The Casebook of Twain and Holmes


Book Description

Beloved Humorist. Best-Selling Author. ... Consulting Detective. Now it can be told: Mark Twain’s adventures with Sherlock Holmes, Watson, Mycroft, and Irene Adler. As part of his autobiography, Samuel Clemens dictated seven stories that he later ordered burned. Discovered at a Pennsylvania farm auction and edited by Pulitzer-Prize winning editor, Bill Peschel, they uncover the Mark Twain nobody knew: who interfered in a marriage proposal, organized a boxing scam, and went grave-robbing. A Twain who also caroused with a young John H. Watson in San Francisco’s Chinatown; needed Holmes’ help with a blackmail plot; tangled with Mycroft Holmes and kidnappers in Morocco; and ran up against Irene Adler and a vengeful German officer in Heidelberg. Most of these stories — four featuring Holmes, and one each with Watson, Mycroft Holmes, and Irene Adler — appeared in the 223B Casebook series collecting Sherlockian parodies and pastiches. These tales are now available in this exclusive complete edition from the Peschel Press.




The Cases of Blue Ploermell


Book Description

In 1923, the young reporter James Thurber was given a half a page in the Sunday Evening Dispatch of Columbus, Ohio, every week to fill with anything he wanted. For most of that year, he turned out book reviews, humorous commentary, jokes, stories, and even literary criticism. He also wrote a series of 13 short Sherlockian parodies — 10,000 words in all — starring Blue Ploermell, a “psychosocial” detective with a fondness for animal crackers. Aided (and occasionally impeded) by his Chinese manservant, Gong Low, Ploermell investigates cases marked by his cock-eyed deductions, loopy logic, and a knack for leaping to the wrong conclusion. These juvenilia represents Thurber’s first attempts at learning the craft of humor writing. Looking back at this work years later, he even considered publishing the Ploermell stories. The Cases of Blue Ploermell, for the first time in a century, collects the 13 stories. Edited and annotated by Bill Peschel, they show Thurber trying his hand at characterization, story structure, ethnic humor, and serial writing in a style rarely seen at any newspaper. In addition to the annotations, Peschel wrote essays on Thurber’s years in Columbus, Ohio; journalism in the 1920s; the state of Sherlockian parodies; and depictions of Chinese men and women in American popular culture. Note: The 13 stories are very short, and take up 40 pages of this 200-page book. The rest of the book consists of these essays: “Becoming James Thurber” (39 pages); “Journalism in Thurber’s Time” (4 pages); “Sherlockian Parodies in the 1920s” (8 pages); “The Ancestors of Gong Low” (13 pages); “The Chinese in Popular Culture” (35 pages); movie reviews (19 pages); chronology (9 pages); lists (7 pages). SHORT DESCRIPTION: In 1923, a young James Thurber wrote 13 short Sherlockian parodies (10,000 words) for his newspaper in Columbus, Ohio. They starred Blue Ploermell, a “psychosocial” detective with a fondness for animal crackers. Aided by his Chinese manservant, he solves cases with his cock-eyed deductions and a knack for leaping to the wrong conclusion. This book contains the stories plus essays about Thurber.




Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924


Book Description

Welcome to 223B Baker Street The debut of Sherlock Holmes in the pages of The Strand magazine introduced one of fiction’s most memorable heroes. Arthur Conan Doyle’s spellbinding tales of mystery and detection, along with Holmes’ deep friendship with Doctor Watson, touched the hearts of fans worldwide, and inspired imitations, parodies, songs, art, even erotica, that continues to this very day. “Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924” collects 38 pieces — short stories, poems, and cartoons — all published during this part of Conan Doyle’s literary career. Included are stories by Dashiell Hammett, Arthur Conan Doyle, and James Thurber. Also included are much of the original art and more than 340 footnotes identifying obscure words, historical figures, and events that readers were familiar with at the time. Peschel Press’ 223B Casebook series — named because they’re “next door” to the original stories — is dedicated to publishing fanfiction created by amateur and professional writers during Conan Doyle’s lifetime. A lifelong fan of mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes in particular, Bill Peschel is a former award-winning journalist living in Hershey. He is the annotator of novels by Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, three books about poisoner William Palmer, and author of “Writers Gone Wild” from Penguin. Other Books by Bill Peschel and Peschel Press THE 223B CASEBOOK SERIES Sherlock Holmes Victorian Parodies and Pastiches: 1888-1899 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches I: 1900-1904 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches II: 1905-1909 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches I: 1910-1914 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches II: 1915-1919 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches II: 1925-1930 The Early Punch Parodies of Sherlock Holmes THE RUGLEY POISONER TRUE CRIME SERIES The Illustrated Life and Career of William Palmer The Times Report of the Trial of William Palmer The Life and Career of Dr. William Palmer of Rugeley THE COMPLETE, ANNOTATED SERIES The Complete, Annotated Secret Adversary By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Mysterious Affair at Styles By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Whose Body? By Dorothy L. Sayers OTHER BOOKS The Casebook of Twain and Holmes Hell's Casino (Amazon Kindle Worlds) Writers Gone Wild




The Best Sherlock Holmes Parodies and Pastiches: 1888-1930


Book Description

Welcome to 223B Baker Street! The debut of Sherlock Holmes in the pages of The Strand magazine introduced one of fiction’s most memorable heroes. Arthur Conan Doyle’s spellbinding tales of mystery and detection, along with Holmes’ deep friendship with Doctor Watson, touched the hearts of fans worldwide, and inspired imitations, parodies, songs, art, even erotica, that continues to this very day. “The Best Sherlock Holmes Parodies and Pastiches: 1888-1930” collects 33 pieces — short stories, poems, and cartoons — published during the whole of Conan Doyle’s literary career. Also included are much of the original art and 340 footnotes identifying obscure words, historical figures, and events that readers were familiar with at the time. Peschel Press’ 223B Casebook series — named because they’re “next door” to the original stories — is dedicated to publishing the fanfiction created by amateur and professional writers during Conan Doyle’s lifetime. Each book covers an era, publication, or writer, and includes lively mini-essays containing insights into the work, Conan Doyle, and those who were inspired by him. A lifelong fan of mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes in particular, Bill Peschel is a award-winning former journalist living in Hershey. He is the annotator of novels by Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, publisher of the three-volume Rugeley Poisoner series, and author of “Writers Gone Wild” (Penguin). Other Books by Bill Peschel and Peschel Press THE 223B CASEBOOK SERIES Sherlock Holmes Victorian Parodies and Pastiches: 1888-1899 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches I: 1900-1904 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches II: 1905-1909 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches I: 1910-1914 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches II: 1915-1919 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches II: 1925-1930 The Early Punch Parodies of Sherlock Holmes THE RUGLEY POISONER TRUE CRIME SERIES The Illustrated Life and Career of William Palmer The Times Report of the Trial of William Palmer The Life and Career of Dr. William Palmer of Rugeley THE COMPLETE, ANNOTATED SERIES The Complete, Annotated Secret Adversary By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Mysterious Affair at Styles By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Whose Body? By Dorothy L. Sayers OTHER BOOKS The Casebook of Twain and Holmes Hell's Casino (Amazon Kindle Worlds) Writers Gone Wild




The Complete, Annotated Secret of Chimneys


Book Description

Romance, politics, mystery, and murder collide at a British country home In this lengthy annotated edition of the classic Agatha Christie novel, adventurer Anthony Cade returns to Britain to deliver a politician’s memoirs and to rescue a woman from a blackmailing scheme. But when he arrives, he finds himself enmeshed in international intrigue and murder. The answer to these mysteries, as well as his pursuit of a beautiful spirited woman leads him to Chimneys, the country home. There, another murder puts him in the middle of the investigation that will require all of his wits and intelligence to keep him from the gallows. Meanwhile, the forces of Scotland Yard and the French Sûreté converge on Chimneys in pursuit of a master criminal, a missing British crown jewel, and the ultimate Secret of Chimneys. Published in 1925, “The Secret of Chimneys” was hailed as “a capital detective story,” “bright and cleverly written” and “an engrossing and entertaining yarn.” This new annotated edition, edited by Bill Peschel comes more than 30,000 words in footnotes and essays that delves into the background of the story and the life of its author. Learn about Abney Hall, the inspiration of all of Christie’s country homes, the real-life manor where major Hollywood productions are filmed, and the life of Agatha Christie during her most happiest time, before it all fell apart. “The Complete, Annotated Secret of Chimneys,” the fifth book in Peschel Press’ Complete, Annotated series, will entertain, educate, and enlighten you. You’ll see an Agatha Christie at her wittiest and in a way you’ve never seen her before.




