Hardback. PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED AND 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 the 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. 320pp. with 100 colour and 50 b/w illus., Bibliog., Index + Index of Signatories. 4to. h/back. 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. From the library of Paul Daniel, ex-editor of the 'Ripperologist' magazine (December 1996 No. 8 - February 2000 No. 27). PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED AND SIGNED (twice) BY STEWART P. EVANS AND KEITH SKINNER TO PAUL. Lightly sunned pp. o/w Nr. F. in protected F. dw. A heavy book which will require additional postage if shipped overseas.