Basic Information

Abbreviation: BLAN (J.F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 7,755 (C.E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Liberty, October 16, 1926; Strand Magazine, November 1926

Discussion Questions

• This story is unlike many others, because it is narrated by Holmes, rather than Watson. How does this change the story?
• In what ways does Holmes express how he misses Watson?
• What does Holmes mean by “I see no more than you, but I have trained myself to notice what I see.”
• How does the theme of friendship and companionship function between multiple characters in this story?
• In what ways does disease, especially disease with physical side effects, function in this society?
• What was the reason for Holmes bringing in the dermatologist?