Customer Reviews

Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

When I bought this book several years ago, I thought that it would just be one of the many conspiracy theory novels about the world's first serial killer. Instead it was an interesting tale of a conspiracy among the highest in the land. What I liked about Stephen Knight's book is its focus on research which was extensive and helped build up a picture of these murders, now over a century ago. While I do not know whether this is really true and that facts were properly interpreted, what is certain was there was a cover-up, which means that there was definitely something to hide. This may support Mr Knight's view that it was a cover up by the British Establishment to counter a blackmail attempt that would have had a destabilising effect on the British society of the time.The conclusions of this books are that poer corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

This book was published in 1976 so it's hardly a new look at the subject. However, it's definitely an engrossing and convincing read, offering very good reasons why the Ripper was never caught. I remember writing to Stephen Knight at least twice about his book. Yes, he did reply.
One can only be glad that photography wasn't all that good in Victorian days. The photo of the mutilated remains of Marie Kelly is bad enough in black and white. In colour it would definitely have sent me running for the bathroom. As for my nightmares, they would most likely have been ten times as bad. My copy is in very good condition but is it really worth the prices being asked for second-hand editions on amazon.com?

Very interesting book. If you've read From Hell, and you want to know a bit more about where Moore got his ideas, this is the book to read. There are a few leaps, I think, as far as Knight's conclusions, but for the most part, he does a very good job of investigation. It's the only non-fiction book I've read on the Ripper murders, and I can't say I know anything of developments since From Hell was written, but it has peaked my interest and I plan on continuing to learn about the subject. The most amazing part of this book is the final chapter, which, while it answered the biggest question on my mind while reading the book, I still didn't really see it coming. It's a major detail that Moore left out of From Hell, though I'm not sure why. A very good read.

I read this book and found Knight's work excellent and shortly corresponded with him about this case before his death. He was preparing a following up book with additional research into this theory and it is a sad loss of an excellent writer as well as loss to the body of the Ripper works. One really needs to read his other book The Brotherhood, the Secrets of the World of Freemasonry, to get a full view of where it was moving with this study of the Ripper. Both books really work together, so to get full appreciation, you need to read both works and know the battle Knight had in having them published due to pressure from Masonic corners.
He puts forth a clear vision of what could be the real solution to the Ripper case, and if anyone doubts this sort of cover up - just look at the Watergate case or the Iran Contra Affair of the US. It is hard for people of today to understand the implications Annie Crook could have had at that period in time, so you must read both works to fully understand knights theory - based with extensive research.

Wheather or not the book is true or not is, for me, besides the point. What Stephen Knight DID achieve was a classic of modern horror tale, ranking with 'Frankienstien', 'Dracula', 'Dr Jekkle & Mister Hyde' etc. The thought of 3 fiends, like those in his book, roaming the streets of victorian London, non-chalantley stalking their prey one at a time untill they got the ultimate target, unsettles my stomach, it even angers me. The absolute arrogance they had, the lack of feeling they must have had for these women, is disturbing itself. What is equally frightning is the thought of police & high-level participation, even guidance. I mean, would William Gull be the mastermind, or was he only a un-hinged weapon in the hands of a conspiracy of power that had absolutely no respect for the lives or feelings of the people they were supposed to care for? I know one thing though, if they actually HAD been so callouss, this wouldnt have been the ONLY time they had done something so horrible, it would have taken practice. I 1st became aware of this book in 1988, when Stephen Knight appeared in an austraillian TV special on the book which was shown on PBS in the USA. It has since become a popular graphic novel & film, 'From Hell'

Knight has exceeded the amateur sleuth -- and Scotland Yard detectives for that matter. The book gets first hand evidence from a son of one of the ripper murderers (yes, the ripper was not a single individual acting alone). In proving his case, Knight refutes the opposing theories. The paintings of Walter Sickert, his son's confession and a host of other direct evidence reveals that the ripper slayings were Freemasonic ritual murderers. The "technique", if you will, of throwing the guts over the shoulder and the disciplined manner of mutilation all reflect Freemasonic origin. Knight goes through these details and more. Knight himself was eventually murdered by the Freemasons for revealing these secret truths.

This is one of the most fascinating, meticulously researched books I have ever read, and certainly more plausible than any of the other "solutions" on the market (all of which are extremely silly). I very much regret that Mr. Knight didn't produce the promised "next edition" concerning his research into the extremely convenient death of the Duke of Clarence, which would have been very interesting -- indeed.

I read a library copy of this book and enjoyed it so much, that I've just purchased my own copy, which I should be receiving, soon. Mr. Knight did a wonderful job in spelling out his theory and backing up this theory. Some may find this to be the implausible solution, however, when reading this book one thing should be kept in mind: the era in which these events had taken place. In Victorian England, society and how people were judged within this society were far different from what they are, today. Looking at this and the theories of others, pieces of the puzzle do seem to fall into place, when reading this book. I recommend this book, highly, for anyone with an interest in the Ripper case.

I was impressed by Knight's making connections that I hadn't seen in other books on the Ripper. Fascinating how he makes a case for the victims being known to one another, insights into royal misbehavior, the societal forces brought to bear on the case, and the implication of the Freemasons. He makes a convincing case for a cover-up and for the involvement of high-level government officials as well as the artist Sickert whose paintings show an obsession and overfamiliarity with the Ripper's work. Good read whether you agree with all its conclusions or not.

"Jack the Ripper; the final solution" is a whole new approach to why and who 'Jack the Ripper' or 'Rippers' was. Thorough research on behalf of Stephen Knight has resulted in a convincing and, as far as I can tell, true tale. It is one of a painter, Walter Sickert, and what he has to say will smash any questions and disbeliefs from your mind! At the time of publication, S.Knight was way ahead of his time, gaining access to confidential Scotland Yard files...9 years before they were due to be opened. He also had access to private home files, eye witness accounts and evidence supressed from court by none other than leading police officers at the time! If you want a completely different view on the Jack the Ripper case...this is by far the most INTERESTING and CONVINCING book I have read!