Italian Influence in London and the Canon
“Am dining at Goldini’s Restaurant, Gloucester Road, Kensington.
Please come at once and join me there.”
- Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventure of the Bruce- Partington Plans”
Holiday by Lake Garda, Italy at the end of the 19th Century. (Source)
This article was inspired by the rich Italian history in London and the influence it had on the writing of Dr. John H. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes’ adventures, and the experiences of Dr. Watson’s Literary Agent, Arthur Conan Doyle. I thought a bit of background might be in order to provide some context for you
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Visits to Italy
1891 | Conan Doyle visited Venice and Milan with his first wife, Louisa
1898 | Arthur Conan Doyle visited Italy with his brother-in-law, E.W. “Willie” Hornung (the novelist who created the gentleman burglar, “Raffles”). During his tour King Umberto, I of Italy conferred the Order of the Crown of Italy upon Doyle and made him a knight.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with Italian Soldiers in 1916 (Source)
1902 | He visited Italy (No city noted).
1907 | Conan Doyle enjoyed an extended visit to Italy with his second wife, Jean Leckie, on their honeymoon. During their stay, they took many photographs and purchased postcards and mementos. These souvenirs were collected in two photo albums which were auctioned at Christie’s in 2004. The albums were bought by an American collector who very kindly made the scans of the pictures available to three Italian Sherlockian scholars. There is a painstaking reconstruction of the albums, as detailed as possible in a 157-page book entitled “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Viaggio in Italia – Italian Journey.” The Italian scholars analyze the stages of the journey: Venice, Rome, Florence, and Naples, and provide a mass of details and historical data of great importance to Doyleans. There are also many references to Sherlock Holmes. The text is bilingual (Italian and English).
1913 | He visited Italy again with Jean Leckie (no specific city noted).
1916 | Conan Doyle inspected the troops in Northern Italy.
Italian Influence in London
The Roman Italians settled in the British Isles as far back as 55 and 54 BC when Julius Caesar led expeditions in the southeast of England. Emperor Claudius invaded and subsequently conquered the British Isles in AD 43. Historians calculated that in the five centuries of Roman presence more than 50,000 Roman soldiers moved to live permanently in Roman Britain. Londinium (Roman London) was the capital throughout the Roman occupation.
Since the middle ages, Italians have settled in London. Many of them were merchants. There is a long history of Italian influence on English food, ever since Giacomo Castlevetro, on the run from the Inquisition in 1614, advised his patron on the best ways to cook and serve vegetables. A later visitor from Italy, Giacomo Casanova – whose reputation lies in other fields of endeavour – was happy to dine in London taverns except for their refusal to serve soup. Had he visited the capital 100 years later during the reign of Queen Victoria, however, he would have found stracciatella and minestrone soups in small restaurants that offered home cooking to their fellow countrymen.
Venice between 1890 and 1900. Source: Library of Congres
In the early 1800’s the Italian community grew and many settled in the Clerkenwell area of London which began to be referred to as “Little Italy”. These Northern Italians were affluent, skilled craftsmen who manufactured thermometers, telescopes and optical instruments. Following the Napoleonic wars and the agrarian crisis around 1815, more Italian migrants arrived mostly from the Apennines mountain areas driven by terrible economic conditions. Most were poor and unskilled. Organ grinding, ices and ice cream vending, knife grinding, mosaic and terrazzo tile making were common trades. Craftsmen coming from Lucca in Tuscany made plaster statuettes, similar to the type described in “The Adventure of the Six Napoleons”. The two groups would have little to do with each other, prompting them to eventually split apart geographically from Clerkenwell to Soho.
Italian ice man from 'Street Life in London', 1877, by John Thomson and Adolphe Smith. (Source)
Ice-cream and Italian ices became popular street fare. As the men brought their spouses over more Italian cafes and restaurants opened. By 1850 there were over 1,000 Italians in Clerkenwell living in densely populated, slum-ridden streets. The area was popularized by Charles Dickens in “Oliver Twist”.
