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{{other uses}}
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{{Short description|Crime novel by Arthur Conan Doyle}}
{{Short description|1902 crime detective novel by Arthur Conan Doyle}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox book
{{Infobox book
| name = The Hound of the Baskervilles
| name = The Hound of the Baskervilles
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| language = English
| language = English
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| genre = [[Detective fiction]], [[Gothic fiction]]<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/an-introduction-to-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles |title=An introduction to The Hound of the Baskervilles|last=Buzwell| first=Greg| date=15 Mar 2014|access-date=8 August 2022}}</ref>
| genre = [[Detective fiction]], [[Gothic fiction]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/an-introduction-to-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles|title=An introduction to The Hound of the Baskervilles|last=Buzwell|first=Greg|date=15 March 2014|access-date=8 August 2022|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808124543/https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/an-introduction-to-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| publisher = [[George Newnes Ltd]]
| publisher = [[George Newnes Ltd]]
| isbn =
| isbn =
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'''''The Hound of the Baskervilles''''' is the third of the four [[Detective fiction|crime novel]]s by British writer [[Arthur Conan Doyle]] featuring the detective [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Originally [[serial (literature)|serialised]] in ''[[The Strand Magazine]]'' from August 1901 to April 1902, it is set in 1889 largely on [[Dartmoor]] in [[Devon]] in England's [[West Country]] and tells the story of Holmes and [[Dr. Watson|Watson]] investigating the case of the legend of a fearsome, [[Black dog (folklore)|diabolical hound]] of supernatural origin. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his apparent death in "[[The Final Problem]]", and the success of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' led to the character's eventual revival.<ref name="rendell">{{cite news|last=Rendell|first=Ruth|author-link=Ruth Rendell|title=A most serious and extraordinary problem |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/sep/13/arthurconandoyle.crime|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date= 12 September 2008|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>
'''''The Hound of the Baskervilles''''' is the third of the four [[Detective fiction|crime novel]]s by British writer [[Arthur Conan Doyle]] featuring the detective [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Originally [[serial (literature)|serialised]] in ''[[The Strand Magazine]]'' from August 1901 to April 1902, it is set largely in [[Dartmoor]], [[Devon]], in England's [[West Country]] and follows Holmes and [[Dr. Watson|Watson]] investigating the legend of a fearsome, [[Black dog (folklore)|diabolical hound]] of supernatural origin. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his apparent death in "[[The Final Problem]]", and the success of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' led to the character's eventual revival.<ref name="rendell">{{cite news|last=Rendell|first=Ruth|author-link=Ruth Rendell|title=A most serious and extraordinary problem |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2008/sep/13/arthurconandoyle.crime|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date= 12 September 2008|access-date=8 December 2018}}</ref>


One of the most famous stories ever written,<ref name="rendell"/> in 2003, the book was listed as number 128 of 200 on the BBC's [[The Big Read]] poll of the UK's "best-loved novel".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 September 2014 |title=The Big Read - Top 200 Books (2003) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top200.shtml |access-date=31 October 2012 |website=BBC}}</ref> In 1999, a poll of "Sherlockians" ranked it as the best of the four Holmes novels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestofsherlock.com/story/storyhm.htm |title=The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories |publisher=Bestofsherlock.com |access-date=2014-06-23}}</ref>
One of the most famous stories ever written,<ref name="rendell"/> in 2003, the book was listed as number 128 of 200 on the BBC's [[The Big Read]] poll of the UK's "best-loved novel".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 September 2014 |title=The Big Read – Top 200 Books (2003) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top200.shtml |access-date=31 October 2012 |website=BBC}}</ref> In 1999, a poll of "Sherlockians" ranked it as the best of the four Holmes novels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestofsherlock.com/story/storyhm.htm |title=The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories |publisher=Bestofsherlock.com |access-date=23 June 2014}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
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In [[London]], Dr&nbsp;James Mortimer asks for the aid of Sherlock Holmes. He recounts the legend of a curse that has run in the Baskerville family since the time of the [[English Civil War]], when Sir Hugo Baskerville kidnapped a farmer's daughter. When the girl escaped, Hugo made a deal with the devil and pursued her. Hugo's companions found the girl dead of fear and Hugo killed by a [[Black dog (folklore)|demonic hound]], which has haunted [[Dartmoor]] ever since, causing the premature death of many Baskerville heirs. Mortimer says that his friend Sir Charles Baskerville, who took the legend seriously, was found dead in the yew alley of his estate, Baskerville Hall, on Dartmoor. A locally noted [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]], Sir Charles had retired to his family estate in 1887 after some years in [[South Africa]], where he had made a fortune through shrewd investments. His death was attributed to a heart attack, but his face had an expression of horror, and not far from his body were the footprints of a gigantic hound.
In [[London]], 1889, Dr. James Mortimer asks for the aid of Sherlock Holmes, beginning by reading him a legend that has run in the Baskerville family since the time of the [[English Civil War]], when Sir Hugo Baskerville kidnapped a farmer's daughter. When the girl escaped, Hugo pursued her, swearing a curse upon himself in his mad rage. Hugo's companions later found the girl dead of fear, and Hugo killed by a [[Black dog (folklore)|demonic hound]]. The dog is said to have haunted [[Dartmoor]] ever since, causing the premature death of many Baskervilles.


Mortimer explains that his friend, the [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] [[baronet]] Sir Charles Baskerville, took the legend very seriously. Sir Charles, who had a weak heart, had retired to Baskerville Hall in 1887, after amassing a fortune in [[South Africa]]. When the baronet's body was later found in a [[yew]] alley, with an expression of horror on his face, the death was attributed to [[cardiac arrest]]; however, Mortimer had secretly noticed large canine paw prints near the body. Sir Charles had been the eldest of three Baskerville brothers, and Sir Henry, the [[Canada|Canadian]] son of the deceased second brother, is Sir Charles' heir. The rather immoral third brother, Rodger, died of [[yellow fever]] in [[South America]] in 1876. Mortimer, the [[Executor|executor]] of Sir Charles's [[Will and testament|will]], fears it might not be wise to bring Sir Henry to Dartmoor, in view of the possible supernatural dangers.
As the [[Executor|executor]] of Sir Charles's [[Will and testament|will]], Mortimer fears for the new Baskerville [[Baronet|baronet]], Sir Henry Baskerville, the nephew of Sir Charles. Sir Charles had been the eldest of three Baskerville brothers; after Sir Henry, there were no further immediate heirs to the title and estate. Sir Charles's youngest brother, Rodger, who had led a scandalous life in England, had fled to Central America, where he had died of [[Yellow fever|yellow fever]] in 1876, apparently unmarried and childless. Though he dismisses the curse as nonsense. Holmes agrees to meet Sir Henry, who is arriving soon from [[Canada]], sceptical of the legend and eager to take possession of Baskerville Hall in spite of receiving an anonymous note warning him to stay away from the moor; Holmes also witnesses someone following Sir Henry. Later, Mortimer reveals that Sir Henry had inherited a vast fortune from his late uncle - [[Pound sterling|£]]740,000 (equivalent to £{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|740000|1889|r=0}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}}{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}). Realising this provides a strong motive for anyone trying to do Sir Henry harm, Holmes asks Watson to go with Sir Henry and Mortimer, in order to protect the baronet and investigate who is following him.


Though Holmes dismisses the legend as a [[Fairy tale|fairy-tale]], he meets with Sir Henry when the new baronet arrives in London. It transpires that strange things are already happening to Sir Henry; one of his old boots has been stolen, he has received an anonymous letter warning him against the moor, and someone has been following him in a [[hansom]]. Mortimer reveals that Sir Henry's inheritance is about
The trio arrive at Baskerville Hall where a married couple, the Barrymores, are butler and housekeeper. The estate is near the Grimpen Mire, where anyone can sink to their death. Meanwhile, convicted murderer Selden has escaped from [[Dartmoor Prison]] and is hiding on the moor. During their first night, Sir Henry and Watson hear the sound of a woman crying. In the daylight, they explore the neighbourhood and meet its residents; Watson sends details of his investigations to Holmes. Among the residents, the Stapletons, brother and sister, stand out: Jack is overfriendly and curious about the newcomers, while Beryl seems weary of the place and attempts to warn Sir Henry of danger. Distant howls start troubling Watson. He grows suspicious of Barrymore, who signals at night with a candle to someone on the moor. Sir Henry is drawn to Beryl despite her brother's attitude to any relationship. Meanwhile Frankland, an old and grumpy neighbour, likes to spy on others with his telescope and sees [[Dartmoor kistvaens|ancient tombs]] have been excavated by Mortimer. Watson and Sir Henry investigate the Barrymores and find that Selden is Mrs Barrymore's brother. During an unsuccessful attempt to catch Selden, Watson sees an unknown man standing on a [[Tor (rock formation)|tor]]. They learn from Barrymore that Frankland's estranged daughter Laura has unclear ties to Sir Charles.
[[Pound sterling|£]]740,000 (equivalent to £{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|740000|1889|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}}{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}); in view of these high stakes, Holmes asks Watson to act as Sir Henry's bodyguard, and to investigate things in Dartmoor.


Upon arriving in Dartmoor, Watson, Mortimer and Sir Henry learn that Selden, a convicted murderer, has escaped from [[Princetown Prison]] and is loose on the moor. At Baskerville Hall, they are introduced to John and Eliza Barrymore, the married butler and housekeeper. Watson sends detailed accounts of his investigations to Holmes, particularly focusing on the neighbourhood residents. The Stapleton siblings stand out; Jack is over-friendly, drops hints about the hound, and warns Watson against attempting to cross the dangerous Grimpen [[Mire]]. His sister Beryl, without his knowledge, repeatedly tries to get Sir Henry to flee back to London. Another neighbour, Mr. Frankland, is a perpetual busybody and troublemaker, including threatening to bring a lawsuit against Dr. Mortimer for excavating [[Dartmoor kistvaens|nearby barrows]]. Sir Henry falls in love with Beryl Stapleton, though her brother strongly objects to the romance.
Watson investigates the man on the tor and discovers that it is Holmes, who explains that he came secretly to the moor to hide his direct involvement. Holmes explains that he is close to solving the mystery. He explains that Stapleton is the suspect and that Beryl is actually Stapleton's wife, abused and forced into posing as his sister so as to influence Sir Henry and expose him to the hound. The hound kills a man on the moor whom Holmes and Watson fear is Sir Henry, but turns out to be Selden. Barrymore had given him Sir Henry's discarded clothes. Holmes decides to use Baskerville as bait to catch Stapleton. While dining with Sir Henry and Watson, Holmes suddenly notices a portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville and recognises a family resemblance to Stapleton. He tells Sir Henry to accept an invitation to Stapleton's house and walk back after dark, giving his enemy every chance to unleash the hound.


