Annie Chapman, Jack the Ripper Victim: A Short Biography
Neal Shelden.
Privately published, 2001. 44pp, illustrated.
ISBN 0953769127.
Casebook Review: 
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.
