JACK THE RIPPER LETTERS FROM HELL

Evans (Stewart P.) & Skinner (Keith)

ISBN 10: 0750925493 / ISBN 13: 9780750925495

Published by Sutton., 2004

About this Item

Softcover. SIGNED. On September 27, 1888, the Central News Agency forwarded a letter to the police, purporting to be from Jack the Ripper. This was just the first of those received in the wake of one of the most chilling episodes in London's history. Violent deaths in the East End, especially among prostitutes, were not uncommon, but the ferocity of the attacks and the mutilation of the bodies brought a new dimension of horror. It also provoked a wave of correspondence, directed at the police, certain members of the public such as Mr. Lusk, and at the news agencies. The authors have examined and evaluated all of these letters, (the full text of which is contained in this book), and offer their conclusions on the validity. Was the first letter a press trick designed to increase circulation? And were any of the letters genuine? Features all the 220+ letters, many reproduced in colour for the first time. With 100 colour and 50 b/w illus., Bibliog., Index + Index of Signatories. 306pp. 4to softcover. A book by two of the world's leading experts on Jack the Ripper, who have filled an important gap in Ripper research. It also contains a long awaited discussion on the veracity of Donald McCormick's claims. A superb work, justifying Stewart's induction into the Ripper Hall of Fame and as always with Stewart and Keith's books, highly recommended. With tipped-in labels SIGNED BY STEWART AND KEITH. With previous owner's personal b/plate to fep. First 3pp. and pp.221-306 showing signs of water damage (ie sl. 'rippled'). Nr. Vg. A fairly heavy book which will require additional postage, particularly if shipped overseas.

Seller Inventory # 4467

Bibliographic Details

• Title: JACK THE RIPPER LETTERS FROM HELL
• Publisher: Sutton.
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0750925493
• ISBN 13: 9780750925495
• Binding: Softcover / Paperback
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: signed by authors
• Seller catalogs:
  • Jack the Ripper and Assoc.

About this title

Synopsis

Between August and November 1888 six women were found murdered and mutilated in London's East End and Aldgate. All were prostitutes; five were found in the street and the sixth in a house. The murders provoked massive interest in the press and dozens of letters quickly appeared, claiming to have been written by the killer. The origin of the name Jack the Ripper itself was a letter, famously written to 'Dear Boss', the head of the Central News Agency.

Certain letters have been reproduced or quoted in previous books but Stewart Evans and Keith Skinner are the first to have read and examined every one. This book reproduces and transcibes all the letters, including the 'Dear Boss' correspondence and the horrific letter sent to the chairman of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee together with a piece of human kidney. The authors relate the letters to the complete story of the Whitechapel murders, tracing the hysteria and misconceptions that dogged both the police and Fleet Street during 1888-9 and providing valuable and revealing insights into the Victorian psyche.

For the first time the cases of three people arrested by the police for sending 'Jack the Ripper' letters are explored, including that of Maria Coroner, the attractive 21-year-old Bradford girl. Evans and Skinner also examine the letters of seven suspects, including Dr Roslyn D'Onston Stephenson and Nikaner Benelius. An original and responsible look at a case which has been hackneyed by so many authors, the story of the Ripper letters ends by posing a controversial question: was 'Jack the Ripper' merely a press invention?

About the Author

Stewart Evans and Keith Skinner are two of the world's leading experts on Jack the Ripper. They acted as historical advisers for the forthcoming film 'From Hell' starring Johnny Depp and Robbie Coltrane.