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THE news from Whitechapel in the Summer of 1888 was not good. A madman was on the loose murdering women in a most horrible manner. Most books about Jack the Ripper give the author's opinion with regards to the suspects; this one gives you the chance to read what the citizens of London read each morning. You can see how the events unfolded day by day and how the news was reported and misreported. The newspapers were quick to print what would sell -- it seems some things never change. The authors have provided wonderful footnotes expanding on comments in the text, defining words that were familiar to the readers of the day but have fallen out of use, and identifying people and offices that were also familiar to citizens of 1888 London, but make no sense to modern readers. Also detailed are notes on what the papers got wrong and explanations of some points of history. They include an extensive biography and index, making this already interesting book into a more interesting research tool. Each victim has her own chapter covering the murders, the inquests, the investigation and commentary. Original images from the paper are included and in one case a previously unpublished photograph of Annie Chapman in better times. Images include modern pictures of the locations, some of which have changed little. Some of the coroner's photographs are quite raw. Also reproduced are Jack's letters, the Dear Boss and From Hell letters and Saucy Jack postcard. This is an amazing resource for anyone interested in the Ripper murders, a real trip into history. You can almost imagine yourself in London; you've bought your paper from the boy on the corner and settled in for a hot cup of tea and a check of the day's events.
Reviewed by Regina Franchi, January 2005
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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