The One Where James Maybrick was Jack the Ripper

[Iconoclast]

Judging by the comments in Feldman's book, Keith believes that the confessional photograph album was written by an unidentified person that was not Maybrick, Graham, or Barrett. In which case, not only do I think Keith was wrong, but you do, too.

I've just finished reading Inside Story again and I honestly don't recall the argument being implied that Maybrick did not write the text into the Maybrick scrapbook. If Keith genuinely subscribed to that view then you are quite right - I obviously think Keith was wrong to exclude Maybrick whilst you think he was wrong to exclude the Barretts. But did (and does) Keith subscribe to that view? I only know for certain who Keith has concluded did not write the text into the scrapbook (and that is the Barretts) and I'm sure he is right in that regard. I don't think he has quite the same powerful mindset regarding Maybrick who - by anyone's definition - remains a plausible author and always will until the day the one incontrovertible, unequivocal, undeniable fact which refutes the scrapbook is revealed. I can't be certain but I don't think he's ever excluded Maybrick on the basis of any specific piece of evidence (if he has, it was probably the handwriting but I do think that's a given), but unless Maybrick was in concert with Druitt, I guess he's very very doubtful indeed about Maybrick.

That a person has no specific author in mind does not preclude the possibility that their conclusions were wrong.

But of course. And what is also logically true is that having a specific author in mind does not preclude the possibility that their conclusions were wrong. (Except - of course - for me.)

For the same reason, I also think Caz is wrong, as do you.

Well, I only know who Caz has concluded did not write the text into the scrapbook (and that is the Barretts) and I'm sure she is right in that regard. I don't think she has quite the same powerful mindset regarding Maybrick who - by anyone's definition - remains a plausible author and always will until the day the one incontrovertible, unequivocal, undeniable fact which refutes the scrapbook is revealed. I can't be certain but I don't think she's ever excluded Maybrick on the basis of any specific piece of evidence (if she has, it was probably also the handwriting but I do think that's a given)

Happy Christmas and a bountiful New Year.

Aye, and lang may yer lum reek, young man!

Ike