Ice cream was the trade that helped Italian migrants’ economic and demographic growth in the UK and was responsible for tripling their numbers in Great Britain between the 1880s and 1901. Ice cream parlours and cafes were very well-received by the general public
Stone plaque erected in 1922 at 10 Laystall Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4PA. (Source)
A society of mutual support with the added intent of dedication to the cause of Italian unity as a republic was founded by Giuseppe Mazzini in 1840. This brilliant man championed free classes in the evening and the school grew to over 230 students (including women) in a single year. The journal Il Pellegrino and other publications that Mazzini created were all part of a single moral, educational and philanthropic vision of the man.
Unfortunately, the Italians were not always popular in London. There was a stereotype of them as organ-grinders playing loud music in the street. London’s middle classes launched a campaign to outlaw the noise. Italians were perceived as immoral, illiterate and vicious by a select committee on emigration in parliament in 1888. The growing fear about migrants led to the first immigration legislation to restrict entry into the U.K., the Alien’s Act of 1905.
Criminality did little to boost the Italian’s image. Street gangs and protection rackets were formed: the fearsome Charles “Darby” Sabini becoming the local Godfather. Relations between Italian groups proved uneasy. Complex gang structures, fraud, organized vice and the political and law enforcement corruption that attend them were by-products of the Industrial Revolution in London.
“The Adventure of The Red Circle” (originally published in the Strand in 1911, but it is generally accepted that the story took place in 1893) brings a seemingly criminal element into focus in the Canon: The Carbonari Society. In fact, the Secret Society shared similar objectives with Mazzini but was more revolutionary and determined to defeat tyranny in Italy. Additionally, they attempted to spread the ideology to other European and Latin American countries.
Other Italian References in the Canon
Although “The Six Napoleons” published in 1904 and “The Red Circle”, first published in 1911 (in which Holmes demonstrates his ability to actually speak Italian by deciphering a code) focus direct attention on Italians in their adventures — more than any other ethnic group in the Canon — I have attempted to discern if there were other, less obvious examples. The following focuses on these links.
Stradivarius Violin (Source)
Sherlock Holmes’ Stradivarius Violin: Sherlock Holmes purchased his own Stradivarius, which was worth at least 500 guineas at the time (or ₤42,500), for 45 shillings (the equivalent of a little more than ₤2) at a pawnbroker's shop in London's Tottenham Court Road. (“A Study in Scarlet”). This rare instrument was created in the late 17th and early 18th centuries by members of the Italian family, Stradivari, in particular Antonio Stradivari (in Latin Antonius Stradivar’ius). They also made other stringed instruments including violas and cellos. According to their reputation, the quality of their sound has defied many attempts to explain or equal it.
We learn in “The Adventure of The Empty House” (published in 1903) that Sherlock Holmes goes to Florence, Italy a week after his fight with Professor Moriarty on the Reichenbach Falls on 4 May 1891.
Sherlock Holmes investigates the sudden death of the Roman Catholic Prelate,Cardinal Tosca in “The Adventure of Black Peter” (Published 1904 during papal supremacy of Pope Leo XII).
In “The Hound of The Baskervilles” (Published in the Strand Magazine between August 1901 and April 1902) Holmes refers to his case of “The Vatican Cameos” as the reason why he cannot immediately join Dr. Watson and Sir Henry at Baskerville Hall. The case also occurred during the papal supremacy of Pope Leo XII (This case has since been created as a pastiche by Richard T. Ryan, published in 2016.) Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go to dinner at Marcini’s to celebrate the completion of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” - a long and arduous case. “Might I trouble you to be ready in half an hour, and we can stop at Marcini’s for a little dinner on the way.” – Sherlock Holmes in “The Hound of the Baskervilles”.
“The Final Problem” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Illustration by Sidney Paget, 1883.
