*Baker Street

*Baker Street. London street at whose imaginary 221B address Holmes and Watson share lodgings. There, visitors are admitted by Mrs. Hudson, the landlady who lives on the ground floor and takes them upstairs to Holmes and Watson’s sitting room. The novel opens with the house being watched during the visit of Dr. Mortimer, a concerned neighbor of Sir Henry Baskerville.

Baskerville Hall

Baskerville Hall. Ancestral Devonshire home of the Baskerville family, located on the edge of Dartmoor, a wild, rugged area in the south of England. Baskerville Hall is fourteen miles from Princetown, which is best known for is proximity to the high-security prison of Dartmoor, from which the convicted murderer Selden escapes. The hall is approached through ornate wrought iron gates at the end of a tree-lined drive that opens out onto an area of turf. The central and original part of the house has two towers that indicate the house’s age, as they are crenellated and have loopholes. The inside of the house also indicates an age going back to Tudor times; it has a large, high-ceilinged central hall raftered with age-blackened oak. The room also has a large fireplace and oak paneling and is illuminated by high windows set with stained glass depicting family coats of arms. A gallery running around the hall is reached by a double stair. The narrow, dimly lit dining room that opens from the hall has a raised dais at one end, where members of the family dine; in earlier times, their dependents would have dined on the lower level. At one end of this room is a minstrels gallery. The walls here are adorned with family portraits, including one that provides Holmes with the clue to the identity of the villain.

Baskerville Hall has been recently expanded and has wings on each side of the original house constructed from granite blocks, with high chimneys and high, angled roofs. The bedrooms in one wing are reached from the gallery off the central hall. The room in which Watson stays overlooks the front lawn and has views of the moor beyond. The other wing is not occupied, except when Barrymore uses an empty room to send secret signals to Selden.

The grounds of Baskerville Hall contain a long yew alley, in which Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead. The thick yew hedges are twelve feet tall and eight feet apart. There is a central gravel path with grass on either side running from the house to a dilapidated summerhouse at the far end. About half way down the alley a four-foot-high, white-painted wicket gate gives access to the moor. It is kept padlocked.

*Dartmoor

*Dartmoor. Wild, sparsely inhabited part of southern England Devonshire region that is dotted with steep rocky peaks and valleys. Sheep and ponies roam freely, and the hillsides are covered with heather, bracken, and gorse. In autumn—the season in which the novel is set—the moors are bleak, and the weather can quickly change, covering the moors with thick fog. The novel describes the hillsides as covered with stones circles, the remains of numerous Neolithic hut circles. The novel’s stone circles are both more numerous and larger than the real Neolithic circles found in that region of England.

Grimpen

Grimpen. Hamlet on the edge of Dartmoor, four miles from Baskerville Hall that contains only two large buildings—a public inn and Dr. Mortimer’s house, which stands on the hillside above the rest. Also close by is Lafter Hall, the home of Mr. Franklin, whose rooftop telescope is instrumental in tracking the comings and goings of people on the moors.

Merripit House

Merripit House. Home of Stapleton and his sister. Located near Grimpen, it is reached along a narrow grass track from the road between Grimpen and Baskerville Hall. It was once a farm and is surrounded by an orchard of old, stunted trees. Outwardly, it appears to be as bleak as its surroundings, but inside it is elegantly furnished. Not far away is Grimpen Mire, a treacherous part of the moor, which looks green, but whose bright patches mask bog holes which can swallow a man. Mr. Stapleton discovers a path running through the moor that leads to Grimpen Mine, where the hound is hidden.

The late Victorian era depicted in The Hound of the Baskervilles is characterized by a well-defined social structure. In this setting, everyone has a specific role, and when these roles are properly fulfilled, society thrives. However, this social order is threatened by those who seek to disrupt it, and these villains come in various forms.

The story begins with Sherlock Holmes in the familiar and comfortable environment of his home at 221B Baker Street in London. Soon, however, the narrative shifts to the desolate "Grippen Mire," a sprawling moorland in England. This stark, abandoned landscape sharply contrasts with Holmes's sophisticated London surroundings. As the events unfold, reason seems to falter, and an eerie atmosphere prevails when it appears that a supernatural creature is behind the terrifying incidents on the moors. Conan Doyle meticulously reconstructs both the history of the Baskerville family and the areas surrounding Baskerville Hall. The legend of the hound itself is recounted through Dr. Mortimer's narrative, providing essential background information.

