Four Max Carrodos Detective Storiesby Ernest Bramah
Ernest Bramah is mainly known for his ‘Kai Lung’ books - Dorothy L Sayers often used quotes from them for her chapter headings. In his lifetime however he was equally well known for his detective stories. Since Sherlock Holmes we have had French detectives, Belgian detectives, aristocratic detectives, royal detectives, ecclesiastical detectives, drunken detectives and even a (very) few quite normal happily married detectives. Max Carrados was however probably the first blind detective. (Summary by Andy Minter)
Let’s delve into the intriguing world of Max Carrados, the fictional blind detective created by Ernest Bramah. These captivating stories, first published in 1914, showcase Carrados’s remarkable abilities despite his visual impairment. So, grab your magnifying glass and join us on this literary investigation.
Max Carrados: The Blind Sleuth
Background and IntroductionMax Carrados is no ordinary detective. Despite losing his sight, he possesses an extraordinary set of skills that rival even the most seasoned investigators.
His first appearance occurs in the story titled “The Coin of Dionysius.” Here, we meet Carrados and his usual accomplice, Mr. Carlyle.
Mr. Carlyle, a private investigator, seeks Carrados’s expert opinion on a tetradrachm of Dionysius the Elder of Sicily. The coin’s authenticity is in question, and Carrados’s keen senses come into play.
Carrados’s Unique Abilities
Blindness as an Advantage: Carrados lost his sight due to a minor incident while horse-riding. However, he compensates for this loss by sharpening his other senses.
His blindness often goes unnoticed by others, as he uses touch, hearing, and intuition to navigate the world.
Numismatist Extraordinaire:Carrados is an expert in numismatics (the study of coins). His private collection of bronzes is extensive.
He can identify coins by touch alone, distinguishing genuine ones from forgeries.
The Mysterious Mr. Carlyle:Mr. Carlyle, Carrados’s former school friend, runs a private inquiry agency.
Together, they tackle cases involving divorce, defalcation, and theft.
The Eyes of Max Carrados:Carrados’s powers of perception are unmatched. He reveals mysteries that even sighted individuals miss.
George Orwell praised these stories, stating that they are worth re-reading alongside those of Arthur Conan Doyle and R. Austin Freeman.
Notable Cases
“The Coin of Dionysius”:The story that introduces Carrados and his abilities.
A stolen coin in a famous collection leads to a thrilling investigation.
“The Knight’s Cross Signal Problem”:Carrados tackles a railway mystery involving a signalman’s death.
His deductions astound everyone, including Mr. Carlyle.
“The Tragedy at Brookbend Cottage”:A seemingly accidental death at a country cottage hides deeper secrets.
Carrados unravels the truth using his unique perspective.
“The Last Exploit of Harry the Actor”:A clever con artist named Harry the Actor challenges Carrados.
The blind detective’s intellect shines once again.
LegacyCarrados’s stories remain timeless. His brilliance, wit, and resilience inspire readers.
Ernest Bramah’s creation proves that true vision transcends physical eyesight.
So, dear reader, immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of Max Carrados.
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