“The Adventure of the Three Gables” (published in 1926) involves the son of the house, Douglas Maberly, who was a government attache’ to Rome. He passes through Milano (Milan) and was thought to have died there.
In “The Adventure of The Final Problem”, (published in 1893) Dr. Watson was due to meet Holmes on a train but was unable to locate him. Watson did spend “a few minutes in assisting a venerable Italian priest, who was endeavouring to make a porter understand, in his broken English, that his luggage was to be booked through to Paris...I found out that the porter, in spite of the ticket, had given me my decrepit Italian friend as my traveling companion. It was useless for me to explain that his presence was an intrusion, for my Italian was even more limited than his English.” Holmes in fact had assumed the disguise to elude Moriarty and Dr. Watson was “astonished...to see his friend emerge from his disguise”.
“The Retired Colourman” was published in 1926. Josiah Amberly is described as having “the mind associated with Medieval Italians”.
Count Negretto Sylvius in “The Adventure of The Mazarin Stone” whom Sherlock Holmes discovered had stolen the one hundred thousand pound yellow gem, was half Italian. The story was first published in 1921.
The focus of “The Adventure of the Naval Treaty” was a treaty between Britain and Italy. It appeared in “The Strand” in 1893.
In “The Sign of Four” (published in 1890) Doctor Watson pours water for Mary Marsden from a Venetian carafe.
From “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches”. Watson shoots the mastiff while it is attacking Jephro Rucastle. 1892 illustration by Sidney Paget. (Source)
The Mastiff owned by Jephro Rucastle in “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches” that Sherlock Holmes killed was named Carlo. (Published in 1892). The poor Spaniel who was injected with curare in “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire” was also named Carlo. The story was first published in 1924.
Thus Italian influences occur throughout the Canon. The earliest stories through the later ones reflect an understanding of the impact Italians had on English society. This, coupled with Watson’s literary agent’s many sojourns in Italy, resulted in lasting impressions that Italy would have in the Canon.
Italian food in London
Luigi Terroni is said to have walked to London from Italy and set up the first Italian delicatessen in London in 1878. It was the first delicatessen in all of England. The smells of pecorino, pesto and parma ham still beckon one to visit the Terroni deli to present day.
Beautiful Italian Pastries are also available in many bakeries in Little Italy and throughout London.
In 2020 there were 317,000 Italians living in London. Italian restaurants are the 3rd most popular restaurants in the U.K., surpassed only by Pub and English cuisine.
Recipes
Here are some recipes from the wonderful culinary delights of Italy.
RECIPE
Chicken Puttanesca
(Adapted from Pasta Puttanesca)
Pair with rice, orzo, egg noodles with a hunk of bread on the side
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ to 2 lbs. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Kosher salt & black pepper
1 Tbs. grapeseed or canola oil
1 medium red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4-5 anchovies roughly chopped (don’t worry, you won’t taste them in the final dish but do add a depth of flavour)
½ tsp. dried red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes with juices gently crushed by hand or a spoon
½ cup roughly chopped pitted black or green olives
2 Tbsp. capers packed in brine
2 Tbsp. roughly chopped Italian parsley
1 Tbsp. fresh oregano leaves (optional)
Mode
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a deep-sided 12” skillet, heat oil over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add chicken skin side down and cook until brown, 5-6 minutes.
Flip and brown the other side, 4-5 minutes more. Put on a plate and set aside. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. of fat from pan and return to medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft 2-3 minutes.
Add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden and the anchovies are dissolved for about 2 minutes.
Add tomato paste and stir until dissolved. Stir in tomatoes and juice, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in olives and capers, then add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices.
Simmer until chicken cooks through, 15-20 minutes adding a Tbsp. or so of water if the sauce looks dry. Taste and adjust seasoning. Scatter with parsley (and oregano if using).
Serve and spoon additional sauce on top.
