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** This is an archived, static copy of the Casebook messages boards dating from 1998 to 2003. These threads cannot be replied to here. If you want to participate in our current forums please go to https://forum.casebook.org **
Whitechapel Murders: or, the Mysteries of the East End (Purkess)
Casebook Message Boards: Ripper Media: Specific Titles:
Non-Fiction:
Whitechapel Murders: or, the Mysteries of the East End (Purkess)
Author: Stephen P. Ryder
Thursday, 19 November 1998 - 01:15 am |        | Standing as one of the first pieces ever to be written on the Whitechapel murders of 1888, this anonymous book was published even before the murder of Mary Jane Kelly. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ripper researcher Andy Aliffe, who unearthed this treasure, this piece is now available to the public in reprinted form.
The book itself is 48 pages long, and is a genuinely Victorian mix of fact and fiction -- the author juxtaposes the actual events of the murders along with a number of tangentially involved subplots. The first of these subplots involves a private detective named Dick Ryder (no known relation) who seems to be a mix between Magnum P.I. and Sherlock Holmes. He slums through the East End talking to the general riff-raff, trying to unearth some clue or clues as to the murderer's identity. One of the highlights of his introduction involves him infiltrating the 'High Rip' gang in order to extract the murderer.
The other subplots are of less general importance, but serve well to display the general lifeways of Victorian England. The modern reader might find them intrusive, but they were a fashionable tool for authors to use at the time, and should be regarded as such.
The factual sections of the book are surprisingly full for a piece written in the midst of the chaos. They include discussions of Martha Turner (Tabram), Polly Nichols, Annie Sievey (Chapman), Elizabeth Stride, and Catherine Eddowes. Passing attention is given to 'a few previous murders,' which one might take to mean those of Emma Smith and even possibly the elusive 'Fairy Fay.' All are assumed as definite victims.
The individual focus on each murder includes a vivid depiction of the last few hours of each victim, as well as their discovery and eventual examinations. Some inquest testimony is also included. Although some of the usual fables do arise, such as the chalked message on the fence in 29 Hanbury Street, the complete accounts are, in general, quite informative and give an invaluable perspective of how the public at the time viewed the murders.
The book itself is reprinted from the original source document, and so it looks almost exactly as it did when originally published. This also allows for the illustrations to be included, but at the same time, the print has become quite small and, at times, blurred. The book has been republished in booklet form.
THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS... is a must for all serious Ripper enthusiasts and collectors, who will no doubt revel in the 'Victorian-ness' of the piece. The only real nuisance is the small print, but it is a small price to pay for having retained the look and feel of the original.
The reprint can be purchased for £10 Sterling and $20 US -- this includes printing design and postage (including overseas postage) and US dollars are acceptable.
Please send all orders to ANDY ALIFFE,
10 MAYBROOK GARDENS,
HIGH WYCOMBE
BUCKS
HP13 6PJ
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