Barrymore repeatedly sends candlelight signals to someone on the moor. Following Barrymore one night, Watson and Sir Henry discover that Selden is Mrs. Barrymore's younger brother, and that she and her husband have been leaving food out for him. During an unsuccessful attempt to catch Selden, Watson sees a strange man standing on a [[Tor (rock formation)|tor]].
Holmes and Watson pretend to leave Dartmoor by train but instead hide near Stapleton's house with [[Inspector Lestrade]] of [[Scotland Yard]]. Despite thick fog, Holmes and Watson manage to kill the hound when it attacks Sir Henry. They find Beryl tied up in Stapleton's house, while Stapleton himself, in his flight from the scene, seemingly drowns in the mire. Back in London, following a visit from Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer, who leave on a trip around the world to help improve Sir Henry's nerves, Holmes explains to Watson that Stapleton was none other than Sir Henry's cousin, Rodger Baskerville, the only son of his namesake father who had died in 1876, and who had been hoping to inherit the family estate. A physical and spiritual throwback to Sir Hugo Baskerville, he had intended to kill his relations with a vicious hound painted with phosphorus to appear sinister. He had promised Laura marriage and convinced her to lure Sir Charles out of his house at night, in order to frighten him with the animal; the superstitious Sir Charles suffered a heart attack. Holmes remarks to Watson that Stapleton had been one of the most formidable foes they had ever encountered.

Watson and Sir Henry learn from Barrymore that Frankland's estranged daughter Laura had once written to Sir Charles. After a failed attempt to interrogate Laura, Watson investigates the man on the tor and learns that it is Holmes, who has been investigating in secret to hide his direct involvement. Holmes reveals that Jack Stapleton is the murderer, and Beryl is his wife, abused and forced into posing as his sister; however, Holmes does not have enough proof to convince the authorities.

Holmes and Watson hear a man fleeing from a baying hound, and later find that Selden has fallen from a cliff and died. Barrymore had given Selden Sir Henry's discarded clothes, and Stapleton's hound, having been set on the trail with Sir Henry's stolen boot, had confused the scent. Later, after dining at Baskerville Hall, Holmes reveals to Watson that the portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville bears a remarkable resemblance to Stapleton.

Holmes decides to use an unwitting Sir Henry as bait; he orders him to visit Stapleton that evening, and then walk across the moor on foot. Holmes and Watson then pretend to leave for London, but instead hide near Stapleton's house with [[Inspector Lestrade]] of [[Scotland Yard]]. Despite thick fog, they manage to kill the hound when Stapleton unleashes it after Sir Henry. They go to Stapleton's house to arrest him, but find he has bound his wife to a column and fled into the mire, presumably drowning. Holmes remarks that he considers Stapleton one of his most cunning adversaries.

Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer depart on a sea voyage, to repair the baronet's shattered nerves. After they leave, Holmes explains to Watson that Jack Stapleton was really Rodger Baskerville II, the secret son of Sir Charles' youngest brother. A physical and spiritual throwback to Sir Hugo Baskerville, Rodger II had bought a savage black hound and painted it with [[phosphorus]] to make it look diabolical; either by fright or direct attack, he hoped the dog would remove all the other heirs so that he could inherit the Baskerville fortune. He had promised Laura marriage, and convinced her to lure Sir Charles out of his house on the night of the murder. Unable to save Sir Charles, Beryl had sent the anonymous letter to Sir Henry to thwart her husband's further schemes.


==Origins and background==
==Origins and background==
[[File:Clyro Court (1293400).jpg|thumb|Baskerville Hall, formally Clyro Court, may have inspired ''The Hound of the Baskervilles''.]]
[[File:Clyro Court (1293400).jpg|thumb|Baskerville Hall, formally Clyro Court, may have inspired ''The Hound of the Baskervilles''.]]
[[File:Fowlescombe Manor House or Mansion (geograph 2348874).jpg|thumb|The ruins of [[Fowelscombe]] House, a possible model for Baskerville Hall (2008).]]
[[File:Fowlescombe Manor House or Mansion (geograph 2348874).jpg|thumb|The ruins of [[Fowelscombe]] House, a possible model for Baskerville Hall (2008).]]
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this story shortly after returning to his home [[Undershaw]] in [[Surrey]] from [[South Africa]], where he had worked as a volunteer physician at the Langman Field Hospital in [[Bloemfontein]] during the [[Second Boer War]]. He had not written about Sherlock Holmes in eight years, having killed off the character in the 1893 story "[[The Final Problem]]". Although ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is set before the latter events, two years later Conan Doyle brought Holmes back for good, explaining in "[[The Adventure of the Empty House]]" that Holmes had faked his own death. As a result, the character of Holmes occupies a [[liminal space]] between being alive and dead which further lends to the gothic elements of the novel.<ref name=":1">{{Citation |last=Allan |first=Janice M. |title=Gothic Returns: The Hound of the Baskervilles |date=2019-05-02 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/9781316659274%23CN-bp-12/type/book_part |work=The Cambridge Companion to Sherlock Holmes |pages=168–182 |editor-last=Allan |editor-first=Janice M. |edition=1 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/9781316659274.013 |isbn=978-1-316-65927-4 |s2cid=194774762 |access-date=2023-02-08 |editor2-last=Pittard |editor2-first=Christopher}}</ref>
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this story shortly after returning to his home, [[Undershaw]] in [[Surrey]], from [[South Africa]], where he had worked as a volunteer physician at the Langman Field Hospital in [[Bloemfontein]] during the [[Second Boer War]]. He had not written about Sherlock Holmes in eight years, having killed off the character in the 1893 story "[[The Final Problem]]". Although ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is set before the latter events, two years later Conan Doyle brought Holmes back for good, explaining in "[[The Adventure of the Empty House]]" that Holmes had faked his own death. As a result, the character of Holmes occupies a [[liminal space]] between being alive and dead which further lends to the gothic elements of the novel.<ref name=":1">{{Citation |last=Allan |first=Janice M. |title=Gothic Returns: The Hound of the Baskervilles |date=2 May 2019 |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/9781316659274%23CN-bp-12/type/book_part |work=The Cambridge Companion to Sherlock Holmes |pages=168–182 |editor-last=Allan |editor-first=Janice M. |edition=1 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/9781316659274.013 |isbn=978-1-316-65927-4 |s2cid=194774762 |access-date=8 February 2023 |editor2-last=Pittard |editor2-first=Christopher}}</ref>


He was assisted with the legend of the hound and local colour by a ''[[Daily Express]]'' journalist named [[Bertram Fletcher Robinson]] (1870–1907), with whom he explored Dartmoor in June, 1901, and to whom was paid a {{frac|1|3}} [[Royalty payment]] that amounted to over 500 pounds by the end of 1901.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Spiring | first1 = Paul R. | first2 = Brian W.| last2 = Pugh | title = Bertram Fletcher Robinson: A Footnote to the Hound of the Baskervilles Kindle Edition | location = London | publisher =MX Publishing | pages = 1075–1137 | date = May 25, 2011 | isbn = 978-1904312406}}</ref>
He was assisted with the legend of the hound and local colour by a ''[[Daily Express]]'' journalist named [[Bertram Fletcher Robinson]] (1870–1907), with whom he explored Dartmoor in June 1901; Robinson received a {{frac|1|3}} [[royalty payment]] that amounted to over 500 pounds by the end of 1901.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Spiring | first1 = Paul R. | first2 = Brian W.| last2 = Pugh | title = Bertram Fletcher Robinson: A Footnote to the Hound of the Baskervilles Kindle Edition | location = London | publisher =MX Publishing | pages = 1075–1137 | date = 25 May 2011 | isbn = 978-1904312406}}</ref>


Conan Doyle may also have been inspired by his own earlier story (written and published in 1898) of a terrifying giant wolf, "[[The King of the Foxes]]".
Doyle may also have been inspired by his own earlier story (written and published in 1898) of a terrifying giant wolf, "[[The King of the Foxes]]".


==Inspiration==
==Inspiration==
His ideas came from the legend of Squire [[Richard Cabell]] of Brook Hall, in the parish of [[Buckfastleigh]], Devon,<ref name="Vivian 1531, p.125">[[John Lambrick Vivian|Vivian, Lt.Col. J.L.]], (Ed.) The Visitations of the County of Devon: Comprising the [[Heraldic visitation|Heralds' Visitations]] of 1531, 1564 & 1620, Exeter, 1895, p.125, pedigree of ''Cabell of Buckfastleigh''</ref> which was the fundamental inspiration for the Baskerville tale of a hellish hound and a cursed country squire. Cabell's tomb survives in the town of [[Buckfastleigh]].<ref name="bfr">{{cite web | last = Spiring |first = Paul | title = Hugo Baskerville & Squire Richard Cabell III | publisher=BFROnline | year = 2007 | url = http://www.bfronline.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=9 | access-date=18 February 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184203/http://www.bfronline.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=9 |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Cabell Tomb&nbsp;— Buckfastleigh | work=Devon Guide | year = 2007 | url = http://www.devonguide.com/photos/img512.htm | access-date =29 March 2009}}</ref>
His ideas came from the legend of Squire [[Richard Cabell]] of Brook Hall, in the parish of [[Buckfastleigh]], Devon,<ref name="Vivian 1531, p.125">[[John Lambrick Vivian|Vivian, Lt.Col. J.L.]], (Ed.) The Visitations of the County of Devon: Comprising the [[Heraldic visitation|Heralds' Visitations]] of 1531, 1564 & 1620, Exeter, 1895, p.125, pedigree of ''Cabell of Buckfastleigh''</ref> which was the fundamental inspiration for the Baskerville tale of a hellish hound and a cursed country squire. Cabell's tomb survives in the town of [[Buckfastleigh]].<ref name="bfr">{{cite web | last = Spiring |first = Paul | title = Hugo Baskerville & Squire Richard Cabell III | publisher=BFROnline | year = 2007 | url = http://www.bfronline.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=9 | access-date=18 February 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923184203/http://www.bfronline.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=9 |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Cabell Tomb&nbsp;— Buckfastleigh | work=Devon Guide | year = 2007 | url = http://www.devonguide.com/photos/img512.htm | access-date =29 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Sherlock Holmes and the phantom pack |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/sherlock-holmes-and-the-phantom-pack-101721752667601.html |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=23 July 2024 |last1=Lele |first1=Teja }}</ref>


