Author: Stephen P. Ryder
Friday, 21 September 2001 - 12:09 pm |        |
We've just received word from Neal Shelden that his new publication Annie Chapman, Jack the Ripper Victim: A Short Biography will soon be available for purchase. According to Neal, the booklet contains "the first ever published photograph of ANNIE CHAPMAN taken with her husband John Chapman about 19 years before her death [as well as] one picture of their daughter Emily Ruth Chapman and two of Annie Georgina (as child and young adult)." As such this will certainly be a much sought-after title.
Look for a review in the next few weeks... |
Author: Tom Wescott
Friday, 21 September 2001 - 06:22 pm | |
Um...In my post of yesterday under the O'Donell thread I mentioned that the photo of Polly's son would be the closest we'd ever come to seeing a picture of one of the Ripper victim's alive. Thanks a lot, Neal, for making me look like an ass.  Just kidding! You rule, and count me in as being one of the first to get your new publication. Why don't you come on the Casebook and chat with us a bit. I'd love to hear the tale of how you found those pictures! And thanks, Stephen, for bring us this piece of exciting news. In the last month we've seen a new pic of Ostrog and now a pic of Annie Chapman is on the way, and the amazing part is STEWART EVANS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM! (just joshing, Stewart!.
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: Arfa Kidney
Saturday, 22 September 2001 - 09:00 am | |
Hello Stephen,
This is great news.I'm reserving my copy today!
I hope the release of this book starts the ball rolling and other researchers can "Winkle out" more unseen photographs of other victims,taken when they where alive.Who knows,someone may even track down that elusive creature- Photographus Abberlinus! |
Author: Christopher T George
Saturday, 22 September 2001 - 04:13 pm | |
Hi, Arfa:
Or the elusive Photographus Tumbletyus!
Chris |
Author: DMR
Saturday, 22 September 2001 - 11:34 pm | |
Hello, how does one go about reserving a copy? I saw one on E Bay but didn't feel comfy bidding on it there.
M |
Author: Tom Wescott
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 12:19 am | |
You saw one on eBay? I thought I hasn't come out yet? Shelden really shouldn't be so secretive with his work.
Chris,
Just this last week I contacted the people who run the Abe Lincoln Bookshop in hopes that they may have a photo or more info on Tumblety. No dice. I still find it absolutely amazing that there's not one known photo of the most famous of Ripper cops, even though there's photos out the wazoo of all the others! Amazing.
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: DMR
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 01:45 am | |
I have a couple of great Victorian crime books that have many photos of officers but have yet to find one of the elusive T.
M |
Author: DMR
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 01:50 am | |
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1467653738
Here is the EBay listing :} |
Author: Scott Weidman
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 06:10 am | |
Hi DMR;
Feel free to bid on one of Ross Strachan's auctions with total confidence. He is quite reliable and very friendly.
Cheers!
Scott |
Author: ross strachan
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 06:10 am | |
dmr,please do not bid on ebay if you dont "feel comfy".dont let the fact that i've been selling books on jack the ripper all around the world for 12 years with no problems put you off.
yes the book is available slightly early.i spoke to neal on saturday and he has an initial print run of only 100 copies but i think he may print some more if sales go well which i am sure they will.it sounds a fascinating work.neal has sent me the first batch of books all signed and if anyone is struggling to obtain a copy just let me know and i'll be happy to help.
although i read the boards most days i rarely post and i enjoy the debate.my spare time is now mostly taken up with my young son so i've lost touch with many of you who post.hope everyone is well and best wishes from sunny scotland!
regards
ross
ross@rstrachan.fsnet.co.uk |
Author: Kevin Braun
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 09:42 am | |
Tom,
I don't think you mean Tumblety (most famous Ripper cop?). It would be nice to see a picture of either one.
