We think of Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) first and foremost as the father of modern science fiction. He’s especially well-known for his Foundation Trilogy, and his Robot series. Even outside the world of science fiction fandom, I, Robot is recognized as a blockbuster film, and many of the ideas we have about robots came from him. Asimov(…)
sherlock holmes
The Hound of the Baskervilles: a must-read for mystery fans
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901-02) has been regarded by current and contemporary Sherlockians as the best of the four Sherlock Holmes novels. Since its publication, it has been adapted dozens of times for radio, film, and television. It’s a mystery classic that I hope you’ll try! Here’s some background(…)
For Mystery Lovers: The Real Professor Moriarty, by Bruce Rosen
We have a real treat today for you mystery and history lovers: an exploration of one of the most famous fictional villains, Professor Moriarty. He’s the nemesis of Sherlock Holmes, and bad boy of stage and screen, most recently rendered in the film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. It’s particularly appropriate that Victorian scholar(…)
Dr. Watson: narrator, buffoon, or crime-fighting partner?
Sherlock Holmes would be nothing without Dr. Watson. Yes, John H. Watson – medical doctor, wounded veteran of the second Anglo-Afghan War, congenial companion, capable chronicler – the 19th century British Everyman. He’s the ideal foil for the brilliance of Holmes, and tells the story in a way that Holmes never could. He also makes the Great(…)
Mystery Monday: Chasing the MacGuffin
In terms of puzzle and suspense, most of us consider mystery stories primarily “Whodunnit” in nature. However, a lot of mysteries also thrive on the pursuit of the “MacGuffin.” What the heck’s a MacGuffin? The MacGuffin is an object everyone in the story wants, and are racing around to get. Alfred Hitchcock made the term(…)
Red-Headed, or Red-Handed? 19thc bank robberies in fact and fiction
Anyone familiar with the Sherlock Holmes stories has read, or at least heard of, “The Red-Headed League.” The story was published in The Strand Magazine’s August 1891 issue, and later collected in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892). Be the first to like. Like Unlike
Watercooler Wednesday: you know you’re a mystery fan if…
Welcome to Watercooler Wednesday, where the water is above-average, the topics are bubbly, and the company is sparkling. This week’s topic: You know you’re a mystery fan if…. here are some symptoms indicators of the disorder preference Be the first to like. Like Unlike
Things to “Fall” for: Watercooler Wednesday
Welcome to Watercooler Wednesday, where the water is above-average, the topics are bubbly, and the company is sparkling. Even though the “official” autumnal equinox isn’t until Friday, today’s topic is: Things to Fall for in other words, things we love or delight in, that make it all worthwhile Be the first to like.(…)
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