As the story progresses, the Grimpen Mire comes to represent a sinister quagmire of evil. Dr. Watson, to his horror, hears the terrified cries of moor ponies trapped by the treacherous muck hidden beneath the deceptive vegetation. A single misstep can lead to death, both in the moor, where seemingly solid ground can suddenly give way, and in society, where a trusted friend might turn out to be a cunning murderer or even a demon commanding a monstrous hound. For Holmes, the setting becomes as much a clue to the crime's nature as any physical evidence. The middle sections of The Hound of the Baskervilles are among the most suspenseful in literature, largely due to the relentless atmosphere of doom that envelops the well-developed and engaging characters of Watson, Sir Henry, and Holmes.

Most of the techniques in The Hound of the Baskervilles are typical of the Holmes mysteries. Initially, a client approaches Holmes, who then makes some astute observations about him. The client then presents the problem that Holmes needs to solve. In this instance, a country doctor named James Mortimer recounts the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. Mortimer, being exceptionally observant, noticed a large paw print near the body and cigar ash by the gate—both crucial clues that stirred his suspicions. Normally, Holmes would visit the crime scene, analyze the evidence, and determine a plan of action. These steps create a suspenseful and fast-paced narrative. However, in The Hound of the Baskervilles, Holmes dispatches Dr. Watson to Baskerville Hall to investigate while he remains in London working on another case.

This might seem to diminish the novel's impact since its main character is absent for several chapters. Nonetheless, the strategy proves effective. Dr. Watson, a sensible and composed man, faces a sinister plot that appears to have turned the world upside-down. The atmosphere is Gothic, suggesting that supernatural forces might explain the terrifying events on the moors. The central sections of The Hound of the Baskervilles are among the most suspenseful in literature, largely due to the pervasive sense of doom that envelops well-crafted and engaging characters like Watson and Sir Henry.

When Holmes reappears and solves the mystery, readers do not feel shortchanged by Conan Doyle for two reasons: First, Holmes reveals that he did not actually deviate from his usual method of solving cases. He had, in fact, followed Watson and Sir Henry to Devonshire and analyzed clues as is his custom. He concealed himself on the moors out of respect for the villain, who would be more cautious if he knew Holmes was nearby. Second, the villain is so cunning that merely identifying him is insufficient to stop him. Even after Holmes explains everything to Watson and identifies Stapleton as the murderer, he must outsmart Stapleton and catch him in the act. The climax provides an excellent resolution to the intricate mystery. The tension reaches its peak when the hound attacks: "Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame." It feels as though a demon from hell has been unleashed on Sir Henry.

The techniques employed in The Hound of the Baskervilles are typical of most Holmes mysteries. Initially, a client approaches Holmes, who then makes some astute deductions about the individual. Following this, the client presents the problem that Holmes must unravel. In this instance, a country doctor named James Mortimer informs Holmes about the peculiar death of Sir Charles Baskerville. Mortimer, being exceptionally observant, noticed a large paw print near the body and cigar ash near the gate—both significant clues that sparked his suspicions. In a typical Holmes case, he would visit the crime scene, analyze the clues, and decide on a course of action. These steps contribute to a suspenseful and fast-paced narrative.

However, in The Hound of the Baskervilles, Holmes sends Dr. Watson to investigate at Baskerville Hall while he remains in London, ostensibly working on another case. This might seem to disrupt the novel since the main character is absent for several chapters. Nevertheless, the device proves effective. Dr. Watson, a practical and level-headed man, diligently pursues his assignment and begins to uncover a sinister plot. When Holmes reappears to solve the mystery, the reader does not feel cheated, as Holmes has been working behind the scenes all along. Even after Holmes explains everything to Watson and identifies the murderer, he still needs to outsmart the villain and catch him in the act.

Conan Doyle drew inspiration from various sources for his meticulously crafted detective stories. The most significant influences on the Holmes adventures were Edgar Allan Poe's tales of "ratiocination" and the novels of Wilkie Collins. Poe's stories feature the brilliant French detective Auguste Dupin, who uses his intellect to solve perplexing crimes. Similar to the Holmes stories, someone presents Dupin with a mystery; Dupin then analyzes the clues and formulates a plan to expose the villain. Conan Doyle's stories follow this pattern, even making Holmes as analytical and arrogant as Dupin.