Take care,
Kevin |
Author: Jeff Bloomfield
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 10:36 am | |
Despite the danger of instigating a new hoax, this
time of an aged photograph, I might point out that
a picture of Abberdine or of Tumblety not only may
exist, but some of us may have even seen it or
them. There are large numbers of photographs of
crowds in the 19th Century or even the early
20th Century, and sometimes people pop up who you
do not expect. Here are two examples:
1) There are several photographs of Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration at the U.S. Capitol
in March 1865. A number of decades ago, recalling
a story, somebody took a closer look at the hundred's of heads in them. Sure enough, just
as he said, John Wilkes Booth turned out to be
on one of the balconies near his future target.
2) There is a photograph of the announcement of
a declaration of war by Austria-Hungary against
Serbia and Russia in July 1914. Somebody looked
closely at one of the cheering, exuberant faces
in the center of the photograph. It was Adolph
Hitler.
The photos exist, but we have not gotten the keys
to identifying the two men yet. Someday, those
keys may fall into our hands.
Jeff |
Author: Christopher T George
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 02:36 pm | |
Hi, Jeff:
In both of the cases that you cite, John Wilkes Booth in the crowd at Lincoln's inaugural, and Hitler in the crowd at the announcement of the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary against Serbia and Russia in July 1914, do you think the identification of these two men in those crowds is actual or could it be that it is a case of wishful thinking and of just people who happened to look like these famous persons? What is the proof that these men are correctly identified?
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Tom Wescott
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 09:22 pm | |
Kevin,
Actually, I wasn't calling Tumblety a cop. Those were two seperate thoughts. The second one joining the conversation about Abberline. I suppose I should have spaced them out or been more specific.
Chris,
Did you ever get my email about the War of 1812 newspapers?
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: DMR
Sunday, 23 September 2001 - 09:38 pm | |
Ross, I meant no offense and had no way of knowing, until now, you have sold books for that long with no problems. I have purchased more than one book on E-Bay from sellers OTHER THAN YOURSELF that were cheap xeroxed bootlegs. This not only ripped me off but the authors as well. Thank you for the assurance and I will be happy to bid on it now that I am aware that it is out slightly early and legitimate.
Thanks for your reply to my posts.:}
M |
Author: adam wood
Monday, 24 September 2001 - 02:56 pm | |
Hi all
Those attending the Bournemouth conference at the weekend will be able to see the photos for themselves, as well as purchase copies of Neal Sheldon's book - signed by the author!
Adam |
Author: Christopher-Michael DiGrazia
Monday, 24 September 2001 - 04:30 pm | |
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Neal Shelden's book through the kind courtesy of the author, and so am posting my own short review:
It's a 44 page pamphlet with a blue cover and the familiar "before" illustration from the IPN of 22 September. ISBN is 0-9537691-2-7, though there is no cover price, so I am afraid I cannot quote one to you! The contents will be familiar to anyone who has Shelden's excellent "Jack the Ripper and His Victims," but this work is slightly fuller about the details of Chapman's earlier life and also draws on family tradition in order to refute the 1888 story that Annie Georgina Chapman was sent to a French institution or joined a circus.
Shelden also definitively explodes the canard in R. Michael Gordon's "Alias JTR" that Chapman's daughter Annie Georgina was the same Annie Chapman intimately involved with Severin Klosowski Two small myths exploded, and a coup for the author.
The booklet is well illustrated, but of course, what people will want to see are the Chapman photographs. The first is of Annie and John around the time of their marriage in 1869. It is a formal portrait, and she is well dressed in a large hoop-skirt currently fashionable, holding a book in her lap. Her hair is parted down the middle and appears to be tightly braided behind her head. I cannot tell whether it is a blemish in the photograph or a reproduction error, but she appears to have something wrong with her left cheek, as though either a wad of something or her tongue were there. I wonder if these are the missing teeth in the lower jaw as reported in the A-Z? Perhaps Neal Shelden can correct me on this matter.
There are also photographs of Emily Ruth Chapman and Annie Georgina Chapman circa 1879-1881, and one of Annie Georgina from the early 1890s. There is also a short family tree and modern photographs of Hanbury Street, Manor Park Cemetery and other locations relevant to Chapman's life.
