The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (book series)
The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes is a series of anthologies of Victorian and Edwardian detective fiction, edited by Hugh Greene. The series aimed to showcase detectives who were contemporaries and competitors of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, providing readers with alternative sleuthing styles and characters from the same era.
The concept originated from Greene's desire to highlight the rich and varied landscape of detective literature beyond the iconic Holmes. The anthologies presented short stories featuring lesser-known detectives, many of whom had their own dedicated series of novels or short stories.
The books featured detectives employing various methods of deduction, observation, and criminal investigation, often differing significantly from Holmes's own techniques. This included psychic detectives, amateur sleuths, government agents, and even reformed criminals turned investigators. The stories themselves ranged in tone and subject matter, from intricate puzzle mysteries to thrilling adventures and investigations of social injustice.
The success of the book series led to a television adaptation of the same name, further popularizing the featured detectives and stories. The anthologies and the television series both contributed to a renewed appreciation for the diverse range of detective fiction produced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key authors featured in the anthologies include:
- Grant Allen (Hilda Wade)
- Baroness Orczy (Lady Molly of Scotland Yard)
- Arthur Morrison (Martin Hewitt)
- Israel Zangwill (Professor Branestawm)
- Robert Barr (Eugène Valmont)
- L.T. Meade and Robert Eustace (Dr. Halifax)
The series helped to establish a broader understanding of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and highlighted the numerous talented authors and memorable characters who contributed to the genre. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the historical context and evolution of detective literature.