The Complete History of Jack the Ripper

Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive, well researched encyclopedic book.
Review: I have read several books that purport to deal with the "truth" behind the most famous/infamous unsolved crime(s)and unidentified criminal in the history of the World and this book, easily, takes the cake. It is thorough, objective, and sensibly written. It deals only with facts and reasonable inferences. If you are a serious student of the crime or unsolved crimes, look no further. If you only want to see in print fanciful and unsubstantiated (not to mention silly) theories of Royals, Americans, or goverment conspiracies, don't bother. I deal with the investigation of crime and criminals in my career and can say that Mr. Sugden has done a better job of investigating a crime that occurred 111 years ago than most do with current crimes and living witnesses.

Rating:
Summary: No "Ripper" library is complete without Sugden's book
Review: I personally own six or seven non-fiction books about the Jack the Ripper murders, but by far Philip Sugden's "The Complete History of Jack the Ripper" is the best volume on the subject to date. Sugden's writing style is engrossing and the completeness of his research is impressive. The single most crucial aspect of this book is the fact that Sugden has reviewed every tidbit of fact and fancy from the "authoritative" books on the subject and then compared that information to the original records and newspaper accounts of the murders. The result is a book which clears the air surrounding the murders--air which has become musty and stale over the last century. Sugden's examination dispels many myths surrounding the case and points out the many errors which have simply been handed down from one author to another over the years. My own attitude toward the evidence of the case was refocused after reading "The Complete History of Jack the Ripper." I've even considered tossing out some of my other volumes, several of which I bought in London during a trip there twenty years ago. I can't recommend this book too highly for the true student of the Ripper murders

Rating:
Summary: Tired of speculations?
Review: I recommend this book for anyone interested in the case of "Jack the Ripper," since this book is amazingly to the point, and only facts (which is so rare). No things like "if that happened then that could have happened also..." blahblah, like way too many books are about on this subject.
Even though this book is fairly big - as in with many names and so on - I'd recommend it as a great starting point for someone who knows little or nothing at all about the case.
After covering possible victims (each in great detail), other than the 4-5 most likely, with great detail, it goes into the covering what effect the murders had on London at the time. Then goes into some of the most known suspects and shows what is known about them and how each might or might not have been "Jack," with only known facts. The only thing that he goes outside from the facts is when he gets a profiler to say what he believes "Jack" might have been like. It is an interesting read.
I also want to add that he corrects alot of small, yet relevant, details that were taken for granted but, as he proves, some "Ripperologists" got wrong.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: I started reading this with a passing interest. Within the first few chapters I was hooked. Sugden brings 1888 London to life in his work. His studies of culture at the time surrounding the Whitechapel murders are perfection. One who reads this will become immersed in the times. Sugden examines each murder in detail and intersperses studies of the reactions of the people and the mishandling of the police. Perhaps the best part of his work is the fact that he does not come with an agenda. Most Ripperologists try to force a suspect down your throat, but Sugden examines a number of suspects and factually disqualifies most of them. He gives pros and cons for the remaining suspects who cannot be totally ruled out. The fact remains, Jack the Ripper will probably remain anonymous forever. Sugden understands that and presents a great unbiased version of events.

Rating:
Summary: Very indepth
Review: I was inspired by the recent movie "From Hell" to learn a bit more about the reknown murderer Jack the Ripper, hence I purchased this book. Expecting a somewhat light read, I actually found it a little heavy at times. Don't get me wrong, it is an excellent book, explaining in detail the victims and suspects, and debunking a lot of common misconceptions about the Ripper along the way. It certainly gives the reader into life in grimy 1880s London. I was looking for a slightly easier read than I found when I bought this book, but would still recommend it to anyone who is interested in the crimes of the Ripper. Just don't expect to whizz through it quickly.

Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly satisfying read
Review: If you only read one book on this most facinating subject let it this wonderful work. I have read several books on this topic, proposing to be the "final solution". This book digs very deep and exposes those said "solutions". I feel that a more well researched work on Jack the Ripper could not be possible.

This book is, by far, the best that I have read on Jack the Ripper.

Rating:
Summary: Will Patricia Cornwell please shut up!
Review: In light of the recent 'resolution' regarding the identity of Jack the Ripper I offer only this - Patricia Cornwell should read this book! Cornwell bases her beliefs on a series of suppositions that are completely repudiated by the facts - facts found in Philip Sugden's book. I am not saying that Walter Sickert is NOT Jack the Ripper. I am saying that to create and perpetrate a theory based on spurious information and then purport it to be fact is irresponsible. Well, I guess that's why Cornwell writes fiction - Sugden writes fact.

I might also add that the facts contained in this book are much more frightening than any 'theory' can make them. The biographies on the victims seem rather long and arduous but, eventually, help you to realize that the victims were real people with real problems. And the brutal and fantastic way that the REAL Ripper operated is the stuff of nightmares. Thank you Mr. Sugden for presenting the facts.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly detailed and well-researched. A basic.
Review: Incredibly detailed and well-researched. A basic and must-have for anyone interested in True Crime, Criminology, Sociology, Forensics, Victorian History, or Abnormal Pysch.

Rating:
Summary: Without a doubt the best book on the subject.
Review: Jack the Ripper has been a fascination of mine for five or so years, and I've read lots of books about him and the murders, but "The Complete History" is surely the best. It's very accurate -- Sugden derives his information directly from the case files and press reports, instead of borrowing from previous books which can be misleading. In fact, he even goes out of the way to point out and correct errors from previous books.

And not only is the book very accurate, it is entertaining. A lot of Ripper books seem to be kind of dry, but not this one. I could see everything that was going on. Sugden made me feel for the victims, especially Annie Chapman and Liz Stride, and he did a good job portraying the terrible conditions and poverty of the East End.

Best of all in my opinion, the book does not advance Sugden's pet theory. He does talk about a few suspects, and remarks that one is more likely than the others, but he does say that there is no evidence against the man. It's a nice change from other Ripper books who go through comical contortions to pin the case on one particular individual.

It's a terrific book -- I've read it several times. If you must only read one book on Jack the Ripper, pick this one!

Rating:
Summary: Great! Writing,Great Research! Start Here!
Review: Mr. Sugden has truly done a masterpiece on this subject. First, He walks you through the crime scene, both before, during & after the devestation.He presents the reader with the Scotland Yard and police facts,what witnesses said, saw etc; and then provides the tabloid and newspaper coverage of the particular gossip that turns later into "fact"by most of the less capable researchers or common "writers"down through the years.Mr. Sugden also has a skillfull way of bringing the reader to believe He"s brought them into some real substance; then henceforth goes on to show it really has not helped us solve the mystery of who was this fiend.In a book design thats nothing short of brilliant, he later in the book presents us with genuine documented much later private thoughts of "who done it" by the head investigators themselves. Lastly,We get to find out who these rougues were and if any really could have been the butcher.The Photographs of the victims & villainous suspects are priceless history. Undoubtedly the best single Read on the subject! As an American,far removed from the Victorian British "low rent district" called Whitechappel of 1888, my only regret is that there wasn't just a little bit more social ,historical & some architectural background review of the district and it's inhabitants(which is not to say there isn"t some-just not enough for my inquiring historical mind.READ THIS BOOK!