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Monday, June 27, 2005

Julian & Arthur & George

More on Julian Barnes' new book: the 'Arthur' of the title refers to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the 'George' is George Edalji, Doyle's long-time friend. A review in The Guardian goes on to say:

"Any student of Conan Doyle, or decent Sherlockologist will know that these two names became linked in later life. George Edalji, who trained as a solicitor, was the victim of a famous miscarriage of justice, convicted in 1903 of mutilating livestock in his parish. After his release from a seven-year prison sentence, it was Conan Doyle who championed his case for a pardon in the newspapers and in parliament. The writer was asked many times in his life to put on Holmes's cloak and solve a mystery himself; the Edalji case was the only time he agreed."

Also of interest: "George's father is Indian, a Parsee, who has married the daughter of a Scottish vicar, and has taken over the parish church in Great Wyrley."

It sounds absolutely delightful.

1 Comments:

  • A non-fiction account of the George Edalji case, entitled 'Conan Doyle and the Parson's Son:The George Edalji case, researched and written by Gordon Weaver will be published by Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie on the 6th March. For an overview of the book visit www.theplebeian.net

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:02 PM  

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