Cabell lived for hunting, and was what in those days was described as a "monstrously evil man". He gained this reputation, amongst other things, for immorality and having sold his soul to the [[Devil]]. There was also a rumour that he had murdered his wife, Elizabeth Fowell, a daughter of [[Sir Edmund Fowell, 1st Baronet]] (1593–1674), of [[Fowelscombe]].<ref>Vivian, pp.125,370</ref> On 5 July 1677, he died and was buried in the sepulchre. The night of his interment saw a phantom pack of hounds come baying across the moor to howl at his tomb. From that night on, he could be found leading the phantom pack across the moor, usually on the anniversary of his death. If the pack were not out hunting, they could be found ranging around his grave howling and shrieking. To try to lay the soul to rest, the villagers built a large building around the tomb, and to be doubly sure a huge slab was placed.<ref>{{cite web |title = Buckfastleigh Church |work = Legendary Dartmoor | date = 22 November 2007 | url = http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/buckfastleigh_church.htm | access-date =29 March 2009}}</ref>
Cabell lived for hunting, and was what in those days was described as a "monstrously evil man". He gained this reputation, among other things, for immorality and having sold his soul to the [[Devil]]. There was also a rumour that he had murdered his wife, Elizabeth Fowell, a daughter of [[Sir Edmund Fowell, 1st Baronet]] (1593–1674), of [[Fowelscombe]].<ref>Vivian, pp.125,370</ref> On 5 July 1677, he died and was buried in the sepulchre. The night of his interment saw a phantom pack of hounds come baying across the moor to howl at his tomb. From that night on, he could be found leading the phantom pack across the moor, usually on the anniversary of his death. If the pack were not out hunting, they could be found ranging around his grave howling and shrieking. To try to lay the soul to rest, the villagers built a large building around the tomb, and to be doubly sure a huge slab was placed over the top.<ref>{{cite web |title = Buckfastleigh Church |work = Legendary Dartmoor |date = 22 November 2007 |url = http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/buckfastleigh_church.htm |access-date = 29 March 2009 |archive-date = 22 June 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140622191523/http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/buckfastleigh_church.htm |url-status = dead }}</ref>


Moreover, Devon's folklore includes tales of a fearsome supernatural dog known as the [[Yeth hound]] that Conan Doyle may have heard. <ref>{{Cite book |last=Roy |first=Pinaki |title=Popular Literature: Texts, Contexts, Contestations |publisher=Ibidem Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-3838216669 |pages=168 |chapter=Reclaiming the Elementaries of Context: Ponderings on Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles}}</ref>
Moreover, Devon's folklore includes tales of a fearsome supernatural dog known as the [[Yeth hound]] that Conan Doyle may have heard.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roy |first=Pinaki |title=Popular Literature: Texts, Contexts, Contestations |publisher=Ibidem Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-3838216669 |pages=168 |chapter=Reclaiming the Elementaries of Context: Ponderings on Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles}}</ref>


Weller (2002) believes that Baskerville Hall is based on one of three possible houses on or near Dartmoor:<ref>Weller, Philip, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles - Hunting the Dartmoor Legend'', Devon Books, Halsgrove Publishing, c.2002, quoted in [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/723674/Dartmoor-In-the-footprints-of-a-gigantic-hound.html]</ref> Fowelscombe in the parish of [[Ugborough]], the seat of the [[Fowell Baronets]]; Hayford Hall, near Buckfastleigh (also owned by John King (d.1861) of Fowelscombe) and [[Brook Hall]], in the parish of Buckfastleigh, about two miles east of Hayford, the actual home of Richard Cabell.<ref name="Vivian 1531, p.125"/> It has also been claimed that Baskerville Hall is based on a property in Mid Wales, built in 1839 by one Thomas Mynors Baskerville. The house was formerly named Clyro Court and was renamed Baskerville Hall towards the end of the 19th century. Arthur Conan Doyle was apparently a family friend who often stayed there and may have been aware of a local legend of the hound of the Baskervilles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mansion said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles on sale for £3m|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/mansion-said-inspired-hound-baskervilles-2493965|website=Wales Online|date=10 March 2013}}</ref>
Weller (2002) believes that Baskerville Hall is based on one of three possible houses on or near Dartmoor:<ref>Weller, Philip, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles – Hunting the Dartmoor Legend'', Devon Books, Halsgrove Publishing, c.2002, quoted in [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/723674/Dartmoor-In-the-footprints-of-a-gigantic-hound.html]</ref> Fowelscombe in the parish of [[Ugborough]], the seat of the [[Fowell Baronets]]; Hayford Hall, near Buckfastleigh (also owned by John King (d.1861) of Fowelscombe) and [[Brook Hall]], in the parish of Buckfastleigh, about two miles east of Hayford, the actual home of Richard Cabell.<ref name="Vivian 1531, p.125"/> It has also been claimed that Baskerville Hall is based on a property in Mid Wales, built in 1839 by one Thomas Mynors Baskerville. The house was formerly named Clyro Court and was renamed Baskerville Hall towards the end of the 19th century. Arthur Conan Doyle was apparently a family friend who often stayed there and may have been aware of a local legend of the hound of the Baskervilles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mansion said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles on sale for £3m|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/mansion-said-inspired-hound-baskervilles-2493965|website=Wales Online|date=10 March 2013}}</ref>


Still other tales claim that Conan Doyle was inspired by a holiday in [[North Norfolk]], where the tale of [[Black Shuck]] is well known. The pre-Gothic [[Cromer Hall]], where Conan Doyle stayed, also closely resembles Doyle's vivid descriptions of Baskerville Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2014 |title=Weird Norfolk, UK - Scary dogs and Sherlock Holmes |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/weird/weird_sherlock_holmes.shtml |website=BBC Norfolk}}</ref>
Still other tales claim that Conan Doyle was inspired by a holiday in [[North Norfolk]], where the tale of [[Black Shuck]] is well known. The Gothic-revival style [[Cromer Hall]], where Conan Doyle stayed, also closely resembles Doyle's vivid descriptions of Baskerville Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2014 |title=Weird Norfolk, UK – Scary dogs and Sherlock Holmes |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/weird/weird_sherlock_holmes.shtml |website=BBC Norfolk}}</ref>


[[James Lynam Molloy]], a friend of Doyle's, and author of "[[Love's Old Sweet Song]]", married Florence Baskerville, daughter of Henry Baskerville of [[Crowsley Park]], Oxfordshire. The gates to the park had statues of hell hounds, spears through their mouths. Above the lintel there was another statue of a hell hound.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Dennis |date=21 November 2005 |title=My Life and Times as a BBC Engineer 1942-1945 Part 4 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a7158026.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620050711/https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a7158026.shtml |archive-date=20 June 2019 |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=BBC}}</ref>
[[James Lynam Molloy]], a friend of Doyle's, and author of "[[Love's Old Sweet Song]]", married Florence Baskerville, daughter of Henry Baskerville of [[Crowsley Park]], Oxfordshire. The gates to the park had statues of hell hounds, spears through their mouths. Above the lintel there was another statue of a hell hound.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Dennis |date=21 November 2005 |title=My Life and Times as a BBC Engineer 1942–1945 Part 4 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a7158026.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620050711/https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a7158026.shtml |archive-date=20 June 2019 |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=BBC}}</ref>


==Technique==
==Technique==
The novel incorporates five plots: the ostensible 'curse' story, the two red-herring subplots concerning Selden and the other stranger living on the moor, the actual events occurring to Baskerville as narrated by Watson, and the hidden plot to be discovered by Holmes. The structure of the novel starting and ending in the familiar setting in London is used to ‘delimit the uncanny world associated with the Gothic landscape of the moors’, with varying degrees of success.<ref name=":1" /> Doyle wrote that the novel was originally conceived as a straight 'Victorian creeper' (as seen in the works of [[J. Sheridan Le Fanu]]), with the idea of introducing Holmes as the ''[[deus ex machina]]'' only arising later.
The novel incorporates five plots: the ostensible 'curse' story, the two red-herring subplots concerning Selden and the other stranger living on the moor, the actual events occurring to Baskerville as narrated by Watson, and the hidden plot to be discovered by Holmes. The structure of the novel starting and ending in the familiar setting in London is used to ‘delimit the uncanny world associated with the Gothic landscape of the moors', with varying degrees of success.<ref name=":1" /> Doyle wrote{{cn|date=June 2024}} that the novel was originally conceived as a straight 'Victorian creeper' in the style of [[Sheridan Le Fanu|Le Fanu]], with the idea of introducing Holmes as the ''[[deus ex machina]]'' arising only later.


==Publication==
==Publication==
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===Original manuscript ===
===Original manuscript ===


In 1902, Doyle's original manuscript of the book was broken up into individual [[Leaf (books)|leaves]] as part of a promotional campaign by Doyle's American publisher – they were used in window displays by individual booksellers. Out of an estimated 185–190&nbsp;leaves, only&nbsp;37 are known still to exist, including all the leaves from Chapter&nbsp;11, held by the [[New York Public Library]]. Other leaves are owned by university libraries and private collectors.<ref name="Census">{{cite web |last=Stock |first=Randall |date=2019-05-04 |title=''The Hound of the Baskervilles'': A manuscript census |publisher=bestofsherlock.com |url=https://bestofsherlock.com/baskervilles-manuscript.htm|access-date=2020-03-08}}</ref>
In 1902, Doyle's original manuscript of the book was broken up into individual [[Leaf (books)|leaves]] as part of a promotional campaign by Doyle's American publisher – they were used in window displays by individual booksellers. Out of an estimated 185–190&nbsp;leaves, only&nbsp;37 are known still to exist, including all the leaves from Chapter&nbsp;11, held by the [[New York Public Library]].{{refn|group=Note|The New York Public Library also owns the manuscripts for the Sherlock Holmes short stores, [[The Adventure of the Norwood Builder]], [[The Adventure of the Devil's Foot]] and [[The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sherlock Holmes Original Manuscripts by Conan Doyle: A Census by Randall Stock & Peter E. Blau |url=https://www.bestofsherlock.com/sherlock-manuscripts.htm |access-date=19 June 2024 |website=www.bestofsherlock.com}}</ref>}} Other leaves are owned by university libraries in the United States and by private collectors.<ref name="Census">{{cite web |last=Stock |first=Randall |date=4 May 2019 |title=''The Hound of the Baskervilles'': A manuscript census |publisher=bestofsherlock.com |url=https://bestofsherlock.com/baskervilles-manuscript.htm|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref>


