name the 5 best Ripper books

[Tom_Wescott]

I agree. I should read it again some time, in fact, when I don't have a stack of books up to my nose waiting for me. I recall being impressed with how the authors were able to cram SO MUCH detail in between the covers. I am wordy and lack this ability, so I tend to recognize it and envy it when I see it (which is rare). Another great example of this is 'The Man Who Hunted JTR'.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Phil Carter]

Hello Tom,

I totally agree. Connell and Evans managed in that one book to completely make me re-evaluate how I looked at the role of this individual policeman in the WM. Additionally, the research done regarding his personal life and the overall sense of "knowing" his character came through brilliantly.

It is one of the books I willingly thread through again and again, in case I missed something. The "police didn't have a clue" comment from Reid is of exceptional importance for me. It tells me much of the views of Anderson, amongst various others.

When thinking of Stewart's involvement in the world of authorship within this genre, this little gem (which Stewart modestly refers to as "Nick Connell's baby" ) really is a corker. They both should be very proud of this offering.

I am but an enthusiast in this genre.. and one of those with approaching 100 books on the subject. (if one includes Ripper connected books, such as "40 years of Scotland Yard" by Wensley etc) It is a drop in the ocean for many who have a considerably greater collection.. but for me it is sufficient.

best wishes

Phil

best wishes

Phil

[Tom_Wescott]

I would say 100 books would put you in the top 5% of Ripper book owners, easily. I could (but won't) name writers on the subject who own a mere fraction of that. I'm not sure how many I have, but it's a lot. However, I stopped feeling the need to buy EVERY Ripper book some time ago. Now I only purchase them if I sense I can gain something from them. To be honest, I feel I do gain something from most books, even the suspect books others turn their nose up at. Some of the kookiest theories are backed by authors who have managed, sometimes by accident, to turn up new info. A good example of this that comes right to mind is Thomas Toughill, who published his book a couple of years ago (The Ripper Code) offering an absurd theory that Frank Miles was the Ripper. The bulk of the book appears to have been written in the 1980's (when he formed his theory) and added to over the years. His research into the murders is shoddy and his theory untenable, but he managed to produce new information on Druitt that adds serious weight to the notion that he was homosexual.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Jonathan H]

And what is that 'new information', Tom, that Druitt was gay -- from this otherwise ****-house tome?

[Tom_Wescott]

Hi Jonathan, don't shoot the messenger. I didn't write the book, just talking about it. And I told you about this book many months ago. Figured you would have purchased it by now. I'm about to eat dinner now, but e-mail me and remind me and I'll access the book in the next couple of days and get back to you.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Jonathan H]

Thanks Tom

It's ok -- your answer has answered my question.

[Tom_Wescott]

No it didn't, because your question was what new evidence in Toughill's book supports the contention that Druitt was gay.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[caz]

Hello Tom,

Well, to be honest, it is because when I read the book I understood far more of the machinations of the subject.
The Diary was an enormous headache for just about everyone interested in the subject at the time, and still does, to a far lesser degree, effect the progress and direction of Ripperlogy. I always felt that I personally lacked the knowledge that I needed to have to be, if not "au fait" with the theme, then at least I could say that I knew and have the grasp of the whole picture. It would be very wrong of anyone to come to a fair conclusion without having read as much as is possible on the subject of the Diary.
There is obviously much still to be written on the subject, many unanswered questions, but at least now I can say that I am satisfied with my own knowledge on the subject.

The book itself is written in a style which was a pleasant read. The enormity of the complex nature of the problems made writing about it difficult, and I must say tthat I was really happy to have read through it without contantly having to re-read pages. It flowed without losing details. Excellently put together to explain to the unaware. Thats why. (No, I am not a Maybrickite..far from it) haha!

Thanks for asking Tom.

best wishes

Phil

Wow, thanks Phil! I'm having trouble catching up with the boards these days but just caught your post, not expecting to see Ripper Diary on anyone's list in a million years.

Love,

Caz
X

[Phil Carter]

Hello Caroline,

Just my honest opinion. I would guess that no other subject has caused more acrimony within Ripperology than The Diary. Your combined attempts to clarify the ever increasing muddied waters is a testimony to your knowledge. The written style is testimony to your desire to scyth through the complicated matter whilst keeping facts and problems and probabilities to the fore.

Writing a book of this kind took, I believe, great skill. Especially when considering the minefield surrounding the subject itself. A book worthy of greater attention imho.

Kindest regards

Phil

[ChrisGeorge]

I would say 100 books would put you in the top 5% of Ripper book owners, easily. I could (but won't) name writers on the subject who own a mere fraction of that. I'm not sure how many I have, but it's a lot.

At a guess I would say I own 20-30 Ripper titles, some of them duplicate copies.

As for the best 5 Ripper books, I would gravitate toward the less suspect-driven books: Sugden, Begg's latest, A to Z, The Ultimate, and Evans and Rumbelow's Scotland Yard Investigates.

C

[Jonathan H]

No, you did Tom, because you provided the long-term context and that's enough -- no need to waste your time wading through sludge on that one.

[The Grave Maurice]

A book worthy of greater attention imho.

As usual, Norwegian Phil hits the nail directly on the head. I often go back to your book, Caz, for its eloquence and clarity on a troublesome topic.
On the other hand, I can't remember what new evidence Toughill adduced in respect to Druitt, but his is definitely one tome that I will never re-read.

[Tom_Wescott]

As usual, Norwegian Phil hits the nail directly on the head.

Something about that strikes you as usual?

No, you did Tom, because you provided the long-term context and that's enough -- no need to waste your time wading through sludge on that one.

What's the expiration date on 'context', Jonathan? I recall that Toughill's information had to do with Druitt's college days. He'd researched Oscar Wilde for decades and I guess came upon stuff.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[caz]

Hello Caroline,

Just my honest opinion. I would guess that no other subject has caused more acrimony within Ripperology than The Diary. Your combined attempts to clarify the ever increasing muddied waters is a testimony to your knowledge. The written style is testimony to your desire to scyth through the complicated matter whilst keeping facts and problems and probabilities to the fore.

Writing a book of this kind took, I believe, great skill. Especially when considering the minefield surrounding the subject itself. A book worthy of greater attention imho.

Kindest regards

Phil

Hi Phil,

Thanks again for your kind words. It took three of us to tango and an awful lot of dancing.

Incidentally, the book was loathed by the most vehement Maybrickite of all, and loathed by the most vehement modern hoax theorist of all. I'd like to think that shows the balance was about right. We just gave it out straight from all the horses' mouths. Too bad if it made for uncomfortable reading for some.

Love,

Caz
X

[Phil Carter]

Hi Phil,

Thanks again for your kind words. It took three of us to tango and an awful lot of dancing.

Incidentally, the book was loathed by the most vehement Maybrickite of all, and loathed by the most vehement modern hoax theorist of all. I'd like to think that shows the balance was about right. We just gave it out straight from all the horses' mouths. Too bad if it made for uncomfortable reading for some.

Love,

Caz
X

Hello Caroline,

Indeed, tip toe through the tulips and the odd fandango "thunderbolt and lightening, very very frightening"...

Methinks you managed to trip the light fantastic with great aplomb.
Again, well done!

Kindest regards

Phil