[andreidbr]

I re-read most of the stories a few years ago. It's shocking/surprising/depressing just how many things repeat themselves. From the obvious, veteran of Afghanistan war in the form of Dr. Watson, to London being a melting pot of so many cultures, with high society reigning from ... on high.

I also agree that the view directly into the state of mind of both Watson and Holmes was refreshing.

[pjc50]

It's notable that the BBC recent adaptation set in the present day was also able to make Watson an Afghanistan veteran.

I read the stories as an child, and seen various of the film adaptations; Holmes became a meme even within Conan Doyle's lifetime, but I'm sure I'd benefit from going back to the source as an adult.

[grebc]

Realising current day events rhyme very closely with historical events is pretty eye opening.

It’s a tragedy of the commons we are all largely oblivious as a species.

[aitchnyu]

Is there a better history pedagogy? I remember history as a set of dates and Kings. Only later I learned about Roman demagoguery, the relationship between newly independant India to present day and other topics that teach there is nothing new under the sun.