A newly rediscovered example was sold at auction in 2012 for US$158,500.<ref>{{cite web |title=Doyle, Sir&nbsp;Arthur Conan (1859–1930). Autograph manuscript leaf from ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'', first serialized in ''The Strand Magazine'', August&nbsp;1901–April&nbsp;1902, published in book form by George Newnes, on 25&nbsp;March 1902 |publisher=Christies Auction House |url=http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/books-manuscripts/doyle-sir-arthur-conan-autograph-manuscri-5636370-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5636370&sid=0fefedbe-3bd2-422e-bcf1-c5293e9f488a |access-date=9 October 2013}}</ref>
A newly rediscovered example was sold at auction in 2012 for US$158,500.<ref>{{cite web |title=Doyle, Sir&nbsp;Arthur Conan (1859–1930). Autograph manuscript leaf from ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'', first serialized in ''The Strand Magazine'', August&nbsp;1901–April&nbsp;1902, published in book form by George Newnes, on 25&nbsp;March 1902 |publisher=Christies Auction House |url=http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/books-manuscripts/doyle-sir-arthur-conan-autograph-manuscri-5636370-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5636370&sid=0fefedbe-3bd2-422e-bcf1-c5293e9f488a |access-date=9 October 2013}}</ref> Another one was sold in 2021 for $423,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hound of the Baskervilles manuscript sold 2021: Heritage Auctions |url=https://www.bestofsherlock.com/mss/hound-baskervilles-h31-2021.htm |access-date=19 June 2024 |website=www.bestofsherlock.com}}</ref> The existence of the 37th leaf became publicly known in 2018; it was put up for auction in 2022, but did not sell.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hound of the Baskervilles manuscript auction 2022: Heritage Auctions |url=https://www.bestofsherlock.com/mss/hound-baskervilles-h37-2022.htm |access-date=19 June 2024 |website=www.bestofsherlock.com}}</ref>


== Adaptations ==
== Adaptations ==
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| 1959 || ''[[The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959 film)|The Hound of the Baskervilles]]'' || {{Flag|United Kingdom}} ||[[Terence Fisher]] || [[Peter Cushing]] || [[André Morell]]
| 1959 || ''[[The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959 film)|The Hound of the Baskervilles]]'' || {{Flag|United Kingdom}} ||[[Terence Fisher]] || [[Peter Cushing]] || [[André Morell]]
|-
|-
| 1962 || ''[[Bees Saal Baad (1962 film)|Bees Saal Baad]]''<ref>{{IMDb title | 0055783 | title=Bees Saal Baad (1962)}}</ref><small>(based on [[Hemendra Kumar Roy|H. K. Roy]]'s ''Nishachari Bibhishika'',<ref>{{cite web |first=Anushtup |last=Haldar |year=2013 |title=Bengali sleuths in the annals of history |website=Maa Mati Manush |url=http://maamatimanush.tv/articlesTest.php?aid=408 |access-date=2014-09-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912205942/http://maamatimanush.tv/articlesTest.php?aid=408 |archive-date=12 September 2014}}</ref><br />the [[Bengali language|Bengali]] adaptation of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles''<ref name=encyc>{{cite book |author1=Gulzar |first2=Saibal |last2=Chatterjee |first3=Govind |last3=Nihalani |title=Encyclopædia of Hindi cinema |year=2003 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |location=New Delhi, IN |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |page=80 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&q=Bees+saal+baad+hound+of+baskervilles}}</ref>) </small> || {{Flag|India}} || [[Biren Nag]] || [[Asit Sen (actor)|Asit Sen]]<br /><small>as Detective Gopichand</small> || {{center|–}}
| 1962 || ''[[Bees Saal Baad (1962 film)|Bees Saal Baad]]''<ref>{{IMDb title|qid=Q4880107|title=Bees Saal Baad (1962)}}</ref><small>(based on [[Hemendra Kumar Roy|H. K. Roy]]'s ''Nishachari Bibhishika'',<ref>{{cite web |first=Anushtup |last=Haldar |year=2013 |title=Bengali sleuths in the annals of history |website=Maa Mati Manush |url=http://maamatimanush.tv/articlesTest.php?aid=408 |access-date=12 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912205942/http://maamatimanush.tv/articlesTest.php?aid=408 |archive-date=12 September 2014}}</ref><br />the [[Bengali language|Bengali]] adaptation of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles''<ref name=encyc>{{cite book |author1=Gulzar |first2=Saibal |last2=Chatterjee |first3=Govind |last3=Nihalani |title=Encyclopædia of Hindi cinema |year=2003 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |location=New Delhi, IN |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |page=80 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&q=Bees+saal+baad+hound+of+baskervilles}}</ref>) </small> || {{Flag|India}} || [[Biren Nag]] || [[Asit Sen (actor)|Asit Sen]]<br /><small>as Detective Gopichand</small> || {{center|–}}
|-
|-
| 1968 ||''[[Sherlock Holmes (1965 TV series)|Sherlock Holmes]]'' - "The Hound of the Baskervilles"<ref>{{cite book |author=Alan Barnes |author-link=Alan Barnes (writer)|title=Sherlock Holmes on Screen |year=2002 |publisher=Reynolds & Hearn Ltd |page=182 |isbn=978-1-903111-04-8 }}</ref>|| | {{Flag|United Kingdom}} || Graham Evans || [[Peter Cushing]] || [[Nigel Stock (actor)|Nigel Stock]]
| 1968 ||''[[Sherlock Holmes (1965 TV series)|Sherlock Holmes]]'' – "The Hound of the Baskervilles"<ref>{{cite book |author=Alan Barnes |author-link=Alan Barnes (writer)|title=Sherlock Holmes on Screen |year=2002 |publisher=Reynolds & Hearn Ltd |page=182 |isbn=978-1-903111-04-8 }}</ref>|| | {{Flag|United Kingdom}} || Graham Evans || [[Peter Cushing]] || [[Nigel Stock (actor)|Nigel Stock]]
|-
|-
| 1968 ||''[[Sherlock Holmes (1968 TV series)|Sherlock Holmes]]'' – "L'ultimo dei Baskerville"<ref>{{cite web |title=L'Ultimo dei Baskerville (TV episode 1968) |url=https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php/L%27Ultimo_dei_Baskerville_(TV_episode_1968) |publisher=The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref> || {{Flag|Italy}} ||[[Guglielmo Morandi]]|| [[Nando Gazzolo]] || [[Gianni Bonagura]]
| 1968 ||''[[Sherlock Holmes (1968 TV series)|Sherlock Holmes]]'' – "L'ultimo dei Baskerville"<ref>{{cite web |title=L'Ultimo dei Baskerville (TV episode 1968) |url=https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php/L%27Ultimo_dei_Baskerville_(TV_episode_1968) |publisher=The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref> || {{Flag|Italy}} ||[[Guglielmo Morandi]]|| [[Nando Gazzolo]] || [[Gianni Bonagura]]
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| 2002 || ''[[The Hound of the Baskervilles (2002 film)|The Hound of the Baskervilles]]''|| {{Flag|United Kingdom}} ||[[David Attwood (film director)|David Attwood]] || [[Richard Roxburgh]] || [[Ian Hart]]
| 2002 || ''[[The Hound of the Baskervilles (2002 film)|The Hound of the Baskervilles]]''|| {{Flag|United Kingdom}} ||[[David Attwood (film director)|David Attwood]] || [[Richard Roxburgh]] || [[Ian Hart]]
|-
|-
| 2012 ||''[[Sherlock (TV series)|Sherlock]]'' – "[[The Hounds of Baskerville]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Teti |first=John |date=11 March 2016 |title=''Sherlock'': "The Hounds of Baskerville" |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |url=https://tv.avclub.com/sherlock-the-hounds-of-baskerville-1798172784 |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> || {{Flag|United Kingdom}} || [[Paul McGuigan (filmmaker)|Paul McGuigan]] || [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] || [[Martin Freeman]]
| 2012 ||''[[Sherlock (TV series)|Sherlock]]'' – "[[The Hounds of Baskerville]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Teti |first=John |date=11 March 2016 |title=''Sherlock'': "The Hounds of Baskerville" |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |url=https://www.avclub.com/sherlock-the-hounds-of-baskerville-1798172784 |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref> || {{Flag|United Kingdom}} || [[Paul McGuigan (filmmaker)|Paul McGuigan]] || [[Benedict Cumberbatch]] || [[Martin Freeman]]
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''[[The Adventure of Henry Baskerville and a Dog]]''{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}<br />(''Basukāviru kun to inu no bōken'', {{nihongo2|バスカーヴィル君と犬の冒険}})<ref>The episode is also based on "[[The Adventure of the Dancing Men]]"</ref> || {{Flag|Japan}} ||[[Michiyo Morita]]|| [[Kōichi Yamadera]] (voice) || [[Wataru Takagi]] (voice)
| 2015 || ''[[The Adventure of Henry Baskerville and a Dog]]''{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}<br />(''Basukāviru kun to inu no bōken'', {{nihongo2|バスカーヴィル君と犬の冒険}})<ref>The episode is also based on "[[The Adventure of the Dancing Men]]"</ref> || {{Flag|Japan}} ||[[Michiyo Morita]]|| [[Kōichi Yamadera]] (voice) || [[Wataru Takagi]] (voice)
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| 2014 || ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]'' – "[[List of Elementary episodes#ep42|The Hound of the Cancer Cells]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Frances |date=14 March 2014 |title=''Elementary'' season 2 episode 18 review: The Hound Of The Cancer Cells |newspaper=[[Den of Geek]] |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/elementary-season-2-episode-18-review-the-hound-of-the-cancer-cells |access-date=14 March 2014}}</ref>|| rowspan="2" | {{Flag|United States}} || [[Michael Slovis]] || rowspan="2" | [[Jonny Lee Miller]] || rowspan="2" | [[Lucy Liu]]
| 2014 || ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]'' – "[[List of Elementary episodes#ep42|The Hound of the Cancer Cells]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Frances |date=14 March 2014 |title=''Elementary'' season 2 episode 18 review: The Hound Of The Cancer Cells |newspaper=[[Den of Geek]] |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/elementary-season-2-episode-18-review-the-hound-of-the-cancer-cells |access-date=14 March 2014}}</ref>|| rowspan="2" | {{Flag|United States}} || [[Michael Slovis]] || rowspan="2" | [[Jonny Lee Miller]] || rowspan="2" | [[Lucy Liu]]
|-
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]'' – "[[List of Elementary episodes#ep88|Hounded]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Valentine |first=Genevieve |date=11 March 2016 |title=''Elementary'' aims high and falls short on adaptation |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |url=https://tv.avclub.com/elementary-aims-high-and-falls-short-on-adaptation-1798188415 |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref>|| [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]]
| 2016 || ''[[Elementary (TV series)|Elementary]]'' – "[[List of Elementary episodes#ep88|Hounded]]"<ref>{{cite news |last=Valentine |first=Genevieve |date=11 March 2016 |title=''Elementary'' aims high and falls short on adaptation |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |url=https://www.avclub.com/elementary-aims-high-and-falls-short-on-adaptation-1798188415 |access-date=23 November 2018}}</ref>|| [[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]]
|}
|}


