JACK THE RIPPER An Encyclopedia

Hardcover. 1st US edn. The gruesome unsolved murders by the first media-sensationalised serial killer, Jack the Ripper, continue to fascinate after more than 100 years. However, from the beginning the truth has been obscured by a fog of half-truths and misinterpretations. This book attempts to clear-up a century of misinformation and myth. The author uses a critical case review of the kind that is now used to scrutinise unsolved crimes. He re-checks, re-examines, and re-evaluates the facts, conjectures, newspaper account, eyewitness reports, and official pronouncements. The book includes : description of the locations where the bodies were found; detailed histories of the victims; profiles of key police officials and examinations of police procedures, investigations, blunders and errors; details of prevailing myths about the case; a meticulous evaluation of all the chief suspects; comprehensive analysis of the existing literature; discussions of written communications ostensibly sent by the Ripper; a closely reasoned and well-supported argument identifying the most likely suspect. A comprehensive reference to a notorious chapter in British criminal history. With Maps, Illus., Chronology, Bibliog. and Index. 304pp. 4to. h/back. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Smallish stain (tea?) along top edges o/w Vg+, although covers are F. Pictorial glazed covers, dw not required. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage.