|
|
A book of some interest to pipe smokers is Letters to Sherlock Holmes (1985), by Richard Lancelyn Green. Most of the correspondence was addressed to 221B Baker Street, the address first mentioned in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel, A Study in Scarlett, giving admiring fans of the detective a place to send letters.
Holmes' address did not exist in the real world when Doyle was writing his Sherlock Holmes stories. Baker Street existed in London, but its numbers did not go as high as 221 until it was later extended. The Abbey National Building Society moved into 219-229 Baker Street in 1932 and became the recipient of letters arriving for Holmes, employing a full-time secretary to provide responses until 2002, when it closed. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, which had been fighting with Abbey National for 15 years over the right to receive mail coming to the Holmes address, then began receiving the mail.
The book Letters to Sherlock Holmes contains some of the letters that arrived at Abbey National as well as some surviving correspondence that predated the company. At the time of publication, around 700 letters a year were delivered. There's a small section that includes short answers to the questions mailed, but mostly it's a collection of letters professing admiration for and posing questions to Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Doyle, and Holmes' secretary, and it's surprising that there are so many.
It's a testament to Doyle's writing skill that so many people thought Sherlock Holmes was a real person. However, many of the letters were sent by people knowing the fictional nature of the great detective but who had learned that answers could be forthcoming from the address, writing mainly for amusement.
Some letters are to Doyle; others to Holmes; and still others to "Holmes' secretary." Many letters ask questions about Holmes' cases. One requests a lock of his hair, others ask for autographs, and better yet, autographed photos, which is understandable. Who wouldn't want a signed photograph of Sherlock Holmes?
around 700 letters a year were delivered.
Early letters include requests for more Sherlock novels and for copies of books. One 13-year-old girl in Russia wrote twice asking for books in English so she could read them in their original language. A letter arriving in 1913 from Warsaw, Poland, asked Holmes for help in solving the murder case of Prince Drucki-Lubecki, killed in 1846.
Baker Street London, Sherlock Holmes Museum
There is a long pause then, with many letters lost, and the next letters are from the 1950s. The ones from children are especially fun; it seems that many children have enjoyed Holmes over the years. One written in 1954 is from a young, enthusiastic fan:
When I go to Europe, I want to see your house on Baker Street. My father read me "The Speckled Band," "The Six Napoleons," and "The Red-Headed League." I hope he reads me more. You're quite clever at solving cases. When I grow up, I'm going to belong to the Sherlock Holmes Club. I read about you in the comics — in the newspapers, too. My sister and I play "Sherlock Holmes," but I have to be Watson. We have two long-haired dachounds [sic] and when we play "Sherlock Holmes," we pretend that they are bloodhounds. (page 25)
Another letter addressed to Holmes asks him to locate Basil Rathbone and provide contact information because Rathbone did such a wonderful job portraying Holmes in films. One correspondent asks for Holmes' help with a robbery at his father's store. Yet another writer in 1965 wonders why he has not heard much about Holmes in the news lately, while a letter written by a young lady in Germany asks Holmes for his help in acquiring the address of Mark Almond, a member of the musical group Soft Cell — because he was cute.
One young fan wrote, "I would like to know if you're the real Sherlock Holmes who was made up in the eighteen hundreds? Or were you the second to live? You know, like Lassie and Tarzan?" (page 59). One correspondent said that he collected drawings of pigs by famous people and asked Holmes to draw him a pig; another asks if Holmes believes in vampires.
It seems that with any mystery capturing the public's attention, Sherlock Holmes is called upon to investigate: "Could you come to the United States and help prove if Howard Hughes is dead or alive? My father owns some stock in Air West and would like to have the matter cleared up. There will be a large reward for your efforts" (page 152).
One correspondent asks for Holmes' help with a robbery at his father's store.
However, what's of most interest for those who enjoy the Smokingpipes Daily Reader are the letters that mention pipes. Holmes is perhaps the most famous fictional pipe smoker, and the public recognizes and comments on his pastime. One letter refers to the famous three-pipe problem: "Regarding the short story, 'The Red-Headed League,' you needed three pipes to think about this case. Why do you smoke so much?" (page 34). Any of us here could easily answer that question because we can relate: Holmes smokes so much because it helps him think.
