With the recent appearance of several movies and television series based on the stories of Sherlock Holmes, the popularity of the enigmatic detective does not appear to be slowing down one bit.

The stories have evolved into modern plots with new twists, turns  and technology but the essential Sherlock remains.

First published in 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has been enthralling readers for over 120 years with the adventures of the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal yet often perplexed companion, Dr. John Watson. 

Just as Sherlock dissects the clues in his cases, his character has come under the magnifying glasses of authors attempting to comprehend and define his personality and relationships. 

As Sherlock unravels the clues of a new case, his thoughts unfold at a speed which few could match.  His powers of observation and concentration come at a cost to his equilibrium as his moods fluctuate between depression and mania. 

If you'd like to attend a program featuring  material on Sherlock Holmes, then you'll enjoy Sinister Readings: Crime, Mystery and Detective Fiction at The New York Public Library, on Friday, May 30 at 2:15 pm in the South Court Auditorium of The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The program will be presented by Librarian Robert Armitage.