[.ca] The Complete History of Jack the Ripper (ISBN 0786709324)

Tired of speculations?:
I recommend this book for anyone interested in the case of "Jack the Ripper," since this book is amazingly to the point, and only facts (which is so rare). No things like "if that happened then that could have happened also..." blahblah, like way too many books are about on this subject. Even though this book is fairly big - as in with many names and so on - I'd recommend it as a great starting point for someone who knows little or nothing at all about the case. After covering possible victims (each in great detail), other than the 4-5 most likely, with great detail, it goes into the covering what effect the murders had on London at the time. Then goes into some of the most known suspects and shows what is known about them and how each might or might not have been "Jack," with only known facts. The only thing that he goes outside from the facts is when he gets a profiler to say what he believes "Jack" might have been like. It is an interesting read. I also want to add that he corrects alot of small, yet relevant, details that were taken for granted but, as he proves, some "Ripperologists" got wrong.

The Sacred Tome of Ripperology:
Having read several books on Jack the Ripper, I can enthusiastically declare Sugden's volume the best of the lot, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, this book is not about "Jack the Ripper" per se, but rather it is about the series of murders in Whitechapel and the ensuing investigation. It is the author's stated goal to present the facts as clearly as can be gleaned from extant police files and press reports of the time (albeit, in the latter case, cautiously and only when information is not available in official form). As other reviewers point out, Sugden is not trying to convince us that his own pet suspect is the Ripper. Whereas most Ripper books begin with a conclusion and are written with the arbitary purpose of convincing us that the author has identified the Ripper, this book actually saves the conclusion to the end. Even that conclusion, however, is not definitive. The author does, in the end, tell us why a certain suspect seems to fit the facts better than other named suspects, but he clearly states that there is no definitive proof as to whether or not that suspect was Jack, and he by no means accuses the man of the crimes. In the same vein, Sugden does not attack other writers in the field. That being said, he does point out flaws and outright mistakes in others' thinking. Even this, it must be said, is done in a noble fashion. Sugden is very determined to dispel a number of myths that have wrongly influenced Ripperology for many years, and his contribution toward this end is the most important contribution he makes. He goes to great lengths to not only point out false "facts" (such as the supposed pregnancy of Mary Kelly, for example, an idea that even Donald Rumbelow accepted when he wrote his Casebook) but to explain where these myths came from and why they were accepted by other writers. Another wonderful thing about this book is Sugden's treatment of the victims. I must admit that I have always viewed the victims with some detachment--this is surely a personal shortcoming on my part, but it is one that many people may share, especially given that the victims were prostitutes in Victorian London over a century ago. In the pages of this book, though, these poor women actually become real and "human." I feel as if I knew them now, to at least a small degree, and, besides feeling pity and compassion for them, I have discovered that I actually liked a couple of them (especially Annie Camp). These women were not just poor "prostitutes." Other writers have done a good job of explaining the wretched conditions in Whitechapel, but no one else has made that world and its occupants really come alive and real to me before. Sugden deserves much praise for putting so much effort into researching, learning, and telling the true story of these women as comprehensively as possible. In this book, you will find the most complete, objective story that can be told of the Whitechapel murders. "Facts" you have assumed were true will be brought to light and revealed to be myths. New information, particularly in regard to the victims, will be presented. You will not be shown Jack the Ripper, however. What do the facts tell us about Jack the Ripper? That is the question Sugden poses. He has some ideas, which he shares, but any "answers" to this mystery are ultimately left with the reader. This book should be required reading for any person even remotely interested in Jack the Ripper. Sugden has written the sacred tome of Ripperology, in my opinion.

The Bible of the Ripper Case:
The crime investigation work in this book is impeccable, and the in-depth research of relevent facts is really something future Ripper writers should aim for. Very easy to read and digest this information on the case, which is written in an entertaining and highly enlightening manner. Speculations and phoney facts are ignored or exposed, and here we have the true facts, clearly presented, and the myths dispelled. David Rehak author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

Brilliant:
I started reading this with a passing interest. Within the first few chapters I was hooked. Sugden brings 1888 London to life in his work. His studies of culture at the time surrounding the Whitechapel murders are perfection. One who reads this will become immersed in the times. Sugden examines each murder in detail and intersperses studies of the reactions of the people and the mishandling of the police. Perhaps the best part of his work is the fact that he does not come with an agenda. Most Ripperologists try to force a suspect down your throat, but Sugden examines a number of suspects and factually disqualifies most of them. He gives pros and cons for the remaining suspects who cannot be totally ruled out. The fact remains, Jack the Ripper will probably remain anonymous forever. Sugden understands that and presents a great unbiased version of events.

Amazing:Definative:
This book was absolutely amazing and gave every aspect possible about the murders. To read it well, in my opinion, you must have a light feel for the case, but otherwise this book corners every possibilty and every theory out there. It features mkany of the theories not covered in other books, such as the royal conspiracy and Dr. Ostrog. I enjoyed it in every aspect, a great addition to any Ripperologists library.