Societies and Fandoms: Holmes Across the Generations.

The article examines two distinct yet interconnected forms of engagement with Sherlock Holmes: traditional in-person societies, such as the Danish Baker Street Irregulars, and modern online fandoms. While societies emphasize formal gatherings centered on the original stories (the Canon) and appeal more to older generations, fandoms thrive on digital platforms with fan-created content and attract younger participants. The Canon itself, originally published between 1887 and 1927, features recurring themes of generational conflict, often portraying young characters endangered by older ones, with this framing evolving over time alongside the aging of Holmes, Watson, and their audience. Despite differences in mode and focus, both societies and fandoms share a deep, enduring interest in Sherlock Holmes, reflecting the detective’s universal appeal across ages and cultural contexts.