Sherlockology 101

The late Rev. Lee J. Bennish, S.J., was a Jesuit priest, a historian, and a Sherlockian. In the 1980s, he taught several non-credit courses in mysteries at Cincinnati's Xavier University. Not surprisingly, one of them was devoted to Sherlock Holmes.

Here's the syllabus of "Sherlock Holmes Festival," which was taught on seven consecutive Thursday nights:

October 9   Introduction and movie: "Mr. Sherlock Holmes of London"

October 16 A Study in Scarlet

October 23 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

November 6 The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes

November 13 Sherlock Holmes and the Golden Bird
Guest Speaker: Mr. Dan Andriacco

November 20 Movie: Hound of the Baskervilles
Guest speaker: Mr. Paul Herbert  

The Lee J. Bennish Memorial Library in my Sebastian McCabe - Jeff Cody mysteries is named after Father Bennish, who died of a massive heart attack in his 50s. Through his teaching he inspired many to become members of the Tankeville Club, the Sherlockian scion society in Cincinnati.