The Diary of Jack the Ripper
Hyperion. Oct. 1993. 323p photogs. index.
ISBN 10562-82-704-9.
$21.95. CRIME
The controversial title, originally scheduled for publication and subsequently dropped by Warner Books, makes its American debut amongst great speculation and skepticism. Is it real? Maybe, and then again maybe not. The diary's alleged author is James Maybrick, a Liverpool cotton merchant who began his ghastly reign of terror as the infamous Ripper after discovering his wife was unfaithful. The volume is divided into three sections: a lengthy explanation of the case which tries desperately to convince the reader of both Maybrick's guilt and the diary's genuine pedigree; photographs of the original handwritten entries and a typed transcript of the diary's text; and a critical report on the dating of the diary by document specialist Kenneth Rendell which is rebutted by the diary's British Publisher Robert Smith. Before releasing the volume, Smith consulted several psychologists, forensic experts, and noted "Ripperologists" several of whom agree the diary could be authentic. Many of the supposed clues clinching Maybrick's guilt, however, are as flimsy and ambiguous as those of the "Paul is dead" craze of 1968 and are not overly convincing. True or false, it is a chilling read nevertheless and worth purchasing.
Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"
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Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 10:20:27 -0400
From: Michael Rogers
The Diary of Jack the Ripper Hyperion. Oct. 1993. 323p photogs. index. ISBN 10562-82-704-9. $21.95. CRIME The controversial title, originally scheduled for publication and subsequently dropped by Warner Books, makes its American debut amongst great speculation and skepticism. Is it real? Maybe, and then again maybe not. The diary's alleged author is James Maybrick, a Liverpool cotton merchant who began his ghastly reign of terror as the infamous Ripper after discovering his wife was unfaithful. The volume is divided into three sections: a lengthy explanation of the case which tries desperately to convince the reader of both Maybrick's guilt and the diary's genuine pedigree; photographs of the original handwritten entries and a typed transcript of the diary's text; and a critical report on the dating of the diary by document specialist Kenneth Rendell which is rebutted by the diary's British Publisher Robert Smith. Before releasing the volume, Smith consulted several psychologists, forensic experts, and noted "Ripperologists" several of whom agree the diary could be authentic. Many of the supposed clues clinching Maybrick's guilt, however, are as flimsy and ambiguous as those of the "Paul is dead" craze of 1968 and are not overly convincing. True or false, it is a chilling read nevertheless and worth purchasing.--Michael Rogers, "Library Journal" Begg, Paul. Jack the Ripper: The Uncensored Facts Parkwest Pubns. Jan. 1990. c.265p. photogs. refs. LC 89-61368. ISBN 0-86051-528-1. $19.95. crime Though books on this subject abound, "fans" of this case can't get enough. For the last hundred years, criminologists and investigative journalists have scoured every conceivable document hoping to discover a missing piece of this murderous puzzle. Theories on the true identity of saucy Jack have ranged from him being the Duke of Clarence, to a British school teacher, to a Polish tailor. Begg's well detailed and footnoted account provides some new information and a few new photographs but also leaves out established material. He provides only brief coverage of the Ripper letters, that although probably not written by the killer are still interesting to read and part of the case. Begg rounds up the usual suspects but does not claim to know the killer's exact identity, he does, however, state that the evidence strongly suggests a named person. An extra plus is the neat capsulization of Martin Fido's recent theory that the killer was a Polish tailor named David Cohen. Now that murder stories are best sellers, try circulating this with McGinniss and Wambaugh. Well done.--Michael Rogers, "Library Journal" Palmer, Scott. Jack the Ripper: A Reference Guide. Scarecrow. Sept. 1995. c.160p. permanent paper. bibliog. index. LC 95-1498. ISBN 0-8108-2996-7. $32.50.CRIME Palmer states up front that this book "is primarily concerned with listing the known facts," and "not designed to draw conclusions as to his [Jack's] identity." The author presents the information in eight short, succinct chapters identifying the victims, witnesses, suspects, police, etc. Palmer's most daring claim is that based on his own past experiences with autopsies, he insists that the killer absolutely possessed some anatomical skill, a major point of debate among "Ripperologists." He also utilizes his firsthand knowledge as a Freemason to correct errors made by previous investigators regarding Masonic rituals. Beyond that, however, Palmer breaks no new ground. While the book does fulfill its intendid purpose, many other available titles such as Paul Begg's Jack the Ripper: The Uncensored Facts (LJ 12/15/89), offer more for a lower price. The lack of photographs is also lamentable. Not recommended.--Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"