2 comments about Ripper Notes: Death in London's East End.

1. I hate to say it, but this little American newsletter that started back in 1999, and is now 120+ pages four times a year, has beaten the UK Ripperologist magazine at their on game. I do warn you, that once you get one of these in your hands, you will want to read the other 23 issues that came out before this one.



2. This is for Issue 24 (October) of the quarterly magazine 'Ripper Notes' subtitled "Death in London's East End". When you have a magazine subscription you will get that rare one where most of the issue is lackadaisical, this would be that issue. Our friendly neighborhood Ripper researchers seemed to be reaching this time around because we get 1. A review of the Brighton Ripper convention 2005. 2. A disection of errors for the new Ripper suspect book "Uncle Jack". 3. Why did Inspector Andrews go to Canada - to return Roland Barnet or to chase Frances Tumblety? 4. The 1901 murder of Mary Anne Austin - Ripper-like but not attributed to Jack. 5. Tall-tales and rumormongering surrounding JtR. 6. The history of Inspectors Death - a family of constables with the last name of Death. 7. A Tour of the Gravesites of the canonical victims.
   
   Possibly the best part of this issue was article 5 and regular column 'From the Newspaper Morgue' which looked at the panicky newspaper articles regarding possible other Ripper victims. This issue is worth it just for those two articles. None-the-less, I still recommend the Ripper Notes magazine for those interested in the events of Whitechapel 1888.

1 comments about Ripper! (James Dickey Poetry Series).

1. An addiction to Ripperology and other infamous cases of true crime originally drew me to this book. A warning: THIS IS NOT AN ITEM FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Even with the various Ripper related books I've read over the years, parts of the prose had me cringing in horror.

   The most compelling prose in the various selections lies in the exploration of the six most common Ripper suspects (The Butcher, The Priest, The Poet, The Physician, The Psychic and The Prince). Even a casual reading can turn into a marathon reading session.

   The language used is graphic and the images presented can be quite disturbing. Small details from the real Ripper case files such as the contents of victim Catherine Eddowes' pockets are woven in the narrative, adding that extra bit of realism to draw you into the insular world of Whitechapel during the murders.

   Ripper! is not another volume in the endless flow of armchair detective volumes that litter the true crime section of your local bookseller. You will not come away with a definitive answer to who committed these crimes. Buchanan does not force his opinions or wild theories about the Ripper's true identity on the reader unlike most Ripperology selections. Instead the reader is offered a look into what visions may have filled the mind and compelled the person behind the Ripper murders.

No comments about Jack The Ripper..One Hindred Years Of Mystery.

No comments about Hellblazer #53.

2 comments about Jack the Ripper: The Inquest of the Final Victim Mary Kelly.

1. Refreshingly devoid of "Jack the Ripper was ...!" intent -- "Jack the Ripper: The Inquest of the Final Victim Mary Kelly" is simply a fine dissection (forgive the ghastly pun) of a Victorian coroner's inquest.

   Fascinating reading for anyone who delves into true crime books or Victorian history! I was particularily caught by the idea of Mary Kelly being seen alive hours after her death. No wonder the Ripper murders continue to mesmerize armchair detectives! It is like a labyrinth -- ever changing wih new paths to follow through the London coal fog.

   Thank you, Mr. Smithkey, for a most enjoyable read!




2. fascinating material poorly presented by an author who can't write a coherent narrative. He repeats the same information in the exact same way over and over.

No comments about The Diary of Jack the Ripper.

No comments about PRINCE JACK THE TRUE STORY OF JACK THE RIPPER.

No comments about The Women of Whitechapel and Jack the Ripper (A Novel) (1st Edition).

1 comments about Joseph: a Victorian Fairy Tale.

1. "Every artist is a cannibal. Every poet is a thief.
   
   All kill their inspiration and sing about the grief."
   
   -"The Fly" by U2
   
   Occasionally, in history, there comes a time when new creations and ideas lose their flavor and fade away. Forgotten. New concepts come along and almost rub out the old ones. Almost. There are some that remember.
   
   "Joseph" is a tale that author Tom Baker has composed to revive the black and white memories of The Elephant Man and Jack the Ripper.
   
   The interesting twist is that Mr. Baker weaves himself into the story at a particular point and critiques what may well be the flaws or weak points up until then. This pulls the strings tight and strengthens the rest of the narratives.
   
   It jumps around a bit, making it a little hard to follow at times. There is an explanation for this, but it is anticlimactic.
   
   Nevertheless,for those who remember the non-fiction classics, "Joseph" is more than a pleasant walk down memory lane. It's an old dog with a few new tricks.
   
   For those who don't...it's about bein' ugly and killin' whores.
   
   Jason Leonard

No comments about Spring-Heeled Jack - The Terror of London.