When The Long-Gone Become The Long-Awaited

People have often given me things for my collection/library. Sometimes it's one item, other times it's boxes of them. One of the things that always seems to find its way onto my shelves is newsletters. Or pamphlets. Today we're going to discuss one or two of them, and take a look at how they can help guide an idea.

I've been re-evaluating my collection recently, and I have found that I have these things by the boxful. I have well over a hundred just on one bookcase, and I've no idea how many more are in boxes waiting to see the light of day. Most are the monthly or annual publications of a society, but some are the work of an individual. If I ever get around to categorizing them I can be more specific. For now I'll just say that it can be fun reading either one.

Now, I've flipped through a lot of these, and I'm always pleased to come across an article about chronology. Usually it's about a particular story, and not a full chronology. Usually. However, a few years ago (Autumn 2014, actually) a piece was published in The Baker Street Journal (BSJ) that helped me see a major chronological issue with fresh eyes. It was by imminent Sherlockian Les Klinger, and was a full chronology that was based on the dates that appeared the most for all the stories. An example would be for A Study in Scarlet (STUD). Nearly every chronologist says March 4, 1881, was the opening date, but not all. However, since that date is the most agreed upon, it is listed in the article as the best option for the date for that story. A young lady in my local scion society, The Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis, named Kera Martin pointed out a snag with the dates that would include Watson's marriage(s). We discussed it, and I had a blinding flash of light thought that I'm still working on to this day.

The BSJ is called the premiere publication for our hobby, but to me it's no different than any other. (I have a problem with any organization calling their publication that because it demeans and lessens the efforts and content put into others.) I have many of the BSJ run, but not all. I can get them, but don't seek them out. However, they do contain some really great chronological articles. I've spent quite a bit of time studying them, and hope that more appear in future editions.

Recently, a piece fell into my hands in a most unexpected way. I belong to a small, invitation-only group of Sherlockian cigar smokers based here in Indiana. We meet once a year, and have a fantastic time enjoying privately-branded cigars and then eating stupidly expensive food. It's so much fun, and this year's dinner found me receiving a highly sought after edition of a long gone publication called The Sherlock Holmes Review (SHR).

My friend Steve Doyle was the publisher of these, and he came across this Volume 1, No. 1 somewhere. He posted a picture of it on Facebook, and I mentioned that I would be interested in buying it. But, he didn't respond, and I let it go thinking it was either out of my price range, or he was going to keep it himself or put it in an important collection somewhere. At our cigar club gathering he surprised me by handing it to me as a gift. I was floored. I had not expected that to happen, and am still amazed by his generosity.

I had originally intended to put a post about this on Facebook, too, but I felt it was just too wonderful of a treat to lessen. (I'm just sorry I took so long to do this.) I have read the edition from cover to cover and loved every minute of it. And it turns out that the finding and posting of this item on said Facebook had an unexpected effect - it was part of a spark in interest in his no-longer-published labor of love that has resulted in a renewed want in the Sherlockian community for a return of Steve's baby. Sorry, that was a bit drawn out. Basically, The Sherlock Holmes Review is coming back! And I'll make sure not to wait so long to get a Volume 1, No. 1 of this run.

I realize this post wasn't really about chronology, but the next one will be. (I still owe you at least one more for the month.) So, enjoy this one as an appetizer. I'll see you next time, and as always...thanks for reading.