"In a romantic chamber of the heart, in a nostalgic country of the mind where it is always 1895." V. Starrett
I've read all the Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories many times over the years, needless to say, and of course, I am very familiar with the movies and television versions. But I'd always thought about getting the entire collection on audio - and now, finally, I have. Hard to explain the 'comfort' of Sherlock Holmes to anyone not similarly affected or 'afflicted'.
I downloaded the entire unabridged series of stories from Audible with brilliant narration by Simon Vance and in effect, I've been happily ensconced in Victorian England over the past week or so.
Vance is a wonder, his remarkably rich voice captures the varying personalities of each and every character in the canon, even the American voices in A STUDY IN SCARLET and THE VALLEY OF FEAR. 'His' Holmes is perfection. I can't imagine a finer and more adept audio interpretation.
There are some audio versions of the Holmes stories available for free downloading online, but nothing on the level of Vance's narration. At least not that I've heard. This is the version to beat.
Not read a Sherlock Holmes as yet. I think time to get to it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Begin with THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, the best mystery story ever written.
DeleteCongratulations Yvette! What a wonderful treat for yourself! Now you can sit and listen, have tea and crumpets (or cookies) and imagine yourself in London, right along with Holmes and Watson as they solve the cases.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great summer treat! You can even walk Rocky and listen.
Soon as I learn to transfer the things over to my inactive i-pod. I know, I know, get a tutorial. Sigh. Anyway, it is exactly like visiting Victorian England. Tea and crumpets. Yes.
DeleteYvette, transferring the files onto your iPod shouldn't be difficult at all. What are they, MP3 files? I assume so. You've got me VERY tempted by these, and I'm thinking of buying the CD/MP3 set straight from Brillance. Anyhow, just plug the iPod into the computer (Mac?) and select the files you want to load and hey, presto. Email me directly if you want further help with that.
DeleteAlso, you can go here on the Audiobookstand site for instructions:
Deletehttp://www.audiobookstand.com/technologypage.asp#transfertoipod
Thanks so much Richard, it does sound easy the way you explain it. Let me see how it goes. I have a P.C. (Wish I did have a Mac). I'm just SO leery of tinkering. But hey, I need to get over it. Right? Right. :)
DeleteAh. Well there are instructions on the Audiobookstand for PC/Windows users too. I did buy the set, on CD/MP3, so I'll be going through the same steps when the thing arrives.
DeleteDon't forget to let us know what you think of Simon Vance's interpretation, Richard.
DeleteI'll have a look for them - I am always for keeping the old sleuth alive, which is why I liked the Cumberbatch version so much.
ReplyDeleteOh, this audio version is superb, Tom. Well worth the money. If Conan Doyle (usually mystified by the popularity of his creation) knew how just the sound of his words induces time travel in an Anglophile's heart and mind. :)
DeleteHe had a very high, squeaky voice in reality.
DeleteWho - Doyle?
DeleteYvette, I always wonder, with something like this, when / where people listen to the audio. While working, walking, driving, or? I can't imagine just sitting in a chair staring at a wall and listening, but doing something else would distract me from the words. Do you listen on an iPod, phone, or?
ReplyDeleteI've been reading some of the Holmes pastiches Titan Books is publishing, and enjoying them for what they are, not the "real Holmes" but stories set in Victorian - but steampunk - London.
Good question, Richard. I listen on my computer which is not, I admit, the optimum way to indulge. But I have decided to take the plunge and transfer my audio books to my i-pod so I can listen while I walk the dog or just perambulate about the neighborhood. When I used to drive I listened to books in my car all the time. But since I no longer keep a car, that's out. But I miss it.
DeleteBut they sure are fabulous on long trips. I have friends who listen to books on long drives from Ohio to NJ. and back again.
When I listen on my computer, I'm usually multi-tasking and if I miss something (rarely since I know most of the tales by heart and it's the sound of the voice and my own imagination which makes it all come alive anyway) I just figure I'll catch up. The thing is, Richard, I rarely if ever listen to books I haven't read before. Though this time out with audible I have several books lined up that are strangers to me. Those I would have to really really listen to.
But it's nice to sit back on the sofa and kind of fall into a dream like state while listening. I recommend it. And after all you don't have to listen to the entire tape (hours and hours long, most of them) at one sitting. Bits and pieces works fine for me.
More information than you bargained for - huh? :)
No, not at all. I appreciate it. I'm going to try the settle back and listen thing. Usually I listen on my iPod, but it's mostly podcasts.
DeleteLet us know how you like it. :)
DeleteI admit to not having read any Sherlock Holmes yet but it isn't too late. I plan to start with A Study in Scarlet. I haven't tried any audible books yet either.
ReplyDeleteI'd begin with THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, but that's just me. :) Hope you'll become addicted.
DeleteI agree with Yvette. HOUND is - by far - the best of the novels. Then the short stories, beginning with "Adventures" and "Memoirs." "The Speckled Band" remains one of the most frightening short stories I've ever read.
DeleteOh, THE SPECKLED BAND is brilliant. Creepy, scary, and sad. I also loved THE RED HEADED LEAGUE and THE SOLITARY CYCLIST and THE EMPTY HOUSE and the Reichenbach Falls episode and a couple more that escape me at the moment.
DeleteI think Sherlock Holmes, along with Nero Wolfe and Perry Mason were my first sleuths when I was a teenager back in the Middle Ages.
ReplyDeleteI read several of the Holmes' books then and learned about the scientific art of deduction, gathering evidence and so on. But it was all based in science. I think my father, who was a big Holmes fan, wanted me to learn about this not only for enjoyment but for educational purposes.
I don't read them any longer, but I do enjoy the films, not those with violence, but those with logical investigations. I don't remember violence in the books; the murders took place off the page, which I appreciated a lot. I wish current authors would have learned this lesson from the Great Detective: Violence does not have to be on the page and blood and gore are not essential to a good story, other than for evidence.
Using one's brain to follow an investigation and the clues, as well as the eccentricities of Holmes and Watson are enough. Writers should write good books and about interesting cases, minus the gore. It isn't needed. A lesson should be learned here!
Gore is a big turn off for me unless there is a damn good reason for including it - can't think of any at the moment. :)
DeleteI still enjoy the Holmes stories, most especially listening to them as I've been doing. SO wonderful. Though admittedly there are a couple of stories in the last book which are not as appealing as the early stuff. But I won't quibble.
My first sleuth was Nancy Drew, afterwards I turned to Agatha Christie. Can't remember when I discovered Rex Stout.
I have Holmes in hardcover, Holmes in paperback and Holmes on my kobo. I have yet to add audio Holmes to the collection, but will take your word on Mr. Vance. It will be nice to have someone tell me the stories.
ReplyDeletePS: Today my special needs son is obsessing over "The Great Mouse Detective" and I was struck again by just how perfectly Barrie Ingham voiced Basil of Baker Street.
You can listen to an example of Vance 's ability and voice on the audible website if you like, C.W. Very handy.
DeleteI'm not familiar with The Great Mouse Detective, but it sounds like something I should take a look at for my granddaughter's sake. :)
I remember that Nancy Drew was the first detective I read about, true. Your message reminded me of that. I loved those books. I spent many a Saturday afternoon reading about Nancy Drew's adventures.
ReplyDeleteI think we all began with Nancy Drew. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not big on audio books, but I do love the Holmes canon.
ReplyDelete