In order to round out the book, there is a short opening chapter on suspect Oswald Puckridge and his nonstarting as a candidate for the bloody mantle of the Ripper.
The personal photographs were provided by the family of Annie Chapman; there is, however, a very strict restriction clause regarding their reproduction, and that is why I do not show them here. As well, Shelden includes a caveat to the too-enthusiastic researcher: "the family of Annie Chapman do not want publicity or to be contacted in any way, and he implores all researchers, journalists and writers alike to respect their wish for complete anonymity."
In short, another feather in the cap for Neal Shelden. No-one with pretenses to being seriously interested in the Ripper case can be without this book - perhaps if Shelden and Mark King team up, they can finally solve the mystery of the ever-elusive Mary Jane Kelly?.
People unable to travel to the Conference to get this book (or who wish to buy his excellent earlier Ripper work) can contact Neal Shelden at: 5 Scotney Walk, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6TL, UK.
CMD |
Author: Tom Wescott
Tuesday, 25 September 2001 - 12:42 am | |
CM,
Thanks for the info! I wonder why Annie's descendants are being such hardnoses? Maybe Neal can shed some light onto that. I'd also love to know how he tracked them down.
CM, you're a great guy, but sometimes you're a little TOO gracious. You were 'fortunate' enough to receive the book...'kind courtesy' of the author? You're the editor of a Ripper magazine! A Ripper author would have to be a fool not to send you a copy!
Nah, I'm just busting your balls, buddy. Are you going to be doing an interview with Neal? I'm sure everyone else would be as anxious as I to hear his story.
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: Christopher T George
Tuesday, 25 September 2001 - 10:08 am | |
Hi, CM:
Thanks so much for posting this short review. What may I ask is the scoop on Chapman's daughter, Annie Georgina, whom R. Michael Gordon alleges in the recent "Alias JTR" was the same Annie Chapman who lived with Severin Klosowski(George Chapman)? While I did not believe they could be one and the same, how does Neal Shelden definitively prove that it was not the same Annie Chapman? I don't doubt what you say is so, I am just interested in hearing the proof. Thanks.
Hi, Neal:
It does seem as if your book is one that Ripperologists are going to want to own. To my knowledge, this is the first nonfiction title devoted to a Ripper victim and, from what Christopher-Michael says, it is packed with well researched and interesting information and images. Congratulations, Neal! I look forward to buying a signed copy at the Bournemouth convention since no doubt you will be in attendance, signing away.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Tom Wescott
Tuesday, 25 September 2001 - 02:11 pm | |
Chris,
Actually, you could say that Smithkey's 'Inquest of Mary Kelly' book was the first devoted to a particular suspect, although I wouldn't hold that in the same league with Shelden's work.
To all,
I am purchasing a signed copy of Neal's book from Ross Strachan for $18 through the email address he posted earlier on this thread. I have dealt with Ross in the past and the experiences always exceed my expectations. This man knows his Ripper literature. In fact, you could say he wrote the book on it!
I also noticed that www.laybooks.com is selling copies for 8 pounds, but I don't know if they're signed or not.
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: Christopher-Michael DiGrazia
Tuesday, 25 September 2001 - 08:49 pm | |
Chris -
I quote from pages 35-36 of Shelden:
"The author must also take this opportunity to point out that a claim in a recently published book that Annie Georgina Chapman was the same woman who had a relationship with the poisoner, Severin Kloswoski, is completely untrue. That Annie Chapman was called 'Sarah Ann Chapman' when on 8 August 1895 she gave birth to their son 'William Klosowski Chapman' at Edmonten [sic] Union Workhouse."
Tom - Not being Neal (or related to Annie Chapman), I can't say why the family feel as they do, though I shouldn't call them 'hardnoses.' While we might think it all good-fellowship and devoted research, there are a lot of nuts out there, as a daily trawl through these message boards will prove. They simply don't want to be pestered by newsmen or by readers who pick up a book, learn the victim's descendants are alive and try to contact them. Someone like Shelden gets what he does because he convinces of his trustworthiness and serious interest in historical research.
