Earlier this year I reviewed Arthur and George by Julian Barnes. I didn't like the book, and failed to finish it. In my review I said "George, as far as I could tell, is wholly fictional."
Today Adam Navin, editor of the web site The Plebian, very politely pointed out my ignorance and steered me to a book called Conan Doyle and The Parson's Son, by George Weaver. It tells the TRUE story of Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji. Edalji was accused of mutilating horses, convicted, then exonerated because of Conan Doyle's careful investigation into the details of the case.
I am really embarrassed by my mistake. A simple Google search of the name George Edalji generates many hits, including a Wikipedia article about the events. I should have done more research when I wrote my review. I apologize and promise to do a better job with the details.
1 comments:
A noble apology!
For the latest review of the evidence on the case, including an assessment of the degree to which Julain Barnes's novel remains true to the historical record, see my 'Outrage: The Edalji Five and the Shadow of Sherlock Holmes' (Vanguard Press). Details at www.outrage-rogeroldfield.co.uk
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