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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


In 2014, [[L.A. Theatre Works]] released their production, starring [[Seamus Dever]] as Holmes, [[Geoffrey Arend]] as Watson, [[James Marsters]] as Sir&nbsp;Henry, [[Sarah Drew]] as Beryl Stapleton, [[Wilson Bethel]] as Stapleton, Henri Lubatti as Dr.&nbsp;Mortimer, [[Christopher Neame]] as Sir&nbsp;Charles and Frankland, [[Moira Quirk]] as Mrs.&nbsp;Hudson & Mrs.&nbsp;Barrymore, and Darren Richardson as Barrymore.<ref>{{cite web |year=2014 |title=The Hound of the Bakervilles |website=[[L.A. Theatre Works]] |url=https://latw.org/title/hound-baskervilles |access-date=25 January 2022
In 2014, [[L.A. Theatre Works]] released their production, starring [[Seamus Dever]] as Holmes, [[Geoffrey Arend]] as Watson, [[James Marsters]] as Sir&nbsp;Henry, [[Sarah Drew]] as Beryl Stapleton, [[Wilson Bethel]] as Stapleton, Henri Lubatti as Dr.&nbsp;Mortimer, [[Christopher Neame]] as Sir&nbsp;Charles and Frankland, [[Moira Quirk]] as Mrs.&nbsp;Hudson & Mrs.&nbsp;Barrymore, and Darren Richardson as Barrymore.<ref>{{cite web |year=2014 |title=The Hound of the Bakervilles |website=[[L.A. Theatre Works]] |url=https://latw.org/title/hound-baskervilles |access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref>
}}</ref>


In 2017, Bleak December released an abridged full-cast production for Cadabra Records with [[Sir Derek Jacobi]] as Holmes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles LP with Sir Derek Jacobi & Bleak December - Yellow mix |website=Cadabra Records |url=https://cadabrarecords.com/products/sir-arthur-conan-doyle-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-lp-with-sir-derek-jacobi-bleak-december-yellow-mix |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>
In 2020, Lions Den Theatre released a new adaptation of the novel written and directed by Keith Morrison on the company's YouTube channel. An early version of the play was performed in various locations around Nova Scotia in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles: The Audio Play|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK-OSwPIFak |access-date=June 28, 2023|work=Lions Den Audio}}</ref>


In 2021, [[Audible (service) |Audible]] released an adaptation of the story starring [[Colin Salmon]] as Sherlock Holmes and [[Stephen Fry]] as Doctor John Watson.<ref>{{cite web |year=2021 |title=The Hound of the Bakervilles |website=[[Audible (service)|Audible]] |url=https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Hound-of-the-Baskervilles-Podcast/B09LVVR1D7?qid=1643071053&sr=1-6&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_6&pf_rd_p=771c6463-05d7-4981-9b47-920dc34a70f1&pf_rd_r=JFT7R86PTQ52ZXFF3CCF |access-date=25 January 2022
In 2020, Lions Den Theatre released a new adaptation of the novel written and directed by Keith Morrison on the company's YouTube channel. An early version of the play was performed in various locations around Nova Scotia in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles: The Audio Play|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK-OSwPIFak |access-date=28 June 2023|work=Lions Den Audio| date=12 July 2020 }}</ref>

In 2021, [[Audible (service) |Audible]] released a dramatisation by [[George Mann (writer)|George Mann]] and [[Cavan Scott]], starring [[Colin Salmon]] as Holmes and [[Stephen Fry]] as Watson.<ref>{{cite web |year=2021 |title=The Hound of the Bakervilles |website=[[Audible (service)|Audible]] |url=https://www.audible.com.au/pd/The-Hound-of-the-Baskervilles-Podcast/B09LVVR1D7?qid=1643071053&sr=1-6&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_6&pf_rd_p=771c6463-05d7-4981-9b47-920dc34a70f1&pf_rd_r=JFT7R86PTQ52ZXFF3CCF |access-date=25 January 2022
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


In 2022, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' was adapted and conducted as a "concert drama" by [[Neil Brand]], with the music directed by [[Timothy Brock]], and performed by the [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]]. [[Mark Gatiss]] and [[Sanjeev Bhaskar]] played Holmes and Watson, respectively. The production was recorded at the [[Barbican Hall]] on December 20, and was broadcast on [[BBC Radio 3]] on January 22, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001h56s |access-date=June 28, 2023|work=BBC Radio}}</ref>
In 2022, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' was adapted and conducted as a "concert drama" by [[Neil Brand]], with the music directed by [[Timothy Brock]], and performed by the [[BBC Symphony Orchestra]]. [[Mark Gatiss]] and [[Sanjeev Bhaskar]] played Holmes and Watson, respectively. The production was recorded at the [[Barbican Hall]] on 20 December, and was broadcast on [[BBC Radio 3]] on 22 January 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001h56s |access-date=28 June 2023|work=BBC Radio}}</ref> A filmed recording of the reading was broadcast for BBC Four on 25 December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Inside Classical: The Hound of the Baskervilles|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2023/52/inside-classical-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles |access-date=1 January 2024|work=BBC Media Centre}}</ref>


===Stage===
===Stage===
In 2007, Peepolykus Theatre Company premiered a new adaptation of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' at [[West Yorkshire Playhouse]] in [[Leeds]]. Adapted by John Nicholson and [[Steven Canny]], the production involves only three actors and was praised by critics for its [[physical comedy]]. Following a U.K. tour, it transferred to the [[Duchess Theatre]] in [[West End of London|London's West End]]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described it as a ‘wonderfully delightful spoof’, whilst ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' praised its ‘mad hilarity that will make you feel quite sane’. This adaptation continues to be presented by both amateur and professional companies around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Licencing, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'', Peepolykus Theatre Company |url=http://peepolykus.com/touring |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028170216/http://peepolykus.com/touring |archive-date=28 October 2014 |access-date=2014-10-28 |publisher=Peepolykus.com}}</ref>
Prolific playwright [[Tim Kelly (playwright)|Tim Kelly]] adapted the story for the stage in 1976.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tim Kelly: Hound of the Baskervilles, The |url=https://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsK/kelly-tim.php#53391 |website=doollee.com: The Playwrights Database}}</ref> One production was at [[Boston]]'s Theater Loft in 1982.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edelstein |first1=David |title=Three-dog night: Murder most foul |url=https://archive.org/details/sim_boston-phoenix_1982-07-20_11_29/page/n72/mode/1up |access-date=7 September 2024 |work=The Boston Phoenix |date=20 July 1982}}</ref>
In 2007, Peepolykus Theatre Company premiered a new adaptation of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' at [[West Yorkshire Playhouse]] in [[Leeds]]. Adapted by John Nicholson and [[Steven Canny]], the production involves only three actors and was praised by critics for its [[physical comedy]]. Following a UK tour, it transferred to the [[Duchess Theatre]] in [[West End of London|London's West End]]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described it as a ‘wonderfully delightful spoof’, while ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' praised its ‘mad hilarity that will make you feel quite sane’. This adaptation continues to be presented by both amateur and professional companies around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Licencing, ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'', Peepolykus Theatre Company |url=http://peepolykus.com/touring |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028170216/http://peepolykus.com/touring |archive-date=28 October 2014 |access-date=28 October 2014 |publisher=Peepolykus.com}}</ref>


Stage performances have also been performed in the U.K. in dramatisations by Joan Knight, Claire Malcolmson, [[Harry Meacher]], and Roger Sansom, among others. Meacher's version has been produced three times, each time with himself the actor playing Holmes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/home|title=Home|website=Thestage.co.uk|access-date=2 November 2021}}</ref>
Stage performances have also been performed in the UK in dramatisations by Joan Knight, Claire Malcolmson, [[Harry Meacher]], and Roger Sansom, among others. Meacher's version has been produced three times, each time with himself the actor playing Holmes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/home|title=Home|website=Thestage.co.uk|access-date=2 November 2021}}</ref>


[[Ken Ludwig]] authored an adaptation entitled ''[[Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery]]'' which premiered as a co-production at [[Arena Stage]] ([[Washington, D.C.]]) in January&nbsp;2015 and [[McCarter Theatre|McCarter Theatre Center]] in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Purcell |first=Carey |date=15 January 2015 |title=Ken Ludwig's ''Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes mystery'' makes world premiere tonight |work=[[Playbill]] |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/ken-ludwigs-baskerville-a-sherlock-holmes-mystery-makes-world-premiere-tonight-com-339380 |access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>
[[Ken Ludwig]] authored an adaptation entitled ''[[Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery]]'' which premiered as a co-production at [[Arena Stage]] ([[Washington, D.C.]]) in January&nbsp;2015 and [[McCarter Theatre|McCarter Theatre Center]] in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Purcell |first=Carey |date=15 January 2015 |title=Ken Ludwig's ''Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes mystery'' makes world premiere tonight |work=[[Playbill]] |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/ken-ludwigs-baskerville-a-sherlock-holmes-mystery-makes-world-premiere-tonight-com-339380 |access-date=2 January 2018}}</ref>


In 2021 an adaption for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus, directed by Tim Jackson & Lotte Wakeman toured the UK produced by Original Theatre Company and Bolton's Octagon Theatre.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akbar |first=Arifa |date=2022-04-18 |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles review – tongue-in-cheek sleuthing |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/apr/18/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-review-original-theatre-company |access-date=2023-02-08 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> It was a continuation the adaptation that was directed by Lotte Wakeman for English Theatre, Frankfurt, Jermyn St Theatre and Octagon, Bolton.
In 2021, an adaption for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus, directed by Tim Jackson & Lotte Wakeman toured the UK produced by Original Theatre Company and Bolton's Octagon Theatre.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Akbar |first=Arifa |date=18 April 2022 |title=The Hound of the Baskervilles review – tongue-in-cheek sleuthing |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/apr/18/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-review-original-theatre-company |access-date=8 February 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> It was a continuation the adaptation that was directed by Lotte Wakeman for English Theatre, Frankfurt, Jermyn St Theatre and Octagon, Bolton.


