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The Hound of the Baskervilles

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Sherlock Holmes novels
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of Four
The Hound of the Baskervilles
The Valley of Fear

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a crime novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, originally serialised in the Strand Magazine in 1901 and 1902, which is set largely on Dartmoor 1889. At the time of researching the novel, Conan Doyle was a General Practitioner in Plymouth, and thus was able to explore the moor and accurately capture its mood and feel. In the novel, the detective Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson are called to investigate a curse which is alleged to be on the house of the Baskervilles.

Contents

Inspiration for the story

The marsh around Fox Tor, Fox Tor Mires, was almost certainly the inspiration for the book's 'Grimpen Mire'. Baskerville Hall may be either Hayford Hall or Brook Manor, which are both near Buckfastleigh. [Baskerville Hall] in Clyro also claims to be inspiration for the building in the story, going so far as to have Holmes' silhouette on stationary and brochures.

It is thought that Conan Doyle, who once lived in Birmingham, may have borrowed the name from Birmingham printer John Baskerville. The ideas of journalist and writer Bertram Fletcher Robinson were important in the inception of the book, and he received credit in early publications, although the extent of his contributions are unknown. The Hound of the Baskervilles is considered to be one of Conan Doyle's best works as an author for its fantastic descriptive writing.

The story is inspired by regional mythology of the British Isles concerning hell-hounds. See Barghest and Black Shuck. The latter is of East Anglian origin, and Conan Doyle and Fletcher Robinson spent time at the Norfolk resort of Cromer. The old Cromer Hall nearby which was in the Gothic style is also said to have matched the description of Baskerville Hall. [link] and there was also links between the Cromer and Devon through the Cabell family (said to be an inspiration for the cursed family).

Conan Doyle, who wished to concentrate on his historical novels, chose to bring back Sherlock Holmes for the story despite having previously stated that he had become tired of the character. The decision was probably prompted both by the need for a powerful protagonist and the astronomical commercial success of Sherlock Holmes at the time, especially in America. However, the events of this story were placed before those of The Final Problem and thus there was no necessity (as yet) of explaining away Holmes' "death."

The story was first published in The Strand as "The Hound of the Baskervilles—Another Adventure of Sherlock Holmes" in a series of monthly parts, from August 1901 to April 1902.

First edition in 1902 by George Newnes - Title page
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First edition in 1902 by George Newnes - Title page

Plot summary

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Holmes and Watson receive a visit from Dr. James Mortimer, who wishes to consult them before meeting Sir Henry Baskerville, the last of the Baskervilles, and heir to the Baskerville estate in Dartmoor. Dr. Mortimer tells them he is uneasy about letting him go to Baskerville Hall, owing to a supposed family curse. He narrates the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a demonic dog that first killed Sir Hugo Baskerville several hundred years ago, and is believed to kill all Baskervilles in the region of Dartmoor. When Holmes dismisses it as a fairy tale, he narrates the events of the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Henry's uncle. Although he was found dead in his garden without any trace of physical damage, his face was distorted as if he died in utter terror. Dr. Mortimer then reveals something that he had not mentioned at the official inquest. He alone had noticed footmarks at some distance from the body when it was found, the footmarks of a gigantic hound.

The Hound, as it is affectionately known, has a number of things going for it. Doyle had matured as a writer since the two earlier Holmes novels, but did not produce this story merely as a response to The Strand's financial offers. Having been conceived of as a Holmes tale for artistic reasons, one can see that the author's enthusiasm was back, and at a time when his abilities could fulfill the story's needs. More subplots, red herrings, and interesting characters drift through its pages than is usual for a Holmes mystery. Inspector Lestrade is a helpful ally. And, most importantly, it is Watson's story. Not only is he the narrator, as is usual, but it is his own activities that he is reporting. Holmes is not on hand for the middle section of the novel, and for those familiar with the Nigel Bruce portrayals, it is refreshing to see Dr Watson's intelligence, bravery, and initiative put on display. With no Holmes, he does a creditable job as his agent, as Holmes himself notes.

Allusions/references from other works

The Hound of the Baskervilles may be the most popular of all of the Sherlock Holmes stories. It has been filmed no fewer than 18 times, with the earliest adaptation on record being a 1914 German silent production. Other adaptations include those featuring Basil Rathbone (1939), Peter Cushing (1959), and Jeremy Brett (1988). There has also been a rock music adaptation by Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman.

A 1978 comedic film adaptation of the novel featured well-known British stars such as Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Terry-Thomas, Spike Milligan, Prunella Scales, Denholm Elliott, and Penelope Keith.

In her Amelia Peabody novel The Curse of the Pharaohs, Elizabeth Peters named many of the minor characters after people featured in the Sherlock Holmes canon. The murder victim, an aristocratic archaeologist, is named Sir Henry Baskerville—"from the Norfolk Baskervilles, not the Devonshire branch of the family".

The main character in Umberto Eco's detective story set in the Middle Ages, The Name of the Rose, is named William of Baskerville, and his trustful sidekick is named Adso. The first is most probably a reference to the novel by Conan Doyle (as well as to William Occam), and the latter might refer to Dr Watson.

In part one of The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, by Keno Don Rosa, the hound is presented as the Hound of the Whiskervilles. This hound merely is a costume, having been used since 1675 by the inhabitants of Whiskerville to frighten the McDucks.

Vladimir Nabokov, a childhood Holmes enthusiast, sprinkled allusions through many of his novels. His widely celebrated book Pale Fire refers to Grimpen Mire and its marshy landscape, as well as referencing Stapleton's habit of butterfly collecting.

The observation that psychological stress can increase mortality through heart attacks has been given the name Baskerville effect. This alludes to the story's Sir Charles Baskerville who died from a heart attack after encountering the fierce dog of the title.

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

1939 film

The most famous and popular film version may be the 1939 release starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in their first teaming as Holmes and Watson. The film was directed by Sidney Lanfield.

1939 Main cast in credit order

Trivia

1959 film

Another film version was a 1959 release. This Hammer produced version was directed by veteran Hammer director Terence Fisher featured Peter Cushing as Holmes, André Morell as Watson, and Christopher Lee as Sir Henry Baskerville.

1959 Main cast in credit order

1981 film

See The Hound of the Baskervilles (1981 film)

2002 film

This version was shown on BBC One on Boxing Day, 2002.

Quotations

1939 version

1959 version

External links

 

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