|
 |
 |
|
|
|
** 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 **
Jack the Ripper: the Whitechapel Horrors
Casebook Message Boards: Ripper Media: Specific Titles:
Non-Fiction:
Jack the Ripper: the Whitechapel Horrors
Author: Stephen P. Ryder
Thursday, 19 November 1998 - 12:55 am |        | Another priceless discovery unearthed by Ripper researcher Andy Aliffe, this piece has the distinction of being authored by an actual resident of Whitechapel who witnessed the murders first-hand. Author Tom Robinson, who resided in Raven Street, close to Buck's Row, writes in true Victorian form, although the piece was most likely written in the 1920s. 'Most likely' because there is no actual date of publication, and the proveniance of the piece must be gleamed from the first sentence: "Though more than thirty years have passed since the Jack the Ripper Murders..."
The work is completely non-fiction, as Robinson does a fair job of sticking to the facts. He includes information on Emma Smith, Martha Turner (Tabram), Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly; surmising that all were definite victims because 'it is nigh impossible to believe that London, or the whole world, contained two such perfect fiends.' His information is quite in-depth, including witness and inquest testimony.
Though not a long read, it is an interesting one, and the reader will no doubt find a bit of humor in the passive effrontery of Mr. Robinson which he tries so hard to veil, as in the following extract:
"...countless thousands of English men and women, then whom a braver or more dauntless race cannot be found on the surface of God's fair earth..."
Still, despite his somewhat ethnocentric philosophy, Robinson does manage to provide the reader with a great deal of information, especially in regards to witness testimony.
The original is republished in booklet form and is 32 pages in length. There are no illustrations save for a sepia photograph of Mr. Robinson on the first page.
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
ENGLAND. |
Author: Ashling
Wednesday, 03 May 2000 - 12:29 am | | "Casebook Review:
Reader Review: (1 vote)
The reprint edition (pictured above) was publised by Andy Aliffe and is a commendable achievement. While the original text may not provide much in the way of fact, the preservation of these early works is an activity that must be continued. Recommended for collectors and those interested in the history of the study."
This review contradicts the first, albeit old, post on this board--as to labeling Robinson's writing as fiction or non-fiction. Does anyone know what year Tom Robinson was born, or his approximate age in 1888? Please.
Thanks,
Ashling |
Author: Leanne Perry
Wednesday, 03 May 2000 - 08:52 am | | G'day Ashling,
I'm no expert at guessing peoples age, but the sepia photograph of Tom Robinson on the front page of this book, shows a pretty old man (70s?). This would mean he was in his 40s, at the time of the Whitechapel murders.
Leanne! |
Author: Leanne Perry
Wednesday, 03 May 2000 - 08:58 am | | G'day Ashling,
I'm no expert at guessing peoples age, but the sepia photograph of Tom Robinson on the front page of this book, shows a pretty old man (70s?). This would mean he was in his 40s, at the time of the Whitechapel murders.
Leanne! |
Author: Leanne Perry
Wednesday, 03 May 2000 - 09:02 am | | G'day everyone,
SORRY! I looked away after I pressed 'Post this message', looked back and thought "Did I, or didn't I?', so I pressed it again!!!!!!!
Leanne! |
Author: Stephen P. Ryder
Wednesday, 03 May 2000 - 03:13 pm | | Hi Ashling --
The pamphlet is non-fiction ... when I said it did "not offer much in the way of fact," I meant it in the sense that it contains numerous errors and did not shed much new light on anything.
Still, a handsome production by Andy Aliffe.  |
Author: Ashling
Thursday, 04 May 2000 - 05:43 am | | STEPHEN: Thanks for the clarification. Andy gets high marks for being a good detective--I can't find Robinson's booklet mentioned anywhere on the 'Net, outside the Casebook.
LEANNE: You seem to have read Whitechapel Horrors pretty thoroughly ... If there were clues to Robinson's age or any personal info, other than what street he lived on, I reckon you would have found it by now. Arrggggggh!
Ashling |
Author: Leanne Perry
Thursday, 04 May 2000 - 08:28 am | | G'day Ashling,
It's a handy little book to have in your library. With postage it cost me around $30 Australian, to get it, which is more than the cost of a novel here, but it gives me the opinions of somebody who lived through it.
Robinson says: 'the account I am to give I will be compelled to leave some of the details of the manner in which the bloodthirsty fiend despatched his victims to my reader's imagination, as they are totally unfit to appear in public print', but I wouldn't say that "it did not offer much in the way of fact".
Leanne! |
|
|
|
|
