Holmes Reads Watson

[Stolf]

How many times in the canon does Holmes mention Watson's published tales? Can we presume that Holmes has read them all? Any speculation as to where exactly they are published in-universe?

[Carol the Dabbler]

I've read maybe half of the short stories (and all of the novels), but it's been a few years.  I do seem to recall Holmes mentioning Watson's publications (though that may have been in an adaptation).

Do you happen to recall any specific stories where such a mention occurred, so I can have a look?

As to whether Holmes would have made a point of reading them all -- possibly, but I doubt he would bother mentioning any that he wasn't about to offer "constructive" criticism of!

 

[Stolf]

No, Carol, I don't remember any specific stories. Just Holmes mentioning, at least once, that Watson made his stories too dramatic, that they should merely be textbooks for his methods. People love making lists and I was hoping somebody had made a list of this!

[Hikari]

Stolf,

The first instance that jumps to mind is this passage from "The Sign of Four".  I'm sure there must be more.  I will continue to research and hope that my mate Herlock Sholmes happens by.  He can think of some more

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2097/2097-h/2097-h.htm#:~:text=Sherlock Holmes took,in unraveling it.”.

 

[Stolf]

Thanks for "Sign of Four."  As to the manner of publication, Watson refers to "A Study in Scarlet" as a small brochure and a pamphlet, which hardly describes Beeton's Christmas Annual, which  for 1887 consisted of 168 pages including 3 stories and ads.

[Stolf]

But...I must say I’m disappointed. They’re interesting questions I think: how many times does Holmes indicate he reads Watson’s stories. And then, where would he read them? In The Strand?

We know from The Sign of Four that he is critical of Watson’s efforts. Is that all?

One person on-line says Holmes “complains several times.” Another goes further, saying “he keeps up his complaints through most of the 56 stories and 4 novels.” But of course no specifics.

I suppose reading them all again wouldn’t be terrible. I do do that every few years. I just thought somebody might have put together a list. Don’t we like doing that?

[Stolf]

OK, a second example, vague but still on point, from Thor Bridge: ""Ah, I forgot I had not told you. I am getting into your involved habit, Watson, of telling a story backward."

[Carol the Dabbler]

On 3/16/2023 at 11:27 PM, Stolf said:

I suppose reading them all again wouldn’t be terrible. I do do that every few years. I just thought somebody might have put together a list.

That's actually two "questions" -- has somebody made such a list (ans: Probably), and has anybody posted such a list here (ans: Apparently not yet).

Which suggests an answer to your first implied question, namely You might as well!  I'm sure you'd do a bang-up job, complete with quotes of the relevant canon passages.  And if you post each discovery here as you um, discover it, then we can enjoy your hunt vicariously as it goes along.

You've already got two stories for your list, which is a good start.  And as Hikari says, next time @HerlockSholmes stops by he may very well have a few more to add.