Rating: 
Summary: Meticulously Researched-Fantastic
Review: After having read this work by Sugden I can honestly say it puts the other books about the Ripper to shame. The Complete History of JTR dispels all the myths and so-called "facts" that have been bandied about in previous works. For example, many Ripperologists have written about a couple of farthings and rings found lying at the feet of Annie Chapman. Sugden proves, by citing from the actual inquest reports, that no such objects were found and, in addition, tells us how these errors were propagated in print. All information regarding the Ripper case is derived from primary source material, namely, contemporary inquest papers, police files, newspaper accounts, etc. After reading this book I have newfound respect for the various police agencies involved in the case. They followed up every lead and created workable suspects based on crime scene evidence and coroner reports. I also have a clearer picture of what that police force was up against. The Ripper was undoubtedly a ghoul who could disable a victim and remove their organs literally within minutes without leaving the slightest clue. This book portrays the ripper's crime scenes in stark clarity. With regard to the victims, Sugden reveals as much of their history as is available and, while not necessarily relevant to the identity of the killer, adds a human element to these unfortunates. Until some as yet undiscovered papers are unearthed to throw new light on the murders, this book is the only one you'll need. Simply put, it covers all the known facts about the case.
Rating:
Summary: Meticulously Researched-Fantastic
Review: After having read this work by Sugden I can honestly say it puts the other books about the Ripper to shame. The Complete History of JTR dispels all the myths and so-called "facts" that have been bandied about in previous works. For example, many Ripperologists have written about a couple of farthings and rings found lying at the feet of Annie Chapman. Sugden proves, by citing from the actual inquest reports, that no such objects were found and, in addition, tells us how these errors were propagated in print. All information regarding the Ripper case is derived from primary source material, namely, contemporary inquest papers, police files, newspaper accounts, etc. After reading this book I have newfound respect for the various police agencies involved in the case. They followed up every lead and created workable suspects based on crime scene evidence and coroner reports. I also have a clearer picture of what that police force was up against. The Ripper was undoubtedly a ghoul who could disable a victim and remove their organs literally within minutes without leaving the slightest clue. This book portrays the ripper's crime scenes in stark clarity. With regard to the victims, Sugden reveals as much of their history as is available and, while not necessarily relevant to the identity of the killer, adds a human element to these unfortunates. Until some as yet undiscovered papers are unearthed to throw new light on the murders, this book is the only one you'll need. Simply put, it covers all the known facts about the case.
Rating:
Summary: An invaluable tome for any student of the Whitechapel crimes
Review: Although I found this not quite as generally entertaining and interesting as Donald Rumbelow's 'The Complete JTR', Mr Sugdens book was quite astonishing in its own right. Exhaustive research has gone into this publication and provides a factual basis for novice 'Ripperologists' to start their own investigations. Highly recommended for not only students of the Whitechapel murders but those interested in British history, social conditions of Victorian London etc. Extremely well annotated and cross-referenced with original documents, Home Office records, witness testimonies and so on. Mr Sugden has also intimated that the next edition will feature his appraisal of the Littlechild letter and the latest Ripper suspect, Dr Francis Tumblety. Worth looking forward to.
Rating:
Summary: Definitive!
Review: As an amatuer "Ripperologist" I have read most of the books published on this subject. About a half dozen works stand above the rest thanks to thorough research and a sound investigative approach. Until now, only Donald Rumbelow's CASEBOOK had been so thorough, but new theories and evidence have come to light in the many years since that book was written. This book was way overdue! Sugden has done an amazingly thorough and readable job of seperating fact from fiction, identifying myths that far too many authors have carelessly passed off as truth. Sugden's no-nonsense assessment of the various suspects, witnesses and resources is as refreshing as it is informative. From the waxwork dioramas of the 1880's to the phony diaries of today, unscrupulous people have made many fortunes by co-opting Jack the Ripper's infamy. Here we have the best book yet written to dispell the hype and tell us what is really known about history's most famous serial killer. You could read a handful of other recent Ripper books and not get what you do right here -- I only hope there will be new editions as new issues come to light.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding effort !
Review: By far, the most comprehensive, level-headed, and open-minded work I've read on the subject. Sudgen has done an unequalled job of sifting through the countless rumors, myths, and historical documents concerning Jack the Ripper to provide the amateur and expert, alike, with an unbiased view that sticks to the facts as closely as history will allow. The wealth, richness, and accuracy of information that Sudgen provides is truly astounding and I could not put the book down. And, unlike the recently published "Portrait of a Killer", Sudgen provides no simple solution, but an objective, unbiased look at the evidence and each of the prime suspects. Superb read.
Rating:
Summary: If you're looking for Ripper facts, look no farther!
