Holmes-Schooling at Library

Sherlock Holmes is well-known as the fictional character who put the word "detect" in detective.  

But historian Bud Livingston reminded Tuesday's audience at the Syosset Public Library that Holmes was much more than a private eye: He was also a chemist, violin player, boxer and swordsman.

"I want people to be interested in Sherlock Holmes because he is so fascinating," said Livingston.

Holmes, who practiced forensic science made being a private detective exciting and fascinating, according to Livingston. Holmes first appeared in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet in the 1887 Beeton's Christmas Annual. He and sidekick John H. Watson continued their adventures in four novels and 56 short stories.

Livingston, who has written more than 50 papers on Holmes, became fascinated with the character during his time in the military.

"I was bored to tears while being stationed in the jungle," Livingston said. "Somebody there had the complete works of Sherlock Holmes. It I loved it so much that I had to get up at 3 in the morning and finish reading it in the latrine."

Many have shared a similar obsession. When Holmes and longtime enemy Prof. Moriarty were killed in The Final Problem (1893), the author was forced to bring him back to life due to readers' demands. Doyle continued to write about Holmes with novels and short stories through 1927's The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes. 

During the presentation, Livingston recommended the audience see PBS Masterpiece Theatre: The Hound of the Baskervilles.

"PBS did a great job with the show," Livingston said. "The casting in the series was wonderful. Everyone should watch it."

Livingston added several fun facts: The Sherlock Holmes stories have been translated into 67 languages. And despite popular belief, Holmes never said, "Elementary, my dear Watson." He said, "Elementary, Watson."

In addition to speaking about Sherlock Holmes, Livingston is knowledgeable about many topics, including the American Civil War and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He has been presenting at libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties for many years and is the author of President Lincoln's Third Largest City: Brooklyn and the Civil War. Livingston is currently giving his Sherlock Holmes presentation at the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center in Plainview.

For more information about free programs at the library, visit www.syossetlibrary.org or call 516-921-7161.