===Video games===
===Video games===
''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is utilised in the final case in ''[[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]'' in which the protagonist teams up with [[Herlock Sholmes (Ace Attorney)|Herlock Sholmes]] (Sherlock Holmes in the original Japanese version) to investigate mysteries based on various entries in the Holmes chronology. In particular, the manuscript of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is a key part of the case.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-18 |title=The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Review |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/reviews/great-ace-attorney-chronicles-review |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=TechRaptor |language=en}}</ref>
''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is utilised in the final case in ''[[The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures]]'' in which the protagonist teams up with [[Herlock Sholmes (Ace Attorney)|Herlock Sholmes]] (Sherlock Holmes in the original Japanese version) to investigate mysteries based on various entries in the Holmes chronology. In particular, the manuscript of ''The Hound of the Baskervilles'' is a key part of the case.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 August 2021 |title=The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Review |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/reviews/great-ace-attorney-chronicles-review |access-date=8 February 2023 |website=TechRaptor |language=en}}</ref>


''Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles'' is a [[casual game]] by [[Frogwares]]. It departs from the original plot by introducing clear supernatural elements. Despite its non-canonical plot, it received good reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles |website=bigfishgames.com |url=http://www.bigfishgames.com/games/6077/sherlock-holmes-hound-baskervilles/?pc |access-date=2 June 2016}}</ref>
''Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles'' is a [[casual game]] by [[Frogwares]]. It departs from the original plot by introducing clear supernatural elements. Despite its non-canonical plot, it received good reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles |website=bigfishgames.com |url=http://www.bigfishgames.com/games/6077/sherlock-holmes-hound-baskervilles/?pc |access-date=2 June 2016}}</ref>
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* [[Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century|''Le Monde''{{'s}} 100 Books of the Century]]
* [[Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century|''Le Monde''{{'s}} 100 Books of the Century]]
* [[Princetown#Geography]]
* [[Princetown#Geography]]
==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}


==References==
==References==
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| title = 100 'most inspiring' novels revealed by BBC Arts
| title = 100 'most inspiring' novels revealed by BBC Arts
| work = [[BBC News]]
| work = [[BBC News]]
| date = 2019-11-05
| date = 5 November 2019
| access-date = 2019-11-10
| access-date = 10 November 2019
| quote = The reveal kickstarts the BBC's year-long celebration of literature.
| quote = The reveal kickstarts the BBC's year-long celebration of literature.
}}</ref-->
}}</ref-->
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[[Category:Fiction set in 1889]]
[[Category:Novels set in the 1880s]]
[[Category:Novels set in the 1880s]]
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[[Category:Dartmoor]]
[[Category:Novels about dogs]]
[[Category:Novels about dogs]]
[[Category:British Gothic novels]]
[[Category:British Gothic novels]]
[[Category:Mythological dogs]]
[[Category:Mythological dogs]]
[[Category:Novels first published in serial form]]
[[Category:Novels first published in serial form]]
[[Category:Novels set in Devon]]
[[Category:Novels set on Dartmoor]]
[[Category:Novels set in London]]
[[Category:Novels set in London]]
[[Category:Sherlock Holmes novels by Arthur Conan Doyle]]
[[Category:Sherlock Holmes novels by Arthur Conan Doyle]]
[[Category:Works originally published in The Strand Magazine]]
[[Category:Works originally published in The Strand Magazine]]
[[Category:British novels adapted into films]]
[[Category:British novels adapted into films]]
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[[Category:Detective novels]]
[[Category:Novels set in mansions and country houses]]
[[Category:Novels set in mansions and country houses]]
[[Category:George Newnes Ltd books]]
[[Category:George Newnes Ltd books]]

Latest revision as of 02:04, 18 December 2024

For other uses, see The Hound of the Baskervilles (disambiguation).

The Hound of the Baskervilles
The cover of the first edition
AuthorArthur Conan Doyle
IllustratorSidney Paget
Cover artistAlfred Garth Jones
LanguageEnglish
SeriesSherlock Holmes
GenreDetective fiction, Gothic fiction[1]
PublisherGeorge Newnes Ltd
Publication date
25 March 1902[2]
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Preceded byThe Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes 
Followed byThe Return of Sherlock Holmes 
TextThe Hound of the Baskervilles at Wikisource

The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of the four crime novels by British writer Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes. Originally serialised in The Strand Magazine from August 1901 to April 1902, it is set largely in Dartmoor, Devon, in England's West Country and follows Holmes and Watson investigating the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound of supernatural origin. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his apparent death in "The Final Problem", and the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles led to the character's eventual revival.[3]

One of the most famous stories ever written,[3] in 2003, the book was listed as number 128 of 200 on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's "best-loved novel".[4] In 1999, a poll of "Sherlockians" ranked it as the best of the four Holmes novels.[5]

Plot

[edit]
From left: the titular hound; Holmes spotting a clue in the portrait; and the death of the hound.

In London, 1889, Dr. James Mortimer asks for the aid of Sherlock Holmes, beginning by reading him a legend that has run in the Baskerville family since the time of the English Civil War, when Sir Hugo Baskerville kidnapped a farmer's daughter. When the girl escaped, Hugo pursued her, swearing a curse upon himself in his mad rage. Hugo's companions later found the girl dead of fear, and Hugo killed by a demonic hound. The dog is said to have haunted Dartmoor ever since, causing the premature death of many Baskervilles.

Mortimer explains that his friend, the philanthropic baronet Sir Charles Baskerville, took the legend very seriously. Sir Charles, who had a weak heart, had retired to Baskerville Hall in 1887, after amassing a fortune in South Africa. When the baronet's body was later found in a yew alley, with an expression of horror on his face, the death was attributed to cardiac arrest; however, Mortimer had secretly noticed large canine paw prints near the body. Sir Charles had been the eldest of three Baskerville brothers, and Sir Henry, the Canadian son of the deceased second brother, is Sir Charles' heir. The rather immoral third brother, Rodger, died of yellow fever in South America in 1876. Mortimer, the executor of Sir Charles's will, fears it might not be wise to bring Sir Henry to Dartmoor, in view of the possible supernatural dangers.

Though Holmes dismisses the legend as a fairy-tale, he meets with Sir Henry when the new baronet arrives in London. It transpires that strange things are already happening to Sir Henry; one of his old boots has been stolen, he has received an anonymous letter warning him against the moor, and someone has been following him in a hansom. Mortimer reveals that Sir Henry's inheritance is about £740,000 (equivalent to £103,000,000 in 2023[6]); in view of these high stakes, Holmes asks Watson to act as Sir Henry's bodyguard, and to investigate things in Dartmoor.

Upon arriving in Dartmoor, Watson, Mortimer and Sir Henry learn that Selden, a convicted murderer, has escaped from Princetown Prison and is loose on the moor. At Baskerville Hall, they are introduced to John and Eliza Barrymore, the married butler and housekeeper. Watson sends detailed accounts of his investigations to Holmes, particularly focusing on the neighbourhood residents. The Stapleton siblings stand out; Jack is over-friendly, drops hints about the hound, and warns Watson against attempting to cross the dangerous Grimpen Mire. His sister Beryl, without his knowledge, repeatedly tries to get Sir Henry to flee back to London. Another neighbour, Mr. Frankland, is a perpetual busybody and troublemaker, including threatening to bring a lawsuit against Dr. Mortimer for excavating nearby barrows. Sir Henry falls in love with Beryl Stapleton, though her brother strongly objects to the romance.

Barrymore repeatedly sends candlelight signals to someone on the moor. Following Barrymore one night, Watson and Sir Henry discover that Selden is Mrs. Barrymore's younger brother, and that she and her husband have been leaving food out for him. During an unsuccessful attempt to catch Selden, Watson sees a strange man standing on a tor.

Watson and Sir Henry learn from Barrymore that Frankland's estranged daughter Laura had once written to Sir Charles. After a failed attempt to interrogate Laura, Watson investigates the man on the tor and learns that it is Holmes, who has been investigating in secret to hide his direct involvement. Holmes reveals that Jack Stapleton is the murderer, and Beryl is his wife, abused and forced into posing as his sister; however, Holmes does not have enough proof to convince the authorities.

Holmes and Watson hear a man fleeing from a baying hound, and later find that Selden has fallen from a cliff and died. Barrymore had given Selden Sir Henry's discarded clothes, and Stapleton's hound, having been set on the trail with Sir Henry's stolen boot, had confused the scent. Later, after dining at Baskerville Hall, Holmes reveals to Watson that the portrait of Sir Hugo Baskerville bears a remarkable resemblance to Stapleton.

Holmes decides to use an unwitting Sir Henry as bait; he orders him to visit Stapleton that evening, and then walk across the moor on foot. Holmes and Watson then pretend to leave for London, but instead hide near Stapleton's house with Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. Despite thick fog, they manage to kill the hound when Stapleton unleashes it after Sir Henry. They go to Stapleton's house to arrest him, but find he has bound his wife to a column and fled into the mire, presumably drowning. Holmes remarks that he considers Stapleton one of his most cunning adversaries.

Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer depart on a sea voyage, to repair the baronet's shattered nerves. After they leave, Holmes explains to Watson that Jack Stapleton was really Rodger Baskerville II, the secret son of Sir Charles' youngest brother. A physical and spiritual throwback to Sir Hugo Baskerville, Rodger II had bought a savage black hound and painted it with phosphorus to make it look diabolical; either by fright or direct attack, he hoped the dog would remove all the other heirs so that he could inherit the Baskerville fortune. He had promised Laura marriage, and convinced her to lure Sir Charles out of his house on the night of the murder. Unable to save Sir Charles, Beryl had sent the anonymous letter to Sir Henry to thwart her husband's further schemes.

Origins and background

[edit]
Baskerville Hall, formally Clyro Court, may have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The ruins of Fowelscombe House, a possible model for Baskerville Hall (2008).

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote this story shortly after returning to his home, Undershaw in Surrey, from South Africa, where he had worked as a volunteer physician at the Langman Field Hospital in Bloemfontein during the Second Boer War. He had not written about Sherlock Holmes in eight years, having killed off the character in the 1893 story "The Final Problem". Although The Hound of the Baskervilles is set before the latter events, two years later Conan Doyle brought Holmes back for good, explaining in "The Adventure of the Empty House" that Holmes had faked his own death. As a result, the character of Holmes occupies a liminal space between being alive and dead which further lends to the gothic elements of the novel.[7]

He was assisted with the legend of the hound and local colour by a Daily Express journalist named Bertram Fletcher Robinson (1870–1907), with whom he explored Dartmoor in June 1901; Robinson received a 1⁄3 royalty payment that amounted to over 500 pounds by the end of 1901.[8]

Doyle may also have been inspired by his own earlier story (written and published in 1898) of a terrifying giant wolf, "The King of the Foxes".