Review: Finally! A ripper book that deals with FACTS and not opinions! I've been looking for a book like this since he early 80's! I love the way he doesn't hesitate on saying just how he feels about other so-called Ripper experts and their books. *heheh* WONDERFUL!
Rating:
Summary: That's the fact, Jack.
Review: Finding a worthwhile source of information about the Whitechapel murders is almost as difficult a task as the police had before them hunting down the killer. I chose this book for one simple reason: the author does NOT claim to have solved the case. He offers a fresh look at the evidence, having researched PRIMARY sources, instead of propounding the misrepresentations and inaccuracies which are inevitable in such a mystery of mythical standing. My top hat's off to you, Mr. Sugden...
Rating:
Summary: That's the fact, Jack.
Review: Finding a worthwhile source of information about the Whitechapel murders is almost as difficult a task as the police had before them hunting down the killer. I chose this book for one simple reason: the author does NOT claim to have solved the case. He offers a fresh look at the evidence, having researched PRIMARY sources, instead of propounding the misrepresentations and inaccuracies which are inevitable in such a mystery of mythical standing. My top hat's off to you, Mr. Sugden...
Rating:
Summary: The Sacred Tome of Ripperology
Review: Having read several books on Jack the Ripper, I can enthusiastically declare Sugden's volume the best of the lot, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, this book is not about "Jack the Ripper" per se, but rather it is about the series of murders in Whitechapel and the ensuing investigation. It is the author's stated goal to present the facts as clearly as can be gleaned from extant police files and press reports of the time (albeit, in the latter case, cautiously and only when information is not available in official form). As other reviewers point out, Sugden is not trying to convince us that his own pet suspect is the Ripper. Whereas most Ripper books begin with a conclusion and are written with the arbitary purpose of convincing us that the author has identified the Ripper, this book actually saves the conclusion to the end. Even that conclusion, however, is not definitive. The author does, in the end, tell us why a certain suspect seems to fit the facts better than other named suspects, but he clearly states that there is no definitive proof as to whether or not that suspect was Jack, and he by no means accuses the man of the crimes. In the same vein, Sugden does not attack other writers in the field. That being said, he does point out flaws and outright mistakes in others' thinking. Even this, it must be said, is done in a noble fashion. Sugden is very determined to dispel a number of myths that have wrongly influenced Ripperology for many years, and his contribution toward this end is the most important contribution he makes. He goes to great lengths to not only point out false "facts" (such as the supposed pregnancy of Mary Kelly, for example, an idea that even Donald Rumbelow accepted when he wrote his Casebook) but to explain where these myths came from and why they were accepted by other writers. Another wonderful thing about this book is Sugden's treatment of the victims. I must admit that I have always viewed the victims with some detachment--this is surely a personal shortcoming on my part, but it is one that many people may share, especially given that the victims were prostitutes in Victorian London over a century ago. In the pages of this book, though, these poor women actually become real and "human." I feel as if I knew them now, to at least a small degree, and, besides feeling pity and compassion for them, I have discovered that I actually liked a couple of them (especially Annie Camp). These women were not just poor "prostitutes." Other writers have done a good job of explaining the wretched conditions in Whitechapel, but no one else has made that world and its occupants really come alive and real to me before. Sugden deserves much praise for putting so much effort into researching, learning, and telling the true story of these women as comprehensively as possible. In this book, you will find the most complete, objective story that can be told of the Whitechapel murders. "Facts" you have assumed were true will be brought to light and revealed to be myths. New information, particularly in regard to the victims, will be presented. You will not be shown Jack the Ripper, however. What do the facts tell us about Jack the Ripper? That is the question Sugden poses. He has some ideas, which he shares, but any "answers" to this mystery are ultimately left with the reader. This book should be required reading for any person even remotely interested in Jack the Ripper. Sugden has written the sacred tome of Ripperology, in my opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: Case Closed??
Review: I found Sugden's book to be a very informative and objective analysis of the JtR murders. He very carefully separates fact from fiction and explains why so many "facts" were indeed ficticious. Rather than proving the facts to support his conclusions, he lays out all the facts first and then explains (in his conclusion) why some of the suspects were not really viable candidates. Of the four candidates - Ostrog, MJ Druitt, Kosminski, and George Chapman - he merely suggests that one, Chapman, fits most closely to the murder profile of the Ripper based on his objective analyses of the facts, yet he doesn't CLAIM who the killer was, but merely suggests. He concludes that even Inspector Abberline thought the killer was Chapman based on the facts surrounding Chapman. Some parts of the book I didn't care for - the histories of the victims and the chapter about the use of dogs to hunt for the killer(s). Nevertheless, with the objective reporting of the facts by Sugden, I am reluctant to read any other books on this subject... However, I definitely recommend this book since it merely states the facts and doesn't resort to any wild conspiracy theories.
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