The year 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Arthur Conan Doyle. To celebrate his life and works, Harvard’s Houghton Library will host a symposium to honor the man whose enduring contributions to the post-Victorian world include the creation of modern detective fiction and the genre’s most famous literary character, Sherlock Holmes.  The symposium will be held from Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9, 2009, and will coincide with the opening of a major exhibition at Houghton Library: “‘Ever Westward’: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in American Culture”. 

The symposium aims to broaden our understanding of Doyle in light of recent biographical studies; to examine the enduring popularity of the Canon and to revisit the non-canonical fiction, historical and social writings; and to witness Doyle’s literacy legacy as promoted by literary societies and through teaching.  Confirmed speakers, session chairpersons, and participants include Peter X. Accardo, John Bergquist, Peter E. Blau, John Constable, Thomas Francis, Thomas A. Horrocks, Leslie S. Klinger, Eve Mayer, Julie McKuras, Glen Miranker, Richard Olken, Daniel Posnansky, Constantine Rossakis, Steven Rothman, Charles J. Rzepka, Daniel Stashower, Randall Stock, William P. Stoneman, and Michael Whelan. The conference will conclude with a gala dinner and musical program of Sherlockian songs performed by Henry Boote, Bruce Montgomery, and W. Scott Monty II, under the direction of Judge Albert M. Rosenblatt and Dr. Julia Carlson Rosenblatt.

The exhibition will feature rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera from Houghton’s collections (including the H. W. Bell/Speckled Band of Boston collection of Sherlockiana and the recently donated Baker Street Irregulars archive) and private collections.  A special emphasis will be placed on Doyle’s lifelong interest in America and American culture. The exhibition will be on view through the summer.

Details on symposium registration will be announced this fall, so please check this page periodically.