Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes (1854–1957, according to William S. Baring-Gould) is a fictional detective of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created by British author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is famous for his prowess at using logic and astute observation to solve cases.

Detective story

It is a popular myth that Sherlock Holmes gave rise to the entire genre of murder mystery fiction. This now famous character and the detective story itself however were inspired by Auguste Dupin and his technique for solving crime. Dupin was a fictional investigator created by Edgar Allan Poe to whose existence even Holmes himself alluded. For more details, of Holmes predecessors, as described by Dr Watson, see below.

Related Topics:
Auguste Dupin - Edgar Allan Poe

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Many fictional detectives have imitated Holmes' logical methods and followed in his footsteps, in many different ways. Some of the more popular fictional detectives to continue Holmes' legacy include Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, Ellery Queen, Perry Mason, Columbo, Dick Tracy, and even the comic book hero Batman. Modern variants might be the NBC TV series ' and the USA Network's show Monk. Monk even replicates the Holmesian style of "quiet analysis", during which no one speaks to the character while he works. Also, Monk has an older brother, who, like Holmes's, is a bit more able but less interested in crime. Another analogue is the Fox series House M.D. in which Dr. House (like Joseph Bell, on whom Doyle based Holmes) is the Holmes figure (an infectious disease specialist) and Dr. James Wilson (an oncologist) is his Watson with the exception that where Holmes solved crimes, House solves medical mysteries. (See also detective fiction).

Related Topics:
Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot - Ellery Queen - Perry Mason - Columbo - Dick Tracy - Comic book - Batman - NBC - TV series - USA Network - Monk - Fox - House M.D. - Detective fiction

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