Collins's influence is particularly evident in The Hound of the Baskervilles. In his two most famous novels, The Woman in White (1859) and The Moonstone (1868), Collins narrates the stories through the letters and diaries of the characters. This technique creates a sense of immediacy, as if the reader is witnessing the narrative unfold in real time. Additionally, the mystery is heightened because the reader knows no more than the characters. Yet, all the clues necessary to solve the mystery are presented, allowing the reader to sift through them and attempt to stay one step ahead of the characters.

Three chapters of The Hound of the Baskervilles are presented through Watson's diaries and letters to Holmes, evoking a style reminiscent of Collins's novels. Furthermore, Collins infused his fiction with a gothic atmosphere of the supernatural, making even mundane scenes and events appear filled with impending violence or malevolence. The Hound of the Baskervilles employs this technique as well, transforming after-dinner walks in the yard into moments that feel ominous and perilous.

Some critics have even suggested that Sergeant Cuff from Collins's The Moonstone served as a prototype for Sherlock Holmes, noting the physical resemblance, analytical nature, and shared hobby of raising roses in the countryside. Regardless of the inspirations behind the Holmes stories, their clever fusion of crime and everyday life, combined with clear storytelling, makes them uniquely captivating and engaging reads.

The late Victorian society depicted in The Hound of the Baskervilles is characterized by orderliness. Each individual has a specific role to play, and when these roles are fulfilled, society thrives. For many years, the area surrounding the Baskerville estate was impoverished and underdeveloped. However, the region began to flourish when Sir Charles Baskerville returned to claim his inheritance. By dedicating his substantial business-earned wealth to community improvement, Sir Charles assumed the long-vacant leadership position that was the Baskervilles' responsibility.

Into this harmonious and orderly society, chaos is introduced by two malevolent men. One is an escaped convict and mass murderer who terrifies the locals and disrupts the social structure. Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore, who come from a long line of loyal Baskerville servants, have their loyalties distorted by the criminal Selden. Selden, Mrs. Barrymore's brother, leads the Barrymores to prioritize aiding him over their duty to the Baskervilles, aligning themselves with evil.

Even more disturbing is the fearsome Hound of the Baskervilles, unleashed on the moors by someone aiming to overthrow the rightful heirs of Baskerville Hall. The murder of Sir Charles shatters the community's stability, breeding suspicion and uncertainty. Society becomes a "bog in which we are floundering." The Grimpen Mire symbolizes the surrounding ominous disorder; Dr. Watson is horrified to hear the cries of a moor pony, the second in two days, ensnared by the hidden muck beneath the vegetation of the Mire. One misstep can lead to death, both in the treacherous Mire and in a society where a seemingly trustworthy friend might be a cunning murderer with a menacing hound at his command.

Additional Commentary

The Hound of the Baskervilles illustrates the personal disorientation caused by social chaos. For example, love is corrupted by malevolence in the story. Selden, the infamous Notting Hill murderer, exploits his sister's love to evade capture. Stapleton manipulates his own wife to lure Sir Henry Baskerville into danger. He feigns affection and proposes marriage to Laura Lyons to convince her to lead Sir Charles into a dark pathway where he encounters the Hound. Those who cross paths with these deceitful lovers are put at risk, as their relationships are as deceptive and treacherous as the narrow trails of Grimpen Mire. Sir Henry, in particular, is enticed by another man's wife and ends the novel with a troubled mind. Nonetheless, the unwavering and clear-sighted reasoning of Sherlock Holmes persistently works to penetrate the chaotic darkness and reveal the sources of evil.

Conan Doyle was well-versed in the mystery genre and drew inspiration from various sources to craft his own intricate stories. The most significant influences on the Holmes adventures were Edgar Allan Poe's "ratiocination" tales and Wilkie Collins's novels. Poe's stories feature the brilliant detective Auguste Dupin, a Frenchman who solves perplexing crimes using his intellect. Similar to the Holmes stories, Dupin is presented with a mystery, sifts through the clues, and devises a plan to reveal the culprit. Conan Doyle's tales adopt this structure, making Holmes equally analytical and arrogant like Dupin.

Collins's impact is particularly evident in The Hound of the Baskervilles. In his two most acclaimed novels, The Woman in White (1859) and The Moonstone (1868), he narrates the stories through the letters and diaries of the characters. This approach creates a sense of immediacy, as if the reader is experiencing the events in real-time. Additionally, the mystery deepens because the reader knows only as much as the characters. All the clues are provided, allowing the reader to sift through them and attempt to stay ahead of the characters. From chapters 8 to 10 of The Hound of the Baskervilles, over twenty percent of the novel, the story unfolds through Watson's diaries and letters to Holmes, generating a similar effect to that in Collins's novels.

