Sherlock Before Sherlock · 1884
A Rare 1884 Serial Story
“Super-collector Joe Rainone has unearthed a rare masterpiece of fascinating historical importance and Sherlockian interest in this new Old Marvel book. Much of the magic that Doyle put into Sherlock Holmes first appeared in this Old Marvel story…”— Gary Lovisi, MWA Edgar nominee
The Discovery
A Sherlock-like character, before Sherlock.
Joe Rainone, popular fiction collector extraordinaire, made an important discovery among his most rare items: a serialized story in an 1884 American publication featuring a very Sherlock-like character — published three years before the first Sherlock Holmes novel was first printed.
British and American story papers and dime libraries were distributed on both sides of the Atlantic. Could it be possible that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes stories, read Old Marvel, the Scientific Detective? Decide for yourself when you discern the similarities of the two fictional detectives. Joe Rainone has provided a thorough introduction to offer examples for the reader to consider.
This is not a scandal and there is no suggestion of plagiarism, but there are some striking similarities between the earlier character of Old Marvel and Sherlock Holmes. It seems naive to think that all the sources of inspiration that led to Sherlock Holmes have been catalogued.
Old Marvel,
The Scientific Detective
A serialized 1884 American detective story, presented in a limited-edition hardback bound in mahogany-coloured buckram with gold stamping on the front and spine, and as a paperback edition. Includes a thorough scholarly introduction by Joe Rainone tracing the parallels with Sherlock Holmes, plus over twenty period illustrations from the original printing.
Limited Hardback Paperback Kindle eBook
Inside the edition
A look at the book.
Limited hardback in dust jacket
Mahogany buckram with gold stamping
Paperback edition
Frontispiece and title page
Interior illustration and chapter head
A Study in Scarlet, frontispiece and title (1887, for comparison)
Continue browsing the shop.
Sherlock Before Sherlock · The Reception
Old Marvel in the Holmes Collections
University of Minnesota Library accepted the Old Marvel hardback into their world-renowned Sherlock Holmes Collections. Photos and notes from the curator.
Flagship Series · 1878–1894
The Joe Phenix Detective Series
Eleven NYC-detective novels by Albert W. Aiken, originally serialized for newsstand readers in 1880s New York.