Basic Information

Abbreviation: ILLU (J.F. Christ, 1947)
Word length: 9,834(C.E. Lauterbach, 1960)
First published: Collier's Weekly, November 8, 1924; Strand Magazine in two parts, February and March 1925

Discussion Questions

• Why does Holmes remark to Watson that he hopes “that it is not a false scent and that he has some real need for our assistance”?
• What do you think it is that convinces Holmes to take on the case, despite being “in the dark” on both ends of the mystery?
• This story is entitled “the Illustrious Client.” Based on what you have learned about the said client, do you think “illustrious”  describes him as a character?
• How does Chinese pottery play into the story? 
• Why must Holmes resort to such extremes to convince Ms. de Merville that her fiance is not a good person?
• How does Holmes utilize Kitty Winter to achieve his goal? How does Kitty Winter use Holmes to achieve her own goal?

Film Adaptations

• The Illustrious Client (Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke, 1991-93)