Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History [Hardcover]

Paul Begg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 21, 2002

In 1888 the Whitechapel area of London was the scene of some of the most brutal murders ever recorded in history - and yet the case of Jack the Ripper remains unsolved. Steering clear of wild conspiracy theories, and spurious attempts to advance new theories about the identity of the culprit, Paul Begg instead provides the facts behind one of the most infamous and grisly episodes of the Victorian era. The book is a social history of Victorian East London as it is about the murders themselves. Begg argues that the case excited such interest precisely because of the notoriety of the East End at the time. Chronological coverage includes detailed accounts of the lives of each of the victims and an examination of the police investigation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Such an extensive and entertaining book has long been needed, and we are fortunate that Paul Begg has chosen to write it' "Ripper Notes" 'As good a general account of Jack the Ripper as exists' "The Sunday Telegraph" 'Rather than being another attempt to identify the culprit, this book examines the facts behind one of the most infamous and grisly episodes of the Victorian era.' "Best of British"

From the Back Cover

'A must-have addition to the shelves of anyone interested in this iconic Victorian mystery' Gilda O'Neill, author of 'My East End'. 

'Paul Begg's clear and lucid portrait of the historical context to the Jack the Ripper murders makes this a deeply satisfying read. Not only does it make for a greater understanding of the Whitechapel killing ground, the politics, the personalities and the East End terror but it makes one recognise yet again why, though more than a century old, this is still the first and best of murder mysteries.'

Donald Rumbelow, author of 'The Complete Jack the Ripper'

 

'Year after year, new theories are produced about the identity of "Jack the Ripper".  Paul Begg's "Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History" is probably the clearest, most accurate, and most up-to-date account of the Ripper murders, by one of Britain's greatest and most respected experts on the "autumn of terror" in Victorian London.'

William D. Rubenstein, Professor of Modern History, University of Wales, Aberystwyth

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1st edition (November 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 058250631X
• ISBN-13: 978-0582506312
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,674,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, with Caveats, April 6, 2003

By 

Ricky Hunter (New York City, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History (Hardcover)

Jack the Ripper is the not quite the definitive history that the sub-title promises but there is much fascinating information in this book by Paul Begg. For the best history on the Jack the Ripper case, the reader is strongly advised to read Philip Sugden's The Complete History of Jack the Ripper. Begg's book would then make an interesting follow-up for the beginning Ripperologist and a must-have for the more devoted follower of Saucy Jack. The author provides a great deal of context (perhaps a tad too much, did the story truly need to begin in Roman times?) which other Ripper books never provide and gives important political thumb nail sketches of the political personalities and issues at the time which directly and indirectly affected the investigations. It would have been nice if the information on the victims and suspects had been expanded a little as one could always feel the author wanting to let loose with his opinion and other facts, particularly noticeable in the chapter on Mary Kelly. An interesting enough addition to the Ripper lore.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In a word: Definative, February 15, 2003

By 

Tim Moule (Hallie, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History (Hardcover)

From one of the most respected authors on the issue of the Whitechapel Murders, Paul Begg's second solo [attempt to solve] the mystery of Jack the Ripper avoids the mere endless recital of established facts, forays into wild speculation, and terse, musty retelling of a somewhat-worn tale. 'Jack the Ripper: The Definative History' is something far more fascinating and insightful than the musty tomes we've become accustomed to.

Philip Sugden and other respected authors (Begg included) have previously offered solid, factually correct, and meticulous accounts of the [killing] of five prostitute during the Autumn of 1888; however, Begg is the first to take a step back from those few months of Jack the Ripper's rampage, and by doing frees himself to explore the wider social, historical, and political causes, conditions, and impacts of the crimes. While every shred of information is given equal precedence in 'Jack the Ripper: A Definitive History', Begg takes greater care in preserving the overall picture of the era, woven throughout the wonderfully written narrative of history's most notorious 'whodunnit?'; the result of which is ultimately a greater understanding of the crimes for both novices to the case and seasoned 'Ripperologists'. Begg effortlessly maintains a smooth flow in his writing, and though fusing both the specifics of the crimes with a broader investigation into the general time of the murders, the balance between these two elements remains harmonious.

Sugden's 'The Complete History of Jack the Ripper' remains the top authority on every fact and canard of the case, however readers will walk away from 'Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History' with a far greater respect for one of London's bloodiest chapters in history. Begg has again raised the standard for authors on the topic of modern 'Ripperology'!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars take out the trash and this is left over, April 1, 2003

By 

Wunderkinder (California, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jack the Ripper: The Definitive History (Hardcover)

Paul Begg has written the most insightful volume on The Whitechapel Murders to date. Putting the whole series of events in to historical context is something that has been terribly lacking in other histories surrounding the events of 1888. Bravo to Mr. Begg for his ability to avoid speculating or casting the facts in a slanted light. This book should be the first purchased by anyone with interest in the subject. Thank you, Mr. Begg, for such a thorough and refreshing book.