Which of the numerous country houses in the Canon are the most memorable? Is there a house that was as much of a character in the story as the characters?
Ron Lies “Chips” is Home!
“Chips” is home after his surgery and doing well. He thanks everyone who sent along good wishes. His TidBits will be returning soon! We’re all happy you are back to Watson and Holmes! His email is: relies2@outlook.com
Call For Papers
The Society is accepting papers, articles, fiction, humor, and miscellanea for the April 2015 issue ofThe Watsonian. Unlike most journals, we do not have a backlog of submissions and we will have space in the forthcoming journal for material submitted by February 15, 2015.
Submission guidelines are found in the current issue. We would remind authors that we prefer all articles to use endnotes rather than footnotes at the bottom of the pages. Footnotes are pre-formatted by Word and we have to remove them prior to creating the final printing files. Plus, endnotes are much easier for the author, the editors, and the designer. Please do not use super-script numerals in the text; rather, please use regular numerals in brackets in this style at the point of an endnote in the text: This signifies an endnote [1], [2], [3], etc.
Members will receive the first of our new publication, The Fiction Series, with their copy of the April 2015 issue of the journal. It is a longish short story titled The Duke’s Study by Luca Sartori “Victor,” a Member and a student at the University of Urbino in Italy.
The Society especially encourages first-time writers. One does not need to be a “scholar” or an “expert.” These are terms that have little relevance in a Society like ours where everyone’s thoughts and efforts are welcome, whether in print or online.
Writers need not be concerned about the editing experience; we are kind and helpful, and we attempt not to make it difficult or tedious. We exist as a Society to have fun and our journal has the same purpose. Please give some thought to writing about that topic in the Canon you have always thought about and send us your submission.
Send all submissions to Buttons: buttons@johnhwatsonsociety.com
Weekly Forum: Watson as Partner in the Firm
Could we attempt the creation of a catalogue of the books and stories and concise summary of each of Doctor Watson’s positive influences, actions, and additions to the various cases?
Such a listing and capsule summary would assist in viewing in one list the good doctor’s overall contributions to the firm over the years. Perhaps one Member might pick a book; another a second book; others individual cases, or collections such as The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, or The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
With adequate participation by our esteemed Members, and with complete coverage, we would quite possibly have a thorough and unique review that could be completed as a blog-string paper for the journal
Dan Andriacco “Dutch” has Kind Words for The Watsonian
Our valued Member and noted Sherlockian author, Dr Dan Andriacco “Dutch,” has reviewed the October issue of The Watsonian and offers some very kind words for our authors. Dan quotes the issue as 160 pages, rather than the 180 pages as readers will discover. Btt, as Dan says, all pages are chock-full of great content on Watson and even a few on Holmes.
Dan has several new books–all very well-written and fascinating–in his Sebastian McCabe and Jeff Cody series. Take a look at his always fun website:
Weekly Forum: November 4, 2014
In NORW Dr Watson writes in the beginning of the story, ” . . . and I at his request sold my practice and returned to share the old quarters in Baker Street.”
Note, that Dr Watson uses the word “request.” He might have said, invited, asked, suggested, intimated, or any other such word. But, he wrote “request.”
Why would Holmes “request” Watson to return, and why would Holmes arrange to have Watson’s practice purchased and provide the money for the purchase himself?
What is going on here that we have not seen all these years? This is very fertile ground for ploughing.
October Journal Has Mailed
The October issue of The Watsonian is in the mail. You should receive it soon. Let us know what you think. Thanks.
The Editorial Team
Weekly Forum: October 21, 2014
Did Doctor Watson rejoin the British Army as a physician during World War I? What is the evidence and what are your surmises from knowing the life of the man?
Our Dr Bob Katz “Willow” wrote, in a BSJ article in 1992, that Watson spent World War I serving in the army performing pre-induction physicals. He would have been quite expert at identifying malingerers who were attempting to evade military service, as he had firsthand experience learning about malingering from Holmes, one of the first students of the subject (DYIN).
Weekly Forum: October 14 2014
Mrs Watson (No, the Other One)
Very little has been written about Mrs Watson, John Watson’s mother. There is no Canonical evidence, but from the abundant evidence about her son, what can we say about Doctor Watson’s mom?
Significant Comment on September 30 Weekly Forum
Melissa Anderson “Faith” has posted a significant comment on the Weekly Forum of September 30 concerning Doctor Watson and his military service. It is concise, well-stated, thoughtful and goes to the core of the Canon. Well worth reading. Thank you, “Faith.”
