If you were to recommend only one Jack the Ripper book, which one would it be?
I'm trying to narrow it down as there's so many.
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"I've never seen a sight, that didn't look better lookin' back".
Without a doubt, it has to be "The Complete History of Jack the Ripper", by Philip Sugden. A true classic in its field, it's as comprehensive as it gets, with the added bonus of being very well written and therefore a great read.
shareSecond that! Someone else posed the same question on the "From Hell" board, and I made the same recommendation. Although I must admit, I haven't read the book yet, myself. However, from all I've read and heard, Hanslick's description is spot on.
shareThanks for the recommendation. I just watched Jack The Ripper last night and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I'll track down the book you suggested and see what conclusion I can come to.
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"I've never seen a sight, that didn't look better lookin' back".
Do you know where I can watch the show? I've looked on Netflix and yubetube but couldn't find it.
Thanks.
Oh, and "The Complete History of Jack the Ripper" is really good-- it was the first book I read on Jack the Ripper. 500 pages. Of all of the books I've read Sugden's has the most info. I don't agree with his theory on who Jack the Ripper was though-- my only disappointment with his book.
"Jack the Ripper: the Uncensored Facts" is also a good read.
Just read this brilliant book myself and Sugden doesn't give a definite Ripper identity. He merely states that a certain chap is the least unlikely suspect. That's all anyone can say at this point.
shareI read Sugden's book. It's overrated and he definitely points the finger at one of the LEAST like suspects (George Chapman). He presents a good summation of the facts of the case but he really breaks no new ground at all.
shareYes, but how can a writer break new ground when there's no more info available after 125 years? The title is "The Complete History," and there's no point manipulating history as some Ripper writers do with Walter Sickert or Peter Sutcliffe in a time machine.
shareWell if you read the late Paul Feldman's book--Jack The Ripper: The Final Chapter, he certainly breaks new ground. He presents a brilliant refutation of this modern day idea that JTR never wrote the 25 Sept letter; Feldman presents a compelling argument that the "Catch Me If You Can Letter" was the actual hoax not the aforementioned Sept 25 letter.
He also presents a realistic and strong case supporting James Maybrick as JTR. He also details Maybrick's mysterious death and the travesty that was his wife Florie's murder trial--as well as the involvement of Michael Maybrick in framing his then sister-in-law.
He also prints correspondence that Florie's mother sent to none other than Queen Victoria.
The "From Hell" graphic novel. You MUST get it. It will stay with you for years to come.
shareJack The Ripper: The Final Solution by Stephen Knight. Although the theory it puts forward is seen by many as 'unconvincing and far fetched' it is still, if nothing else, a gripping read and I think that Knight throws up some interesting points in places. Also Paul Beggs' Jack The Ripper: The Facts is an excellent investment.
shareAlso check out anything by Donald Brumbelow. Although his writing is as dry as dust, he is the ultimate Ripperologist.
share"Also check out anything by Donald Brumbelow."
I wouldn't bother.....better checking Donald Rumbelow.
Or anything by Martin Fido.
I stand corrected--it is indeed Donald Rumbelow.
share"Jack The Ripper: The Final Chapter" by Paul Feldman was absolutely superb. Feldman was the first to debunk the idiotic notion that the infamous JTR letter is a fraud--it is NOT a fraud as he so brilliantly points out with great dexterity.
shareDonald Rumbelow has all the facts, but his writing is dry as dust.
sharePhillip Sugden's "The Complete Illustrated Jack The Ripper" is known as the Ripperologist's bible, and for good reason. Can't recommend it enough.
shareThe complete history of Jack the Ripper by Philip Sugden is the definitive work i believe .
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