The Complete, Annotated Murder on the Links


Book Description

This fully annotated edition of “Murder on the Links” includes: * 20,000 words in the footnotes describing words, historical events, and cultural references * Essays on Agatha Christie’s life, the French judicial system, golf novels, and the murderous inspiration of “Links” * Maps and illustrations of objects and places mentioned in the novel * Character list, French phrase list, and a full bibliography * Numerous photos and illustrations A dangerous threat. A mysterious woman. A murderous past. Hercule Poirot is hunting a killer! Responding to a hunted man’s desperate plea, Hercule Poirot and his friend Captain Hastings travel to the coast of France, only to find him murdered outside his home, the Villa Marguerite. Joining the investigation despite the opposition of a rival detective, he uncovers evidence that leads to the arrest of an innocent man. Poirot must prevent a deadly miscarriage of justice, but how can he succeed when even his close friend is working against him? The Belgian detective must tax his celebrated “little grey cells” to the utmost to uncover what happened that deadly night on the grounds of the Villa Marguerite. The Complete, Annotated Murder on the Links contains hundreds of explanatory footnotes — 20,000 words in all! — by Christie expert Bill Peschel. They describe in detail aspects of British and French culture unfamiliar to readers. They define cultural and historical events, define unfamiliar French and English words, and now-forgotten celebrities. Learn why red lipstick was seen as a sexual signal, who Christie dedicated the book too and why, and links in the story to other Christie works. When you’re done with the novel, dig into these essays — 12,000 words in all by Bill Peschel — that expand the world of Links and Agatha Christie: * The Woman Behind Murder on the Links Meet Marguerite Steinheil, the wealthy adventuress whose affair with the president of France ended in his death, and her involvement in a double murder (of her husband and mother) that put her on trial for her life! * England vs. France Why the two nations get like a longtime married couple who barely understand each other, but stay together anyway. * The British Invasion Links is set amid the English expatriates on the Boulogne coast. Why did they come to France, and what was the Christie connection? * The French Police The way French police investigate crimes is far different from their English counterparts. What is the difference between the Sûreté, the gendarmerie, and the municipal police? Read this and find out. * Agatha Christie in 1921 What was she doing and why was this her most happy time? * Education Of an Author Agatha Christie learned a lot about the publishing business during this time. Why did she drop her first publisher and move to Collins? * The History of Hastings Mystery’s second most celebrated sidekick gets an essay about him, describing why he was useful and why Christie dropped him. * Murder on the Golf Course Although Links didn’t have much to do with the game, there were plenty of mysteries taking place on the golf course. This overview describes the most notable ones of the 1920s and ’30s. * Editing Agatha There were numerous changes made in the book between its first publication and its final edition, including whole paragraphs omitted. This essay describes what was changed. Plus two maps created for the book, a list of French phrases, translated, and a list of characters.




Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches II: 1925-1930


Book Description

Welcome to 223B Baker Street The debut of Sherlock Holmes in the pages of The Strand magazine introduced one of fiction’s most memorable heroes. Arthur Conan Doyle’s spellbinding tales of mystery and detection, along with Holmes’ deep friendship with Doctor Watson, touched the hearts of fans worldwide, and inspired imitations, parodies, songs, art, even erotica, that continues to this very day. “Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924” collects 38 pieces — short stories, poems, and cartoons — all published during this part of Conan Doyle’s literary career. Included are stories by Dashiell Hammett, Arthur Conan Doyle, and James Thurber. Also included are much of the original art and more than 340 footnotes identifying obscure words, historical figures, and events that readers were familiar with at the time. Peschel Press’ 223B Casebook series — named because they’re “next door” to the original stories — is dedicated to publishing fanfiction created by amateur and professional writers during Conan Doyle’s lifetime. Other Books by Bill Peschel and Peschel Press THE 223B CASEBOOK SERIES Sherlock Holmes Victorian Parodies and Pastiches: 1888-1899 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches I: 1900-1904 Sherlock Holmes Edwardian Parodies and Pastiches II: 1905-1909 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches I: 1910-1914 Sherlock Holmes Great War Parodies and Pastiches II: 1915-1919 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches I: 1920-1924 Sherlock Holmes Jazz Age Parodies and Pastiches II: 1925-1930 The Early Punch Parodies of Sherlock Holmes THE RUGLEY POISONER TRUE CRIME SERIES The Illustrated Life and Career of William Palmer The Times Report of the Trial of William Palmer The Life and Career of Dr. William Palmer of Rugeley THE COMPLETE, ANNOTATED SERIES The Complete, Annotated Secret Adversary By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Mysterious Affair at Styles By Agatha Christie The Complete, Annotated Whose Body? By Dorothy L. Sayers OTHER BOOKS The Casebook of Twain and Holmes Hell's Casino (Amazon Kindle Worlds) Writers Gone Wild




A Dictionary of Flowers and Gems


Book Description

A Dictionary of Flowers and Gems (Say What You Mean—Even Say It Mean—the Victorian Way)




Was Sherlock Holmes Real?


Book Description

The quirky sleuth Sherlock Holmes has been a popular character on the page and stage, as well as on television and in movies. Made famous by Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes became a model for many future detectives. Readers will learn whether this character came from the brilliant mind of his writer or if Sherlock's sometimes outrageous means of solving cases were actually those of a real-life detective. Fast facts add entertaining and informative clues to help readers solve this mystery for themselves.




William Palmer: The Rugeley Poisoner Collection


Book Description

Meet Doctor Death, the First Modern Serial Killer In 1856, Dr. William Palmer made history when he was hanged for poisoning his gambling partner. But it was not his first ride at the murder rodeo. He had also murdered: * His wife * Five of his six children * His mother-in-law * His brother * And numerous others. He murdered for the insurance money. He murdered to avoid paying his gambling losses. He murdered so he wouldn’t have to support his children. Palmer’s trial made legal history. It was the first moved because of publicity, the first to feature expert witnesses, and the first to run 12 days (at a time when murder trials rarely lasted more than a day). “William Palmer, the Rugeley Poisoner Collection,” gathers three books published by Peschel Press in one low price: “The Illustrated Life and Career of William Palmer” was the first “quickie book” published to capitalize on the hottest news story of 1857. Published before the advent of libel laws, it’s full of gossip about Palmer’s family. His father built his fortune by swindling timber from the local lord while his widowed mother had a reputation as a slut. Palmer lived a riotous life as a medical student in London and consorted with criminals and gamblers in the crooked world of horse racing. This book is an eye-opening journey into the seedy underbelly of Victorian Britain. “The Times Report of the Trial of William Palmer” prints the testimony from Palmer’s 12-day trial, with original footnotes that explain draws on other sources (including the Old Bailey transcript) to explain obscure legal issues and tell you who’s lying, who’s fudging the facts, and who’s telling the truth. Many books simply republish badly-scanned PDF versions of the first edition. The Peschel Press edition gives you all the words, and all the facts. “The Life and Career of Dr. William Palmer of Rugeley” is the 1925 biography of Palmer, the first in more than six decades. Written by a Rugeley doctor who interviewed many of the principals in the case, his book adds new facts never seen before, and rounds out the picture of the country doctor who killed. This collected edition contains hundreds of footnotes, reprints of memoirs and essays involving Palmer, and original essay that look at Palmer’s impact on culture. With these three books, true-crime fans can experience early Victorian Britain where money was king, reputations ruled, and where evil lurked in the heart of a benign doctor.




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