Inspiration

[edit]

His ideas came from the legend of Squire Richard Cabell of Brook Hall, in the parish of Buckfastleigh, Devon,[9] which was the fundamental inspiration for the Baskerville tale of a hellish hound and a cursed country squire. Cabell's tomb survives in the town of Buckfastleigh.[10][11][12]

Cabell lived for hunting, and was what in those days was described as a "monstrously evil man". He gained this reputation, among other things, for immorality and having sold his soul to the Devil. There was also a rumour that he had murdered his wife, Elizabeth Fowell, a daughter of Sir Edmund Fowell, 1st Baronet (1593–1674), of Fowelscombe.[13] On 5 July 1677, he died and was buried in the sepulchre. The night of his interment saw a phantom pack of hounds come baying across the moor to howl at his tomb. From that night on, he could be found leading the phantom pack across the moor, usually on the anniversary of his death. If the pack were not out hunting, they could be found ranging around his grave howling and shrieking. To try to lay the soul to rest, the villagers built a large building around the tomb, and to be doubly sure a huge slab was placed over the top.[14]

Moreover, Devon's folklore includes tales of a fearsome supernatural dog known as the Yeth hound that Conan Doyle may have heard.[15]

Weller (2002) believes that Baskerville Hall is based on one of three possible houses on or near Dartmoor:[16] Fowelscombe in the parish of Ugborough, the seat of the Fowell Baronets; Hayford Hall, near Buckfastleigh (also owned by John King (d.1861) of Fowelscombe) and Brook Hall, in the parish of Buckfastleigh, about two miles east of Hayford, the actual home of Richard Cabell.[9] It has also been claimed that Baskerville Hall is based on a property in Mid Wales, built in 1839 by one Thomas Mynors Baskerville. The house was formerly named Clyro Court and was renamed Baskerville Hall towards the end of the 19th century. Arthur Conan Doyle was apparently a family friend who often stayed there and may have been aware of a local legend of the hound of the Baskervilles.[17]

Still other tales claim that Conan Doyle was inspired by a holiday in North Norfolk, where the tale of Black Shuck is well known. The Gothic-revival style Cromer Hall, where Conan Doyle stayed, also closely resembles Doyle's vivid descriptions of Baskerville Hall.[18]

James Lynam Molloy, a friend of Doyle's, and author of "Love's Old Sweet Song", married Florence Baskerville, daughter of Henry Baskerville of Crowsley Park, Oxfordshire. The gates to the park had statues of hell hounds, spears through their mouths. Above the lintel there was another statue of a hell hound.[19]

Technique

[edit]

The novel incorporates five plots: the ostensible 'curse' story, the two red-herring subplots concerning Selden and the other stranger living on the moor, the actual events occurring to Baskerville as narrated by Watson, and the hidden plot to be discovered by Holmes. The structure of the novel starting and ending in the familiar setting in London is used to ‘delimit the uncanny world associated with the Gothic landscape of the moors', with varying degrees of success.[7] Doyle wrote[citation needed] that the novel was originally conceived as a straight 'Victorian creeper' in the style of Le Fanu, with the idea of introducing Holmes as the deus ex machina arising only later.

Publication

[edit]

The Hound of the Baskervilles was first serialised in The Strand Magazine in 1901. It was well-suited for this type of publication, as individual chapters end in cliffhangers. It was printed in the United Kingdom as a novel in March 1902 by George Newnes Ltd.[20] It was published in the same year in the United States by McClure, Philips & Co.[21]

Original manuscript

[edit]

In 1902, Doyle's original manuscript of the book was broken up into individual leaves as part of a promotional campaign by Doyle's American publisher – they were used in window displays by individual booksellers. Out of an estimated 185–190 leaves, only 37 are known still to exist, including all the leaves from Chapter 11, held by the New York Public Library.[Note 1] Other leaves are owned by university libraries in the United States and by private collectors.[21]

A newly rediscovered example was sold at auction in 2012 for US$158,500.[23] Another one was sold in 2021 for $423,000.[24] The existence of the 37th leaf became publicly known in 2018; it was put up for auction in 2022, but did not sell.[25]

Adaptations

[edit]

The Hound of the Baskervilles has been adapted in various forms of media.

Film and television adaptations

[edit]

Over 20 film and television versions of The Hound of the Baskervilles have been made.

Year Title Country Director Holmes Watson
1914 Der Hund von Baskerville – 1 Teil  Germany Rudolf Meinert Alwin Neuß
–
1914 Der Hund von Baskerville – 2 Teil – Das einsame Haus
1914 Der Hund von Baskerville – 3 Teil – Das unheimliche Zimmer Richard Oswald
1915 Der Hund von Baskerville – 4 Teil
1920 Das dunkle Schloß  Germany Willy Zeyn Eugen Burg
–
1920 Das Haus ohne Fenster Erich Kaiser-Titz
1920 Dr. MacDonalds Sanatorium
1921 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Maurice Elvey Eille Norwood Hubert Willis
1929 Der Hund von Baskerville  Germany Richard Oswald Carlyle Blackwell George Seroff
1932 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Gareth Gundrey Robert Rendel Frederick Lloyd
1937 The Hound of the Baskervilles  Germany Carl Lamac Bruno Güttner Fritz Odemar
1939 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United States Sidney Lanfield Basil Rathbone Nigel Bruce
1951 Jighansa  India Ajoy Kar Sishir Batabyal
as Detective Smarajit Sen
?
1955 Der Hund von Baskerville  West Germany Fritz Umgelter Wolf Ackva Arnulf Schröder
1959 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Terence Fisher Peter Cushing André Morell
1962 Bees Saal Baad[26](based on H. K. Roy's Nishachari Bibhishika,[27]
the Bengali adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles[28]) 		 India Biren Nag Asit Sen
as Detective Gopichand
–
1968 Sherlock Holmes – "The Hound of the Baskervilles"[29]  United Kingdom Graham Evans Peter Cushing Nigel Stock
1968 Sherlock Holmes – "L'ultimo dei Baskerville"[30]  Italy Guglielmo Morandi Nando Gazzolo Gianni Bonagura
1971 The Hound of the Baskervilles (Собака Баскервилей)[31]  Soviet Union A.F. Zinovieva Nikolay Volkov Lev Krugliy
1972 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United States Barry Crane Stewart Granger Bernard Fox
1978 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Paul Morrissey Peter Cook Dudley Moore
1981 The Hound of the Baskervilles (Собака Баскервилей)  Soviet Union Igor Maslennikov Vasilij Livanov Vitali Solomin
1982 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Peter Duguid Tom Baker Terence Rigby
1983 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom Douglas Hickox Ian Richardson Donald Churchill
1983 Sherlock Holmes and the Baskerville Curse  Australia Ian McKenzie & Alex Nicholas Peter O'Toole (voice) Earle Cross (voice)
1988 The Return of Sherlock Holmes – "The Hound of the Baskervilles"[32]  United Kingdom Brian Mills Jeremy Brett Edward Hardwicke
1995 Wishbone – "The Slobbery Hound"[33]  United States Fred Holmes "Wishbone"
(Soccer the Dog, voice of Larry Brantley)		 Ric Speigel
1999 Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century – "The Hounds of the Baskervilles"[34]  United States
 United Kingdom		 Robert Brousseau, Scott Heming Jason Gray-Stanford John Payne
2000 The Hound of the Baskervilles  Canada Rodney Gibbons Matt Frewer Kenneth Welsh
2002 The Hound of the Baskervilles  United Kingdom David Attwood Richard Roxburgh Ian Hart
2012 Sherlock – "The Hounds of Baskerville"[35]  United Kingdom Paul McGuigan Benedict Cumberbatch Martin Freeman
2015 The Adventure of Henry Baskerville and a Dog[citation needed]
(Basukāviru kun to inu no bōken, バスカーヴィル君と犬の冒険)[36]		  Japan Michiyo Morita Kōichi Yamadera (voice) Wataru Takagi (voice)
2015 Sherloch – "The Cat of the Baskervilles"
(Шерлох – "Кішка Баскервілів")		  Ukraine Kyrylo Bin Evgen Koshevyy Yuriy Krapov
2014 Elementary – "The Hound of the Cancer Cells"[37]  United States Michael Slovis Jonny Lee Miller Lucy Liu
2016 Elementary – "Hounded"[38] Robert Hewitt Wolfe

Audio

[edit]

Edith Meiser adapted the novel as six episodes of the radio series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The episodes aired in February and March 1932, with Richard Gordon as Sherlock Holmes and Leigh Lovell as Dr. Watson. Another dramatisation of the story aired in November and December 1936, with Gordon as Holmes and Harry West as Watson.[39]

The story was also adapted by Meiser as six episodes of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson. The episodes aired in January and February 1941.[40]

A dramatisation of the novel by Felix Felton aired on the BBC Light Programme in 1958 as part of the 1952–1969 radio series, with Carleton Hobbs as Sherlock Holmes and Norman Shelley as Dr. Watson.[41] A different production of The Hound of the Baskervilles, also adapted by Felton and starring Hobbs and Shelley with a different supporting cast, aired in 1961 on the BBC Home Service.[42]

The novel was adapted as an episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater. The episode, which aired in 1977, starred Kevin McCarthy as Holmes and Lloyd Battista as Watson.[43]

The Hound of the Baskervilles has been adapted for radio for the BBC by Bert Coules on two occasions. The first starred Roger Rees as Holmes, Crawford Logan as Watson and Matt Zimmerman as Sir Henry and was broadcast in 1988 on BBC Radio 4. Following its good reception, Coules proposed further radio adaptations, which eventually led to the 1989–1998 radio series of dramatisations of the entire canon, starring Clive Merrison as Holmes and Michael Williams as Watson.[44] The second adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles, featuring this pairing, was broadcast in 1998, and also featured Judi Dench as Mrs. Hudson and Donald Sinden as Sir Charles Baskerville.[45]

Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman adapted The Hound of the Baskervilles as a progressive rock album in 2002, with narration by Robert Powell.