"Too gracious," Tom? You might not say that if you ever met me! :-)
CMD |
Author: Christopher T George
Wednesday, 26 September 2001 - 03:34 am | |
Hi, Tom and CM:
Tom, I would say there is a material difference between the Smithkey book devoted as it is to the inquest on Mary Jane Kelly and Neal Shelden's biographical approach to victim Annie Chapman. I guess I am meaning that there has not been before, to my knowledge, a book devoted to the life of one of the victims.
CM, thank you so much for the clarification of the Annie Georgina question. It appears then that the woman who was with Klosowski was Sarah Ann Chapman NOT Annie Georgina Chapman. Neal should be congratulated on his good work in dismissing R. Michael Gordon's claim. I believe then that Neal's findings again show up the lack of quality research done for Gordon's book "Alias Jack the Ripper" and Gordon's over-reliance on hypothesis and wishful thinking.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Tom Wescott
Wednesday, 26 September 2001 - 11:21 am | |
CM,
You are right. Perhaps I was being a little quick with my 'hardnosed' comment. I suppose I was a little offended that someone would hold out on us like that, but on reflection I can fully understand why. You are correct in saying there are a lot of quacks out there, and these people probably have children.
Chris,
When you look at that way, I suppose this would be the first work devoted to one victim's life. And after reading the review of Gordon's book in Ripper Notes I decided against spending my paultry 'Ripper allowance' on it. It would seem I made the right decision. To be fair, we all make mistakes, and there's nothing wrong with a little theorizing, but from what I understood he altered factual information on purpose, which is a big no-no. How does one think he could possibly get away with that in Ripperdom? Speaking of 'over-reliance on hypothesis and wishful thinking', I just got finished plodding through John Wilding's book...
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: Christopher T George
Wednesday, 26 September 2001 - 12:57 pm | |
Hi Tom:
One of the vices of Ripper writing is an overactive imagination and making connections where none exist. The fact that such an approach has blighted and continues to blight the field makes the careful approach employed by writers such as Stewart P. Evans, Philip Sugden, and Paul Begg all the more valuable. We would all do well to insist on "Just the facts and only the facts" and leave making pie-in-the sky connections to writers of fantasy. Such an approach has no place in serious study of the Whitechapel murders.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Stephen P. Ryder
Tuesday, 02 October 2001 - 11:30 am | |
Annie Chapman, Jack the Ripper Victim: A Short Biography
Neal Shelden.
Privately published, 2001. 44pp, illustrated.
ISBN 0953769127.
Neal Shelden includes one of the most interesting finds of recent years in this small, self-published pamphlet: a photograph of Ripper victim Annie Chapman, alive, taken nineteen years before her murder. This makes it the very first photograph ever discovered of any Ripper victim alive. Its a fine reminder of the humanity of these women - seeing Annie alive and in better times makes her gruesome death all the more tragic.
Shelden begins the book with a short chapter on Oswald Puckridge, and then proceeds to a more in-depth biography of Annie Chapman. Through his own research, and the help of Annie Chapman's descendants, Shelden paints of one of most complete pictures yet of Dark Annie's life and death. Included are several new photographs; not just the one of Annie and her husband, but several of her daughters Emily Ruth and Annie Georgina. A copy of Annie's maiden-signature is also included for the first time, as well as a detailed family tree and some modern photographs of areas such as the Working Lads' Institute and Manor Park Cemetery.
Although the text could use some editing in places, it is chock-full of new information and is a definite must-have for serious students of the case. As the relatives of Annie Chapman (unidentified by Shelden) have refused to grant further permission to copy or reprint the photographs held therein, it appears this may be the only chance one has of obtaining a copy of this rare and touching photograph of Annie in better times.
Ordering information
Orders for the booklet should be sent to:
Neal Shelden
5 Scotney Walk
Hornchurch
Essex
RM12 6TL
United Kingdom
Prices are £8.00 per booklet
+ £0.57 postage for European Union member countries
or + £2.40 postage for non European Union member countries
Cheques in British currency only, please. |
Author: Neal Shelden
Tuesday, 08 January 2002 - 03:50 pm | |
I thought I would just repeat some of the details lost from my posts in December.
