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle masterfully wove the United States into Holmes's world, using its vast landscapes, rich history, and sometimes dangerous elements to create gripping mysteries. From the terrifying reach of the Ku Klux Klan in "The Five Orange Pips" to the wild past of an American heiress in "The Noble Bachelor," and the harsh realities of the American West and Pennsylvania coal fields in "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Valley of Fear," these stories show a fascinating interplay between the two nations.

 

AMERICAN ADAPTATIONS

Early Popularity: 1899 - 1932

American audiences quickly embraced Sherlock Holmes, leading to early theatrical adaptations. William Gillette famously portrayed Holmes on stage for decades, profoundly influencing the detective's iconic visual elements, like the deerstalker and curved pipe.

Iconic Film Series: The Rathbone & Bruce Era

The Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes film series (1930s-40s) truly brought Holmes to life for millions. This iconic American production, while starting in period London, famously moved Holmes and Watson to WWII-era America, proving just how adaptable these characters are.

Modern Reinterpretations: Holmes in the 21st Century

Holmes's enduring appeal in the US is clear in modern takes like the TV series Elementary (2012-2019). This hit show reimagined Holmes as a recovering addict working as a consulting detective for the NYPD in New York City, with Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) as his brilliant female counterpart.

Blockbuster Adventures: American Action and Dynamism

Even when set in Victorian London, films like Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes (2009) and its sequel, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, carried a distinct American blockbuster sensibility. They delivered a more action-packed and dynamic portrayal of the detective, captivating a new generation of fans.

Youthful Takes & Spinoffs: Expanding the Holmes Universe

The US has also explored new angles, creating adaptations for younger audiences or expanding the Holmes family. Think Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), which delved into his adolescent years, and the Enola Holmes film series, focusing on Sherlock's resourceful younger sister.

 

AMERICA MEETS BAKER STREET: 3 FOR 2 ON BOOKS!  Beyond screen adaptations, countless books reinterpret him, from scholarly analyses of his US impact to new mysteries set on American soil, often with iconic American characters. What's more, many captivating pastiches imagine Holmes's lost adventures on American soil, often weaving him into encounters with famous American characters and literary figures. For a truly unique fusion of the Great Detective and American literary history, discover Dan Victor's "Sherlock Holmes and The American Literati Series." This collection brilliantly weaves Holmes into encounters with iconic authors like Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe, in titles such as The Final Page of Baker Street and The Outrage at the Diogenes Club. Then, dive into Dan Andriacco's McCabe & Cody series, the epitome of "all American" storytelling! The first book, No Police Like Holmes, delivers an engaging mystery blended with sharp satire of the modern Sherlockian world. You'll love the charming duo of cynical Jeff Cody and exuberant Sebastian McCabe, whose chemistry perfectly mirrors Holmes and Watson. Our curated American collection also spotlights other fantastic adventures, including The American Visitors by Allison Osborn, Sherlock Holmes and the Texas Adventure by Dicky Neely, and Mrs Hudson in New York by Barry Brown. Plus, you'll find a special USA Edition of The Art of Sherlock Holmes and The Immortals: An Unauthorized Guide to Sherlock and Elementary. We invite you to explore this collection of books by American authors and tales that capture the essence of American culture. And the best part: you can enjoy an incredible 3 for 2 discount on these titles. GET 3 FOR 2

 

FREE AUDIO BOOKS FOR REVIEW

If you have a passion for REVIEWING AND SHARING your love for Sherlock Holmes books, we invite you to enjoy our complimentary audiobooks!

Our collection of audiobooks is ever-evolving, showcasing an array of new and diverse titles each week.

Just click the link below and here you'll find what's on offer along with a link to claim those titles which excite you. Feel free to come back as often as your heart desires and select as many titles as you wish. Remember, each code is valid for one week, so make sure to redeem it before embarking on your next literary adventure!

As before, you'll receive an email with your unique code, download link and instructions.

 

P.S. Missed any of our previous week's newsletters? Here's a handy link to the last few weeks.