February 21, 2015
Buzzfeed reports that Walter Elliot, an 80-year-old historian in Selkirk, Scotland, has discovered an unpublished Sherlock Holmes tale that sat in his attic for nearly 50 years.
The story, called "Sherlock Holmes: Discovering the Border Burghs and, by deduction, the Brig Bazaar", is contained in a 45-page pamphlet called "The Book o' the Brig", written in 1904. Its publication was intended to help raise money to rebuild a bridge in the town that was destroyed in a flood.
“I’ve always been interested in history and my family has always passed on stories and I suppose this was one of the stories that was passed down,” said Elliot. “I’ve had this book for about 40 or 50 years. I must have got it from a friend because I can’t remember buying it from anyone.”
Though the plot of the story is minimal, it revolves around Watson's plan to take a trip to Selkirk and includes a characteristic battle of wits with Sherlock Holmes.
The full manuscript can be read here.
The discovery becomes the latest addition in a string of manuscripts to be revived this year. Harper Lee's 'Go Set a Watchman' and Dr. Seuss' 'What Pet Should I Get' are both set to be published in July.