The photograph in the booklet of Emily Ruth Chapman was taken about 1877-1878 at Brompton Photographic Studio, Wood & Co (Charles B.Wood), 190 Brompton Road.
Annie Georgina's was taken in about 1880-1881 at Sutch & Co, 143 Brompton Road. Her older photograph was taken by F.Rich of Bagshot, Surrey.
Annie's descendants believe that on her photograph she has a lump on the left side of her face, I am sceptical as it looks like a mark on the photograph.
The descendant also told me that Annie Georgina worked as a servant for a court dressmaker before her marriage.
The photograph of Annie will be shown as part of the programme 'The Trial of Jack the Ripper' televised soon on Discovery Europe/Granada-London Weekend Television. |
Author: Guy Hatton
Wednesday, 09 January 2002 - 05:05 am | |
Any idea when that will be exactly, Neal?
Cheers
Guy |
Author: Paul Begg
Wednesday, 09 January 2002 - 06:29 am | |
Hi Guy
The end of February. I think the 27th, but don't hold me to that.
Cheers
Paul |
Author: Guy Hatton
Wednesday, 09 January 2002 - 11:15 am | |
Thanks Paul. Of course I won't hold you to it - after all, we're still waiting for To Kill and Kill Again, despite Martin's best efforts at estimating a transmission date from the information he had last time I spoke to him!
All the Best
Guy |
Author: Tom Wescott
Wednesday, 09 January 2002 - 09:53 pm | |
Hello all,
The lump on Annie's cheek looks unquestionably like a blemish on the photograph. As to 'The Trial of Jack the Ripper'. What trial? What have I missed out on? Any info?
Yours truly,
Tom Wescott |
Author: Christopher T George
Thursday, 10 January 2002 - 11:46 am | |
Hi, Tom:
Neal is indicating that there will be an upcoming program on British and European TV on "The Trial of Jack the Ripper" to be televised soon on Discovery Europe/Granada-London Weekend Television. Some weeks ago, there was a call for persons who wanted to "try" particular suspects to contact the producers. I volunteered to be the prosecutor for Tumblety but because I am U.S.-based, my offer was not taken up. I understand filming was done by Discovery Europe/Granada-London Weekend Television with a number of well-known Ripperati being on hand at the studio for the videotaping. Perhaps one of our UK-based posters can tell us Statesiders and other non-UK-based people when the show will air.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Neal Shelden
Thursday, 10 January 2002 - 04:04 pm | |
Hi Tom,
I totally agree that on the enlarged photograph it looks like a white line that meets with the left side of Annie's face. And there are many other lines and marks on the photographs.
Hi Christopher,
Paul Begg has put on the board that the end of February is when the programme will probably be televised. And I was initially informed that it would coincide with the release of the film From Hell in the UK. Unfortunately, I haven't got Discovery Channel myself so I'm hoping to see it on London Weekend Television?
All the best.
Neal. |
Author: Caroline Anne Morris
Friday, 11 January 2002 - 06:16 am | |
Hi Neal,
I seem to remember the LWT guys giving me a date of 20th Feb, but I don't know how definite that is. (They said I could give the show a plug but that's all!) It's quite possible that it will be shown at some stage on terrestrial tv as well as Discovery.
Love,
Caz |
Author: Neal Shelden
Friday, 11 January 2002 - 03:22 pm | |
Hi Caz,
Let's hope it's shown on terrestrial tv soon after the 20th so we don't have to wait for the video to turn up in the shops.
All the best.
Neal. |
Author: Neal Shelden
Tuesday, 15 January 2002 - 06:44 am | |
The 1901 census has thrown up a surprise that has proved that the newspaper reporters in 1888 were more accurate than I first believed where Annie Chapman's son was concerned.