The Hound of the Baskervilles was adapted as three episodes of the American radio series The Classic Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with John Patrick Lowrie as Holmes and Lawrence Albert as Watson. The episodes first aired in March 2008.[46]

In 2011, Big Finish Productions released their adaptation of the book as part of their second series of Holmes dramas. Holmes was played by Nicholas Briggs, and Watson was played by Richard Earl.[47]

In 2014, L.A. Theatre Works released their production, starring Seamus Dever as Holmes, Geoffrey Arend as Watson, James Marsters as Sir Henry, Sarah Drew as Beryl Stapleton, Wilson Bethel as Stapleton, Henri Lubatti as Dr. Mortimer, Christopher Neame as Sir Charles and Frankland, Moira Quirk as Mrs. Hudson & Mrs. Barrymore, and Darren Richardson as Barrymore.[48]

In 2017, Bleak December released an abridged full-cast production for Cadabra Records with Sir Derek Jacobi as Holmes.[49]

In 2020, Lions Den Theatre released a new adaptation of the novel written and directed by Keith Morrison on the company's YouTube channel. An early version of the play was performed in various locations around Nova Scotia in 2018.[50]

In 2021, Audible released a dramatisation by George Mann and Cavan Scott, starring Colin Salmon as Holmes and Stephen Fry as Watson.[51]

In 2022, The Hound of the Baskervilles was adapted and conducted as a "concert drama" by Neil Brand, with the music directed by Timothy Brock, and performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Mark Gatiss and Sanjeev Bhaskar played Holmes and Watson, respectively. The production was recorded at the Barbican Hall on 20 December, and was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 22 January 2023.[52] A filmed recording of the reading was broadcast for BBC Four on 25 December 2023.[53]

Stage

[edit]

Prolific playwright Tim Kelly adapted the story for the stage in 1976.[54] One production was at Boston's Theater Loft in 1982.[55]

In 2007, Peepolykus Theatre Company premiered a new adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. Adapted by John Nicholson and Steven Canny, the production involves only three actors and was praised by critics for its physical comedy. Following a UK tour, it transferred to the Duchess Theatre in London's West End. The Daily Telegraph described it as a ‘wonderfully delightful spoof’, while The Sunday Times praised its ‘mad hilarity that will make you feel quite sane’. This adaptation continues to be presented by both amateur and professional companies around the world.[56]

Stage performances have also been performed in the UK in dramatisations by Joan Knight, Claire Malcolmson, Harry Meacher, and Roger Sansom, among others. Meacher's version has been produced three times, each time with himself the actor playing Holmes.[57]

Ken Ludwig authored an adaptation entitled Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery which premiered as a co-production at Arena Stage (Washington, D.C.) in January 2015 and McCarter Theatre Center in March 2015.[58]

In 2021, an adaption for the stage by Steven Canny and John Nicholson for Peepolykus, directed by Tim Jackson & Lotte Wakeman toured the UK produced by Original Theatre Company and Bolton's Octagon Theatre.[59] It was a continuation the adaptation that was directed by Lotte Wakeman for English Theatre, Frankfurt, Jermyn St Theatre and Octagon, Bolton.

Video games

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The Hound of the Baskervilles is utilised in the final case in The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures in which the protagonist teams up with Herlock Sholmes (Sherlock Holmes in the original Japanese version) to investigate mysteries based on various entries in the Holmes chronology. In particular, the manuscript of The Hound of the Baskervilles is a key part of the case.[60]

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles is a casual game by Frogwares. It departs from the original plot by introducing clear supernatural elements. Despite its non-canonical plot, it received good reviews.[61]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The New York Public Library also owns the manuscripts for the Sherlock Holmes short stores, The Adventure of the Norwood Builder, The Adventure of the Devil's Foot and The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier.[22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Buzwell, Greg (15 March 2014). "An introduction to The Hound of the Baskervilles". Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Publication of the Hound of the Baskervilles". History Today.
  3. ^ a b Rendell, Ruth (12 September 2008). "A most serious and extraordinary problem". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  4. ^ "The Big Read – Top 200 Books (2003)". BBC. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  5. ^ "The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories". Bestofsherlock.com. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  6. ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  7. ^ a b Allan, Janice M. (2 May 2019), Allan, Janice M.; Pittard, Christopher (eds.), "Gothic Returns: The Hound of the Baskervilles", The Cambridge Companion to Sherlock Holmes (1 ed.), Cambridge University Press, pp. 168–182, doi:10.1017/9781316659274.013, ISBN 978-1-316-65927-4, S2CID 194774762, retrieved 8 February 2023
  8. ^ Spiring, Paul R.; Pugh, Brian W. (25 May 2011). Bertram Fletcher Robinson: A Footnote to the Hound of the Baskervilles Kindle Edition. London: MX Publishing. pp. 1075–1137. ISBN 978-1904312406.
  9. ^ a b Vivian, Lt.Col. J.L., (Ed.) The Visitations of the County of Devon: Comprising the Heralds' Visitations of 1531, 1564 & 1620, Exeter, 1895, p.125, pedigree of Cabell of Buckfastleigh
  10. ^ Spiring, Paul (2007). "Hugo Baskerville & Squire Richard Cabell III". BFROnline. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  11. ^ "Cabell Tomb — Buckfastleigh". Devon Guide. 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2009.
  12. ^ Lele, Teja (23 July 2024). "Sherlock Holmes and the phantom pack". Hindustan Times.
  13. ^ Vivian, pp.125,370
  14. ^ "Buckfastleigh Church". Legendary Dartmoor. 22 November 2007. Archived from the original on 22 June 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2009.
  15. ^ Roy, Pinaki (2022). "Reclaiming the Elementaries of Context: Ponderings on Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles". Popular Literature: Texts, Contexts, Contestations. Ibidem Press. p. 168. ISBN 978-3838216669.
  16. ^ Weller, Philip, The Hound of the Baskervilles – Hunting the Dartmoor Legend, Devon Books, Halsgrove Publishing, c.2002, quoted in [1]
  17. ^ "Mansion said to have inspired The Hound of the Baskervilles on sale for £3m". Wales Online. 10 March 2013.
  18. ^ "Weird Norfolk, UK – Scary dogs and Sherlock Holmes". BBC Norfolk. 29 October 2014.
  19. ^ Faulkner, Dennis (21 November 2005). "My Life and Times as a BBC Engineer 1942–1945 Part 4". BBC. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  20. ^ "Publication of the Hound of the Baskervilles". History Today.
  21. ^ a b Stock, Randall (4 May 2019). "The Hound of the Baskervilles: A manuscript census". bestofsherlock.com. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
  22. ^ "Sherlock Holmes Original Manuscripts by Conan Doyle: A Census by Randall Stock & Peter E. Blau". www.bestofsherlock.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan (1859–1930). Autograph manuscript leaf from The Hound of the Baskervilles, first serialized in The Strand Magazine, August 1901–April 1902, published in book form by George Newnes, on 25 March 1902". Christies Auction House. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  24. ^ "Hound of the Baskervilles manuscript sold 2021: Heritage Auctions". www.bestofsherlock.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  25. ^ "Hound of the Baskervilles manuscript auction 2022: Heritage Auctions". www.bestofsherlock.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  26. ^ Bees Saal Baad (1962) at IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
  27. ^ Haldar, Anushtup (2013). "Bengali sleuths in the annals of history". Maa Mati Manush. Archived from the original on 12 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  28. ^ Gulzar; Chatterjee, Saibal; Nihalani, Govind (2003). Encyclopædia of Hindi cinema. New Delhi, IN: Encyclopædia Britannica. p. 80. ISBN 978-81-7991-066-5.
  29. ^ Alan Barnes (2002). Sherlock Holmes on Screen. Reynolds & Hearn Ltd. p. 182. ISBN 978-1-903111-04-8.
  30. ^ "L'Ultimo dei Baskerville (TV episode 1968)". The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  31. ^ Barnes, Alan (2011). Sherlock Holmes on Screen. Titan Books. p. 140. ISBN 9780857687760.
  32. ^ O'Connor, John J. (8 December 1988). "Review/Television; Holmes, Hounds and Haunted Halls". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  33. ^ "Wishbone". TV Guide. Archived from the original on 24 November 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  34. ^ "Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century". TV Guide. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  35. ^ Teti, John (11 March 2016). "Sherlock: "The Hounds of Baskerville"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  36. ^ The episode is also based on "The Adventure of the Dancing Men"
  37. ^ Roberts, Frances (14 March 2014). "Elementary season 2 episode 18 review: The Hound Of The Cancer Cells". Den of Geek. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  38. ^ Valentine, Genevieve (11 March 2016). "Elementary aims high and falls short on adaptation". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  39. ^ Dickerson, Ian (2019). Sherlock Holmes and His Adventures on American Radio. BearManor Media. pp. 41, 76. ISBN 978-1629335087.
  40. ^ Dickerson, Ian (2019). Sherlock Holmes and His Adventures on American Radio. BearManor Media. pp. 96–97. ISBN 978-1629335087.
  41. ^ de Waal, Ronald Burt (1974). The World Bibliography of Sherlock Holmes. Bramhall House. p. 386. ISBN 0-517-217597.
  42. ^ de Waal, Ronald Burt (1974). The World Bibliography of Sherlock Holmes. Bramhall House. p. 388. ISBN 0-517-217597.
  43. ^ Payton, Gordon; Grams, Martin Jr. (2015) [1999]. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater: An episode guide and handbook to nine years of broadcasting, 1974–1982 (Reprinted ed.). McFarland. p. 195. ISBN 9780786492282.
  44. ^ Coules, Bert. "The Background". The BBC complete audio Sherlock Holmes. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  45. ^ Coules, Bert. "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The BBC complete audio Sherlock Holmes. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  46. ^ Wright, Stewart (30 April 2019). "The Classic Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Broadcast log" (PDF). Old-Time Radio. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  47. ^ Briggs, Nicholas (2011). "The Hounds of the Bakervilles". Big Finish Productions. 2.3. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  48. ^ "The Hound of the Bakervilles". L.A. Theatre Works. 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  49. ^ "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles LP with Sir Derek Jacobi & Bleak December - Yellow mix". Cadabra Records. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  50. ^ "The Hound of the Baskervilles: The Audio Play". Lions Den Audio. 12 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  51. ^ "The Hound of the Bakervilles". Audible. 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  52. ^ "The Hound of the Baskervilles". BBC Radio. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  53. ^ "Inside Classical: The Hound of the Baskervilles". BBC Media Centre. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  54. ^ "Tim Kelly: Hound of the Baskervilles, The". doollee.com: The Playwrights Database.
  55. ^ Edelstein, David (20 July 1982). "Three-dog night: Murder most foul". The Boston Phoenix. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  56. ^ "Licencing, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Peepolykus Theatre Company". Peepolykus.com. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  57. ^ "Home". Thestage.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  58. ^ Purcell, Carey (15 January 2015). "Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes mystery makes world premiere tonight". Playbill. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  59. ^ Akbar, Arifa (18 April 2022). "The Hound of the Baskervilles review – tongue-in-cheek sleuthing". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  60. ^ "The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Review". TechRaptor. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  61. ^ "Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles". bigfishgames.com. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
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