Moreover, Collins infused his fiction with a Gothic atmosphere, incorporating elements of the supernatural to make everyday scenes and events seem suspenseful and ominous. The Hound of the Baskervilles employs this technique as well, turning even casual after-dinner walks into moments of tension and danger. Some critics have even suggested that Sergeant Cuff from Collins's The Moonstone served as a model for Sherlock Holmes, noting that both characters share physical similarities, an analytical nature, and a rural retirement—Cuff to grow roses and Holmes to keep bees. Regardless of the sources of inspiration for the Holmes adventures, their clever plots, blend of crime with everyday life, and clear narratives make them original and captivating reads.

Although The Hound of the Baskervilles is the most famous of the Holmes adventures, the series actually includes four novels and numerous short stories. These short stories are consistently engaging, and every Holmes fan has their own favorite. "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" is frequently featured in anthologies and textbooks because it exemplifies Conan Doyle's narrative style and adept plotting. Notably, it was Conan Doyle's own favorite Holmes story.

The most beloved adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles is the 1939 film, featuring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. John Watson. Directed by Sidney Lanfield, this black-and-white film also stars Richard Greene as Sir Henry Baskerville. Rathbone portrays Holmes as an impatient yet stylish detective, while Bruce plays Watson as a somewhat bumbling but brave sidekick. Though some important themes from the novel were omitted, Rathbone's charisma, the gothic ambiance, and the film's brisk pacing have earned it a dedicated fan base.

The only notable silent film adaptation is the 1929 German production Der Hund von Baskervilles, directed by Richard Oswald and featuring American actor Carlyle Blackwell. In 1932, Gainsborough Productions released a sound version of The Hound of the Baskervilles with Robert Rendel as Holmes and Frederick Lloyd as Watson. Both critics and audiences have largely overlooked these versions.

In 1959, Hammer Films produced their own take on the novel, directed by Terence Fisher and starring Peter Cushing as Holmes, Andre Morell as Watson, and Christopher Lee as Sir Henry Baskerville. Despite the film's rich Victorian costumes and settings, critics panned it for taking significant liberties with the plot.

A commendable version of The Hound of the Baskervilles is Universal's 1972 made-for-television movie, starring Stewart Granger as Sherlock Holmes, Bernard Fox as Watson, and William Shatner as Stapleton. Directed by Barry Crane, this adaptation is lively and entertaining, though not particularly suspenseful.

Conan Doyle, Arthur. Memories and Adventures. Boston: Little, Brown, 1924. Autobiography.

Grella, George, and Philip B. Dematteis. "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." In Dictionary of Literary Biography: Victorian Novelists After 1885, edited by Ira B. Nadel and William E. Fredeman. Detroit: Gale, 1983. Although the article has a condescending tone, it provides an excellent overview of Conan Doyle's life and work.

Higham, Charles. The Adventures of Conan Doyle: The Life of the Creator of Sherlock Holmes. New York: Norton, 1976. Higham presents the facts of Conan Doyle's life and career in this well-crafted biography.

Hutchinson, Mary Anne. "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle." In Research Guide to Biography and Criticism, Vol. 1, edited by Walton Beacham. Washington, DC: Beacham Publishing, 1985. Hutchinson reviews the research on Conan Doyle and assesses key biographies and critical works.

Penzler, Otto, "A Few (Million) Words About My Good Friend Holmes." In Murder Ink: The Mystery Reader's Companion, edited by Dilys Winn. New York: Workman, 1977. Penzler catalogs and annotates one hundred essential books about Holmes.

Shreffler, Philip A., ed. The Baker Street Reader: Cornerstone Writings about Sherlock Holmes. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1984. A collection of serious and speculative critiques of the Holmes stories.

Steinbrunner, Chris, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1976. Discusses Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. The articles provide summaries of Conan Doyle's career and the Holmes legacy.

Tracy, Jack. The Encyclopedia Sherlockiana: or, A Universal Dictionary of the State of Knowledge of Sherlock Holmes and His Biographer John H. Watson, M.D. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1977. Among the various guides to the Holmes canon, this one is the most comprehensive.