Was Sherlock Holmes created by Edgar Allen Poe?

 


In "A Thomas Jefferson Education," DeMille suggests that we look not only to our heroes, but to the educators of our heroes to learn how they became the great men they were. So, with this in mind, I was intrigued when I came upon The Dupin Stories.

If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Arthur Conan Doyle's character, Sherlock Holmes, you will certainly appreciate the character that inspired Doyle to create Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes is not an entirely original character, but rather is almost identical to the character of C. Auguste Dupin, investigator extraordinaire. Both characters are acutely observant and shrewd in their deductions, but also have personality quirks that bristle those who meet them. Each character has a sort of sidekick that documents their exceptional abilities in solving crimes and mysteries, and then share those stories with us.

Dupin is the creative genius of Edgar Allan Poe. The Dupin Stories is a collection of three mysteries solved by Dupin's mind, where the authorities have been stumped. The Murders in the Rue Morgue, (the mysterious murder of a mother and daughter in their home), The Mystery of Marie Roget 9based on the true story of Mary Rogers, whose body was found in the Hudson), and The Purloined Letter - the first two contain details of gruesome murders, so be forewarned.

The collection is available on Audible and contains about 4 hours of listening enjoyment. Each story takes just over an hour, so it is great for listening to on a commute or back and forth to practices. If you like Holmes, you'll love his predecessor. 

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