The detective's choice of smoking mixture is an occasional topic:
My husband is a consistent pipe smoker. He has tried many brands of tobacco throughout the years, but as yet he has had no success in finding a brand that really pleases him. We would like to know what brand you smoke — or if it is a special blend. Do you think we could be so bold as to ask for a sample of your tobacco? The reason we are asking for yours, sir, is that you never seem to be without a pipe. We are sure that your tobacco must be truly fine. (page 85)
A gentleman from Hamburg, West Germany, also curious about Holmes' tobacco, wrote, "Please, would you answer me two questions? The first one is: What sort of tobacco are you smoking in your pipe? The second: How old are you now and how long do you know Watson? (page 87).
One letter sent to Holmes' secretary asks, "Can one buy the same tobacco that he smokes?" The answer provided was undoubtedly a disappointment: "No. The brand used by Sherlock Holmes is specially produced for him alone" (page 231).
Why do you smoke so much?"
Dr. Watson's smoking preferences are also mentioned: "When I read your stories as set down by John Watson, M.D., I can't help wondering what tobacco you both smoke and the cost of it at the turn of the century. I would be most grateful if you could enlighten me" (page 85). It's referred to again in another letter, this time asking for a sample: "If you could just send me a picture of your Baker Street home and some of Dr Watson's Arcadia mixture of tobacco from his bachelor days, I would be contented" (page 87).
Holmes, an expert in identifying burned tobacco, could recognize remnants of the Arcadia mixture by its fluffy white ash, and that expertise is also brought up in letters: "I would appreciate your sending me a copy of the monograph on cigar and cigarette ashes that you compiled and which has apparently helped you solve many mysteries" (page 90).
One of these inquiries received a response from the secretary. "Could Mr Holmes supply a copy of his monograph on tobacco ash?" "Unfortunately Mr Holmes has mislaid the monograph on cigars and therefore is unable to help you" (page 231).
Holmes himself preferred stronger tobacco, as mentioned in "The Man with the Twisted Lip." He smoked up to an ounce of shag tobacco in a night and preferred the strongest non-aromatic tobacco with high-nicotine content.
Two women from Minnesota asked Holmes about a few details, including an inquiry about his pipe: "We would like to know some things about you. What are your fees, what are your hobbies (besides being a detective), and what foods do you like? Also, do you have a pipe and hat like they show in the movies?" (page 87). Another letter submits support: "We have read a lot of your stories and are going to see a couple of your movies. I love the way you can figure out some of these crimes. You and Colombo are my favourite detectives. Your coat and hat are really cool! And your pipe is super tough" (page 84).
A couple of the letters are from people who seem to have been motivated to collect pipes by Holmes and his adventures, as with this example from Ivor, Virginia:
I have been a great admirer of yours for as long as I can remember. I have a large pipe collection (most of them Holmesian pipes) and many books about Watson and yourself and your adventures. My friend is also interested in you and your cases and is always asking me questions about you. We often play 'Holmes and Watson'. I am Holmes and I am a pretty good detective. I even have a Sherlock Holmes suit to play in. (page 119)
Another pipe purchase is mentioned in a letter from Montana: "I have been an admirer of yours for years. I have read all the available stories about you. When I was younger, I bought a 'Sherlock' pipe, my nickname was Sherlock, and I said that whenever I grew up I wanted to be a detective and live in London" (page 138).
"If you could just send me a picture of your Baker Street home and some of Dr Watson's Arcadia mixture of tobacco from his bachelor days, I would be contented"
A correspondent later writes to inquire about purchasing a pipe like Holmes smokes: "I am interested to buy the complete collection of Sherlock Book, that will include London and England maps of that time, and also a pipe as described in the books" (page 211).
