Complete History of Jack the Ripper by Philip Sugden
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Book Reviews of Complete History of Jack the Ripper
Book Review: The Most Factual and OBJECTIVE Ripper Book Published
Summary: 5 Stars
I acquired this 2002 edition when it first came out; however, it got packed away during a residential move eight years ago and I didn't unpack the box 'til this month and get around to reading it...BIG MISTAKE! This book was started two days ago and I stayed up late to finish it early this morning at 1:00 AM despite having to go to work five hours later. I couldn't put it down. I've read other books on Jack the Ripper including Alan Moore's entertaining, yet fictitious, graphic novel "From Hell." The key word of importance that sums up Philip Sugden's book vs. all other Ripper works I've read is OBJECTIVITY. This work is completely unique in that facts are the most important driving force of the author...and by all means, it isn't a boring read at all. It paints an accurate picture of this nearly 125-year-old unsolved Victorian case very well, therby making it an amazing "page turner." Of the true crime genre, the most famous and best-selling book ever is "Helter Skelter" by Vincent Bugliosi; I'd have to rank Sugden's book a close second due to it being the most objective and interesting work about the most notorious "WHO-DONE-IT?" serial killer in history. I agree with most of the previously written 5-star reviews and I won't be redundant with those opinions by restating them here. Just take my word for it: if you're interested in the true crime genre and haven't read a book on Jack the Ripper before, but wish to know the difference of fact vs. fiction in the Whitechapel Murders of 1888-91, READ THIS ONE FIRST. If you have read material on the Ripper before but wish to get absolute facts and dispel the fiction about him that's collected for decades, then ADD THIS ONE TO YOUR LIBRARY. You won't be disappointed.Book Review: A very important and well written work - Highly Recommended
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the best books in the ever expanding selection of writings on Jack the Ripper.
Sugden approaches the topic in an objective and well balanced way, reducing the examination to a look at the bare facts and not trying to construct an argument based on speculation and huge leaps of logic. As a result, this book will be very useful to a newcomer who wants more than a quick overview. This is particularly so because Sugden very clearly sets out some of the problems in other writings about the murders, illustrating how myths and fallacies have crept into the 'known' history and still continue, year after year, and book after book, to muddy the waters. Indeed, Sugden points out how some of the more respected authors in the field have repeated some of the same old canards (albeit, doing so in a very graciously polite and non-insulting way).
Sugden ultimately concludes by naming a favourite suspect, but in so doing he simply declares him to be the 'least unlikely' of all the names yet proposed. I probably have a bit of a bias toward this book because I have also looked at Chapman/Klosowski as a 'pet' candidate.
C. John Thompson
Book Review: The best book on the subject yet written.
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike most "Ripperologists," Philip Sugden does not have any pet theories to prove. Therefore, like a good historian, Sugden concentrates only on all the facts of the case as they can be cooberated by the primary sources. Very well written and thoroughly researched, The Complete History of Jack the Ripper not only covers each of the known murders in detail, the book also looks at several other unsolved murders that may have been part of the series of "Jack's" crimes. Furthermore, Sugden follows the police investigation and examines the suspects developed by the police at the time. While Sugden does evaluate the likelihood of these suspects' guilt, he makes no attempt to positively identify the killer. If you read only one book on the 1888 murders in Whitechaple, read this one.Book Review: THE definitive book on the Ripper. Forget other books
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the definitive book on Jack the Ripper. PERIOD.
Philip Sugden knows the history, etc. He doesn't "reach" for facts that cannot be confirmed. It is a remarkable book. The research is unimpeachable. The author has written a classic on this subject.
This book is the best book I've read on Jack the Ripper. (I have read several books on the Ripper.)
Forget the others. This is the book you want if you want to learn about Jack the Ripper.
Book Review: The definitive Jack the Ripper book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned this book for over 10 years,which I came across by accident! I have read many books on Jack the Ripper and still see this book as the definitive source! Mr. Sugden compiled investigative findings and allows you to come to a decision, he does not impart his own opinion as other authors have. This book is the first book to read about Jack the Ripper,then feel free to read others.
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