RECIPE
Almond Biscotti
INGREDIENTS
1 cup of raw almonds
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs at room temperature
½ cup olive oil
1 Tbs pure almond extract
½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. lemon zest
Mode
Preheat oven to 325F. Position rack in center
Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 12-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add olive oil, extracts, and zest. Whisk lightly together.
When almonds are toasted, remove them from the oven and coarsely chop. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add flour mixture to egg mixture, stir with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Fold in cooled chopped almonds. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out some dough and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Add another scoop alongside it and keep going until 2 logs are formed.
With damp fingers shape into 2 log shapes. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown in colour and firm. Allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes.
Remove from baking sheet and transfer to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice cookies at an angle about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
Place slices back on the parchment-lined baking sheet(s) and return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes (the longer they stay in the oven, the crispier they get. Turn them over at the halfway mark.
Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
RECIPE
Pasta Carbonara Roman Style
Serves 8-10 as a first course
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. pancetta (you can use regular bacon but it is not the same, nor as good)
1 lb. butter
1 cup whole or 2% milk
2 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 lb. dry pasta – your favorite type
2 eggs whipped
1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Mode
Cut the pancetta into ¼ -inch square pieces and saute in the butter until the pancetta is clear.
Heat the milk in a small saucepan and add the pancetta and butter. Add the vinegar; this will turn the milk to cheese. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the sauce is smooth.
Boil your pasta al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Immediately throw in the eggs, the pancetta sauce and the grated cheese and Dijon mustard if using.
Add salt and pepper, toss and serve immediately.
RECIPE
Chicken Scaloppine al Limone
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
Chicken:
2 chicken breast halves butterflied and pounded slightly to evenly flatten them
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. butter
Lemon Sauce:
2 Tbs. dry white wine
Juice of ½ lemon
1Tbs. butter
1 tsp. fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
½ lemon cut into wedges
Mode
Season flattened chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly flour, shaking off the excess. Sauté chicken on both sides in hot oil (1 tsp.) and butter (1 tsp.) in skillet on medium heat for 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Leave chicken in skillet. Deglaze skillet with wine. Squeeze ½ lemon directly on chicken and into wine until well blended. Add 1 Tbs. butter and parsley and stir until blended.
Reduce sauce by simmering on medium heat for about 4 minutes. Put chicken on warm plates. Coat with sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges.
A Sicilian winery — home of Marsala wine
RECIPE
Zabaglione
Can be served hot or cold
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
hot or cold
Cold water
3 egg yolks
1/3 cup sweet Marsala wine
2 Tbs. dry white wine
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
Fresh fruit or berries (optional)
Mode
Put water in a saucepan and bring to a boil on high heat. Put egg yolks, Marsala wine, white wine and sugar in a stainless steel bowl and set bowl in middle of boiling water in the saucepan.
Slightly tip bowl towards you and beat egg yolks, Marsala wine, white wine and sugar with a thin wire whisk in a backward and forward motion.
Whisk constantly, until egg yolks become light and thicken slightly. Be careful not to cook the eggs too fast as they will scramble.
Put fresh fruit or berries (if using) in bottom sherbet glasses.
Pour zabaglione into glasses and serve.
Keep Reading
English and Italian Sherlock Holmes-themed books are available at:
English
MX Publishing
MX Publishing brings the best in new Sherlock Holmes novels, biographies, graphic novels and short story collections every month. With over 400 books it's the largest catalog of new Sherlock Holmes books in the world.
For every book sold, MX will donate 10% of sales towards schoolbooks for Happy Life Children’s Charity in Kenya.
Visit MX Publishing
ITALIAN
Mondadori Store
In Italy, il Giallo Mondadori, the "yellow" books made their first appearance in the summer of 1929, with four books of contemporary mystery fiction. The measure of how much mystery novels are still appreciated by the Italian public, is the success of a monthly parallel series, "Il Giallo Mondadori Sherlock", focusing on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's immortal Sherlock Holmes with over 50 titles.