Weekly Forum: October 7, 2014
“A Case of Identity”
There is something “jewel-box-like” about IDEN and it may be one of Watson’s great triumphs of writing. It is almost wholly personal.
It has four distinct parts: 1) the philosophical discussion between Watson and Holmes; 2) the client’s characterization and statement of the case; 3) the interview with the miscreant, Windibank; and 4) the solution.
In the philosophical discussion in the first few pages, prior to the arrival of Mary Sutherland, Holmes and Watson have what Buttons interprets as one of their most interesting and revealing talks about their personal positions and beliefs.
In the middle sections, the “crime” is not actionable and James Windibank and his wife– Mary’s mother– who is an equally guilty partner in the deception, exit stage left with impunity.
But, in the end, what of Mary Sutherland who exits the case unconsidered, unfulfilled, and apparently unloved by anyone? How does the philosophical discussion of Holmes and Watson–setting up the story–pertain to Mary? Is Mary Sutherland already a sadder, but wiser, independent woman for her experience, or is she to be forever a woman wronged and dependent upon the kindness of others?
This is fertile ground, essentially unplowed by Watsonians and Sherlockians, and ready for a provocative and fascinating joint-article for The Watsonian. Will you contribute? We welcome your participation.
“I shall communicate with you.” [NOBL]
The Society is always pleased to find new avenues of communication, and so is delighted to announce its entry into the world of social media. You can now find us on Facebook (hat tip to “Galahad”!) and on Twitter.
If you’ve reached this site for the first time from Facebook or Twitter, welcome! We’d love to have you join in our Weekly Forum, try puzzling out the answers to our weekly Quiz, check out our Publications, become a Member, or any combination of those. Make yourself comfortable, enjoy your stay, and come back soon!
October 5th, 2014
“Chips” (who is having computer problems) sends along this Isaac Asimov treasure. It would be interesting to know who made the pen and ink change and whether it was originally as written, or as changed. Perhaps we have a detective who can assist.
Original William Gillette Silent Film Discovered
Article From our Member, Kumar Bhatia “Bobbie”
William Gillette’s original performance on film as Sherlock Holmes has been found. Kumar Bhatia “Bobbie” sends us this article from India. Follow the link to the fascinating description of the film, the restoration, screenshots and the planned premier.
Copy and paste in your browser:
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29474334
Weekly Forum: September 30, 2014
Doctor Watson joined the Army after medical school, and he is said to have re-joined the Army late in his career. Why do you believe Watson chose to join the military as a physician? What objective (textual) and subjective (speculative) reasons exist?
Interesting Article on Watson
Member Sheila Holtgrieve,”Daisy,” sends along this interesting article found on Laurie R King’s website about “If Watson Were a Woman.” This was first proposed by Rex Stout, the BSI who wrote the Nero Wolfe books.
Thank you, “Daisy.”
You can click on the link below to read.
http://www.laurierking.com/etcetera/mary-russells-world/if-watson-were-a-woman
Alert! Quiz Question Revised! Sorry!
Beth Gallego “Selena” Named Associate Webmistress
The Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Beth Gallego “Selena” to the position of Associate Webmistress. Beth is a self-described “Data Nerd” and experienced blogger who brings a great deal of talent and knowledge to this important function of the Society.
“Selena” will also be taking on the job of developing a digital Index of all articles, papers, and miscellanea published in The Watsonian for future Sherlockian and Watsonian reference and research.
“Selena” will also be taking on the job of developing a digital Index of all articles, papers, and miscellanea published in The Watsonian for future Sherlockian and Watsonian reference and research.
For far too long, the Society has operated with all of the access to the web and knowledge of the website building software known only to Buttons (a 71 year-old, high-risk cardiac Bingo Card waiting for an “I”). Now, we will have reliable back-up, talent and skill in maintaining the Society’s website going forward. That IS a relief!
This is another in the steps to insure the Society is strengthened by the participation, talent and direction of numerous Members and not just Buttons alone. Of course, we always have other responsibilities to fill. so please feel free to step up and volunteer.
Welcome “Selena” to your new position as Associate Webmistress, and Thank You!
This Noted in Today’s “Times”
New Page
Please note the new page titled “Members by Monikers.” Full information is available on the page. We are indebted to Alexian Gregory “Darwin” for his work in making this list available to our Members.