The census entry for 1901 for 29 Montpelier Place, Knightsbridge, reveals that Annie's son John Alfred Chapman was still living with his two aunts at the age of twenty. The two aunt's being Annie's sisters Georgina and Mirium Ruth Smith.
The revelation is that he was recorded on this census for the first time as:
JOHN A CHAPMAN nephew age 20 occupation-None (and then) 'PARALYSED FROM INFANCY!'
This is the first census where his disability is given, unlike the 1881 and 1891 census where no mention was made of it at all.
I am unsure as to how this disabilty came about, but it could have been the reason for why Annie descended into the life that she led. And perhaps why her mother and sister were on bad terms with her up until her death if she chose to abandon him?
It appears that Georgina and Mirium bravely took on caring for the boy, and this could be the reason for why they remained spinsters all their lives?
I can only apologise for doubting the newspaper reports in 1888, but I could only translate the census information that I had before me at the time.
More research can now be done to find out if he was once placed in a London Hospital in the 1880's, and his eventual fate after 1901.
As a matter of interest, George Chapman (aka Severin Klosowski) is on the 1901 census at the Monument public house, Southwark. He lies about his birthplace as the 'United States'. Hy F.Hope (a potman) is the only one living with him as this was soon after Bessie Chapman's death. |
Author: Christopher T George
Tuesday, 15 January 2002 - 09:52 am | |
Hi, Neal:
A quick possible correction about the 1901 census where you say you think George Chapman lied about his place of birth when he said he was born in the United States. As was pointed out to me in regard to the 1900 U.S. Census for Baltimore City which states that Tumblety was born in Maryland, which runs counter to other information that he was born either in Canada or Ireland, if the person was not in the house at the time, the head of the household would give the information as they knew it. Thus if Chapman was not on the premises at Monument public house, Southwark, when the census taker called, the person who gave the information may have answered that they thought Chapman was born in the United States, possibly because he had mentioned he had lived in the U.S., not that Chapman actually claimed to be U.S.-born. Of course I do not rule out that Chapman may have lied to the census taker, but I am just pointing out that there is room for doubt that he was the one who led to that information being recorded in the census.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Neal Shelden
Tuesday, 15 January 2002 - 03:01 pm | |
Hi Chris,
Thanks for that point, it would explain a lot of mistakes that appear on census entries.
All the best.
Neal. |
Author: Christopher T George
Wednesday, 16 January 2002 - 09:57 am | |
Hi, Neal:
Of course, I think it is also possible that people fibbed regularly to the census takers. We all know people or have heard of persons who wish it known they originate from a posher section than they actually did, or who claim to have been educated at a school that they never attended. A friend here in the United States told me of a relative whose information on the census is completely counter to the known facts. It is also probable that in the case of older people poor memory may play a part as well.
Best regards
Chris George |
Author: Neal Shelden
Wednesday, 16 January 2002 - 03:03 pm | |
Hi Chris,
It's also interesting that many middle aged people on the census changed the information about their actual age and birthplace every 10 years. I think that many of them forgot too.
The reason that I mentioned the possibility that George Chapman had lied, was because in 1902 after he was arrested for murdering Maud Marsh, he initially claimed to police that he was American. He was there of course with his wife Lucy Baderski in late 1891 to early 1892, but
later tried to hide his Polish name Severin Klosowski by saying that he was American.
I just thought that because he was a compulsive liar, he might have given his American story to the census enumerator?
All the best.
Neal Shelden. |
Author: Christopher T George
Wednesday, 16 January 2002 - 03:24 pm | |
Hi, Neal:
Yes of course you might be absolutely correct that Chapman lied to the census taker about being a Yank. You probably have seen the picture of him with one of his "wives" with an upside-down Stars and Stripes and Union Jack on the wall behind the couple. So his American connection may well have been something he used to give himself another identity, just as he is said to have posed sometimes as a Jew, which he was not. It is also probably true that, as a conniving killer--a poisoner of his common-law wives if not Jack the Ripper--Chapman was a compulsive liar who would say anything to gain himself an advantage.
Best regards
Chris George |
