Interesting Interview: Bruce Harris

Man, what can I say about Bruce Harris in this week's introduction?  Everyone knows how great of a guy he is.  He's known as a chronology guy, and rightly so, but Bruce's research goes so much farther afield than just putting things in order!  He wrote a whole book footnoting D. Martin Dakin's classic text, A Sherlock Holmes Commentary.  He's written articles on Porlock, "The Mazarin Stone," Holmes, nose, and pipes.  There are even a one or two short pastiches out there under Bruce's byline.

So yeah, Bruce Harris is a chronology guy.  But he's so much more.  And justly recognized by the Baker Street Irregulars, he was invested as a member last month.  Bruce goes deep into topics that he's writing about.  And I really enjoy all of his writing that I've been lucky enough to come across so far.  Bruce is a great guy, too, so I can always hear the smile in his voice when I read his pieces.  If you've been lucky enough to meet Bruce in person, I hope his voice will be in your mind as you read his answers to this week's Interesting Interview.  And if you haven't met Bruce yet, I hope you get the pleasure sometime in the future, because time spent with Bruce is time well spent!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

My initial reaction mirrors former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s test for obscenity, “I know it when I see it.” I’ll amend it to, “I know one when I see one.” However, that’s not helpful. I believe Sherlockians exist along a continuum, and I would apply a liberal interpretation of the term. For example, someone who reads a story and is intrigued enough to pursue additional stories is in my mind a Sherlockian. Or, it could be someone who collects Sherlockian statues or collectibles. Admittedly, this is a low bar, and such folks would be on one end of the spectrum. This would apply as well to those who may have never read a story, but watched all (or several) of, for example, the Granada Holmes series. It shows some spark of interest in the great detective, one that could possibly be further nurtured. On the other extreme end are those that delve into the minutiae of the Canon, in other words, those who “play the game.” 

How did you become a Sherlockian?

Well, based on my definition of a Sherlockian, I guess it occurred in 1965 after reading, “The Speckled Band.” It blew me away, and I quickly read the remaining stories in that little paperback. When that book was finished, I sought out every Holmes story and found The Complete Sherlock Holmes, which included Christopher Morley’s Preface. Once in college, I moved along the Sherlockian continuum after discovering a local scion society, The Anderson Murderers of North Carolina. Simultaneously, I joined a corresponding scion, The Unanswered Correspondents, founded by Bruce R. Beaman during the mid 1970’s. I’m happy to say my movement along the Sherlockian scale continues.

Some members of The Noble Correspondents (at the Foundry Dinner during the 2025 BSI weekend). The Noble Correspondents are a corresponding (via USPS) scion society founded Michael Barton in 2024. L-R: Burt Wolder, Cate Barton, Terry Hunt, Don Pollock, Michael Barton, Christian Monggaard, Rosemary Herbert, BH, Anna Behrens.

What is your profession (or previous if you are retired) and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I’m retired from a 30-year career at UPS. I can’t say there was any impact on my enjoyment of being a Sherlockian. However, in a previous life, I received a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, and that has had a profound impact on my Sherlockian journey. The degree provided me the training and discipline to conduct research. These skills help enhance my pleasure and amusement when delving into the world inhabited by Holmes and Watson.

What is your favorite canonical story?

“The Three Garridebs.” A rip-off of “The Red-Headed League,” perhaps, but I’m partial to 3GAR. Like many Sherlockians, I am a book collector. I empathize with poor Nathan Garrideb, one of the most shabbily treated characters in the Canon. He deserved better. Lest we forget it’s in 3GAR where Holmes shows his deep concern for Watson after he (Watson) was on the receiving end of a Killer Evans bullet. 

Five members of The Red-Headed League of Jersey meeting for breakfast in 2023. L-R: Bob Katz, Michael Bush, Jules Spada, Burt Wolder, BH.

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

Honestly, I’ve ever met an uninteresting Sherlockian. We are an eclectic, fascinating group. I would refer everyone to read Linda and Terry Hunt’s, Aboriginals. It is my favorite Sherlockian book, packed with stories about captivating individuals. 

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

Two things. Chronology and BSI history. I know people like to deride chronology, but it has a long tradition, having come into the fore in earnest in 1932 following publication of H.W. Bell’s, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson: The Chronology of Their Adventures and T.S. Blakeney’s, Sherlock Holmes: Fact or Fiction? Since then, many others have tried their hand at dating Watson’s stories, perhaps the most famous, or at least the most frequently quoted, is William S. Baring-Gould’s chronology. In 2021, Brad Keefauver founded the Sherlockian Chronologist Guild of which I am a member. Brad publishes a monthly newsletter, Timeline, packed with chronological goodness. I look forward to receiving it each month. 

As far as BSI history is concerned, perhaps my UPS career had a Sherlockian impact after all. The company was founded in 1907 by one man, Jim Casey. Its founding and eventual worldwide growth always fascinated me. Fortunately there was plenty of material to read. I feel the same way about Christopher Morley, and how founded an organization like the BSI, and how it has grown and flourished.

As the author of not one, but TWO chronology books, what keeps you coming back to that topic?

I hesitated writing about chronology for many years. It is a rabbit hole from which few have emerged. But, after I retired and had time on my hands, I decided to give it a try. To do things a little differently, I began with the Case-Book and worked my way backward through the Canon. After doing “The Retired Colourman” and “Shoscombe Old Place,” I thought to myself, “this isn’t so bad.” I kept going and going until I reached A Study in Scarlet. As with any other subset of Sherlockiana, there is always more to learn. That is especially true with chronology. I enjoy dating debates, even with myself, and remain flexible about changing dates when additional evidence is presented.

But your writing isn't just about chronology.  You've written about dressing gowns, personality types, and D. Martin Dakin, among other topics.  What is your process that takes you from idea sparking to publication?

I never really thought about the process. My ideas generally come two ways. First, after rereading a story for the umpteenth time, some question or inconsistency or historical reference will catch my attention. Then, I begin researching the topic and discover what others have said about the issue. I formulate a new hypothesis, and then determine if the existing data support or disprove the theory. 

The other way an idea emerges is after reading the results of a (usually) psychological or sociological study, I think about how the findings might apply, or not apply, to one or more of the Holmes stories.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

There are several. In addition to the aforementioned Aboriginals, all of The Baker Street Irregulars Press Manuscript Series books are exceptional. And, as a fan of BSI history, I would be remiss if I did not highly recommend Jon L. Lellenberg’s series about the BSI, including, but not limited to, “Dear Starrett –“ / “Dear Briggs – “; Irregular Memories of the ‘Thirties; Irregular Records of the Early ‘Forties; Irregular Proceedings of the Mid ‘Forties; and Irregular Crises of the Late ‘Forties.

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

Thriving. Worldwide, there are so many young, talented, passionate, and creative Sherlockians. I am one-hundred percent confident the hobby is in good hands and will only get better. 

Healthy, local scion society activity is and will continue being the backbone of Sherlockiana. I foresee further growth in this area, both among the long-standing scions and newly created ones springing up. 

I’m in the majority, among the 89% of Interesting Interviewees, who also believe the Sherlockiana future is bright!* 

*See Rob Nunn, “Might I Ask You a Question or Two? A Snapshot of Sherlockiana as Seen Through Interviews with 100 Sherlockians,” The Sherlock Holmes Review: 2024 Sherlockian Annual. Indianapolis: Gasogene Books, 2025, pp. 68-75.