Interestingly, some people assume that Holmes' pipe smoking indicates his affiliation with a pipe manufacturer: "Is Sherlock Holmes part of a pipe factory?" This question is among those answered in the book. "Sherlock Holmes is not part of a tobacco and pipe firm. He was, however, a great pipe smoker" (page 234).
A different letter indicates the same opinion about official Sherlock Holmes pipes: "Please be so kind to let me have some labels of your Factory of Tobacco-pipes (or folders or the trade-mark of your Firm), because I am very interested with your products and I have much heard about your Factory of Tobacco-pipes" (page 217).
Where this correspondent heard this news is unreported. Unfortunately, Holmes did not have a pipe factory, though Peterson, of course, has produced Sherlock-themed series. Sadly, Sherlock Holmes never investigated any mysteries at the Peterson factory, nor did he invest in the company.
"Is Sherlock Holmes part of a pipe factory?"
But that reality has not dismayed generations of Holmes fans who have been fascinated by the great detective's pipe smoking. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous character has continued to support an interest in tobacco pipes, and his dedication to the pastime has undoubtedly motivated and captivated pipe smokers around the world, as proven in letters to Sherlock Holmes.
You may also enjoy:
Comments
I enjoyed this and have all the Sherlock Holmes stories in various books. I did not know about the letters.
A few corrections to note.
1) Conon should be "Conan" (several places)
2) His last name was Doyle, not Conan Doyle.
The photo is appreciated. It has been so long since I stood on that street.
Thanks, PD! Embarrassing misspelling. Fixed!
Most welcome, sir. The letters in your article were nice to read. I would imagine that the Museum at 221B Baker St. still gets letters.
Now, we need to have the old Dunhill Blend
"221b Baker Street" reappear!
qwertyuiop
My wife and I have read all of the Sherlock stories several times and have been to the museum. It is really well done, with several of his stories displayed on every floor of the house. The gift shop has lots of trinkets. I brought home several boxes of wooden matches with the museum logo on them. Arthur Conan Doyle is almost as interesting as is Holmes. Great article. Thanks as always.
There was an old story about the time Sherlock sat on a stove when he was young. It is entitled "Holmes in the Range."
Another fun read, Chuck—thanks!
Another fun read, Chuck—thanks!
我觉得现代烟斗爱好者起码有一半都是受夏洛克的影响，甚至连fvf的火爆都是因为那张经典的剪影。
Great article! I have to suggest a minor correction, though, if I may. Nowhere in “The Man With the Twisted Lip” does it mention “an ounce” of shag tobacco “a night”. That would be 12 to 14 large bowls, which Doyle would not have been careless enough to assert could be smoked in a single evening. The closest reference GROK3 could find when I asked was this passage, quoting Watson, “He took out his pipe and filled it with the strong shag tobacco, of which he consumed a large quantity when he was engaged in thought.” Nobody in real life or realistic fiction ever consumed an ounce of strong tobacco a night. No author familiar with tobacco pipes would seriously assert it. I was glad to find Doyle didn’t. Please fix. Thanks!
I think you have a point: it was improper to imply that Holmes routinely smoked an ounce a night and I’ve rephrased that. However, in “The Man With the Twisted Lip,” he does smoke that much, at least on that particular occasion:
"…he constructed a sort of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of shag which I had seen upon the previous night."
Then, at the end of the story, Watson says, “I wish I knew how you reach your results.” Holmes answers: “I reached this one … by sitting upon five pillows and consuming an ounce of shag.”
So I think it unlikely that Holmes often smoked an ounce at a sitting, but it seems when he was confronted with a difficult problem, he could and would smoke to that extent.
Brilliant! I stand corrected! Thanks for the additional details, (…and the lesson not to trust AI over a real expert). One could easily imaging Holmes so focused that he lost all track of time and smoked a dozen bowls back-to-back - all evening, through the night and into the next day. Very believable.
Interesting article
The Sherlock Holmes audio books are the best things second to pipes and tobacco. It definitely doesn't take a detective to figure that out.
Agreed! Which narrator do you favor? I’ve been enjoying Stephen Fry’s version.