What do "slop shops," "scissoring," "agony aunts," and "foolscap" have in common?These and other Victorian references appear throughout the original Sherlock Holmes tales. What was part of everyday life to the Victorian now has the modern day running to references books to discover what they mean.These twenty-four short essays explore various aspects of life mentioned in the original tales of Sherlock Holmes, providing modern-day insight into the nineteenth century world. Originally shared through various Sherlockian newsletters around the world, they are gathered here for the first time. Essays cover:Violins and sound recordingsElectric vs. gas lightingScrapbookingAgony columnsThe Agra FortCardboardSound RecordingsTelephonesJellyfishRugbyBrandyOperaThe Crown JewelsSnakesItalian criminal organizationsBanksDiabetesPocket watchesWriting paperCoronersPawnshopsClothingCalling cardsThe Pinkerton AgencyAs an additional bonus, the essay on "Evil Women: The Villainesses of the Canon" originally published in the "Baker Street Journal" is included.