Deconstructing Jack in Paperback

[Stephen Lee]

"I am sure it will be one of those books that will be constantly referred to again and again by the reader."

Not using the index it won't!

I was going to order this but it was going to take about a week to come from Amazon. Must be busy with Xmas returns or something. So I just got the Kindle version and will try to pick up the paperback some other time. The Kindle version doesn't have an index at all. The Kindle does have a function that if I highlight say Mary Cox, then go to notes-more-search book, every mention of her will show up. Catches references that even the best index will sometimes miss. Easier to even do that if there is and index thou.

That said, I'm enjoying it very much. I've not been reading this thread so I'm not sure where Simon is heading with this. I'm only 50 or so pages in. But an excellent read so far. I know he claims there was no JTR, but still not sure how he explains that. Looking forward to finding out.

[barnflatwyngarde]

"I am sure it will be one of those books that will be constantly referred to again and again by the reader."

Not using the index it won't!

[Cogidubnus]

"Well worth it" is an overused phrase, but in this case, it is another reason for this book to be a "must have".
Compelling in many ways. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Hi Phil

As you'll be aware from long-ago debates, I'm far from being happy to endorse all the author's conclusions down the years, but this book is certainly well researched, very well written, and offers up pretty cogent arguments...that it can remain both so cogent and such compelling reading after some 560-plus pages (in the paperback version) is pretty remarkable in itself.

I won't try to claim it's "the" best book on the subject I ever read, (it's not), but I do agree with you it's a real "must have", and along with Jonathon Hainsworth's Druitt book, (with which, to be honest, I agree even less, but still such a truly wonderful read), it's got to be a damn good contender for book of the year).

If Simon's reading this thread, thanks mate for one of the lastingly great books on the subject...


All the best

Dave

[Phil Carter]

Hello Steve,

You are most welcome.


Phil

[Elamarna]

thanks Phil

that’s all i was waiting for.

i have the kindle edition, bought a couple of months back.

off to Amazon now

Steve

[Phil Carter]

Hello Steve,

Have only just seen your post..It is indeed the updated and expanded version.
I don't wish to spoil the surprises of all the added contents in this edition, but can assure you that the book itself is, in terms of comparison with many books in the field, probably the most informative that I have ever read.
Additionally, the price is remarkably low for such an immense volume. "Well worth it" is an overused phrase, but in this case, it is another reason for this book to be a "must have".
Compelling in many ways. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Purchase with an assured sense of value for money, new knowledge awaiting and I am sure it will be one of those books that will be constantly referred to again and again by the reader.


Phil

[Elamarna]

thank you

[barnflatwyngarde]

Phil
i have the kindle version
you say there is more in the paperback version, do you know if Simon as put the MJK3 stuff in , or is that still waiting on 2nd edition.
don't really want 2 get this and a 2nd edition as well. just cost wise

cheers

Steve

Elamarna, my copy of the book, which arrived today is the 2nd edition.

Got it from Amazon.

[Elamarna]

Hello Gut,

The paperback version has even more details packed inside.
The Book of the Year 2015 title is totally deserved.

Someone should make a film from this book..and not wander away from the written page once in order to juice it up..as has been done so often before. The who done it ending left hanging in the balance of myth. A whole new generation of people would actually start to think after seeing a true crime film.


Phil

Phil
i have the kindle version
you say there is more in the paperback version, do you know if Simon as put the MJK3 stuff in , or is that still waiting on 2nd edition.
don't really want 2 get this and a 2nd edition as well. just cost wise

cheers

Steve

[barnflatwyngarde]

I have just received my copy of "Deconstructing Jack", and at 570 pages it is an impressively mighty tome.
A very quick jaunt through the index however, does raise some concern.

Specifically, there is no mention of George Hutchinson, Mrs Cox or Caroline Maxwell in the index.

Having flicked through the book I know that Simon does indeed mention George Hutchinson and Caroline Maxwell (not sure about Mrs Cox).

As many people probably do on these forums, I enjoy cross referencing statements, assertions etc by referring to the indexes of other books dealing with the case. If there is no accurate index, this becomes impossible.

I know that to employ a professional Indexer is expensive, so I can understand if Simon simply couldn't afford it.

I am however looking forward to reading the book and Simon's theories about the case.

Pity about the index though.

[Phil Carter]

That's when a book is great, when even the bits you disagree with you find great reading and start to think.

Hello Gut,

The paperback version has even more details packed inside.
The Book of the Year 2015 title is totally deserved.

Someone should make a film from this book..and not wander away from the written page once in order to juice it up..as has been done so often before. The who done it ending left hanging in the balance of myth. A whole new generation of people would actually start to think after seeing a true crime film.


Phil

[GUT]

Well said Phil,

it is a truly impressive work, and even if like myself you don't agree with all Simon says, the amount of useful research and knowledge is mind blowing.

Steve

That's when a book is great, when even the bits you disagree with you find great reading and start to think.

[Rosemary]

Well said

Then I shall get it, along with other works from posters here. Hopefully 2016 will be a good year. There's no Derrida in it, is there, dear??

[Elamarna]

Well said Phil,

it is a truly impressive work, and even if like myself you don't agree with all Simon says, the amount of useful research and knowledge is mind blowing.

Steve

[Phil Carter]

Pierre,

You are entitled ,to an opinion.
You have made it.

Whilst you are concentrating heavily on trying, quite badly imho, to wind up just about every one and everything on the site, some of us have twigged you...ages ago.

So please leave THIS particular aspect, I. E. The reviewing of works to peers of far greater experience, and in most cases knowledge, of the genre.

Then return to playing your silly games of "now you see me, now you dont" to your other threads.

WHEN...and only when, you produce a book..call yourself an author, and show many years of knowledge, research and dedication to the subject..by producing facts..as this particular book is by the way, THEN no doubt you will be made welcome to comment further.

"I know but I'm not telling" is a common trait amongst those who know nothing.

Just like the Bruce Robinson book..your comments are just hot air. Remarkably similar in fact.

Pierre... .you've been twigged ages ago. I should really be calling you Pierrepont...as you have supplied enough of the rope....

This book is a refreshingly open book which makes the reader think.it draws no certain single conclusion..unlike other books made for the sake of cashing in on a craze.
It is quality.it is classy. It has style. Using an old fashioned term...It is suave.

As I wrote in my review months ago...It is highly recommended to all. A must read if one wishes to understand more in the genre.

Dismissing it is ignorance on a high level. Because this 570 odd page book is full of facts. And there are many here who have said, and openly admitted, that some of the facts were completely unknown to them..long in the tooth interested readers included.

I personally rate this book as one of the top three books ever written on the subject. Possibly the best ever. And I have read hundreds of offerings about the whole case.

What it doesn't do is any favours to the police..no...They didn't all have white coats on..what it doesn't do is favour any proposed suspect..because there is no evidence known to suspect any of them..so their proponents don't wear white coats either.

And finally, it doesn't worry about wheels falling off the eternal "hunt the ripper" bandwagon so heartily pushed along over the years to the present day.

Which rather enhances the genre..not drive it eternally into a muddy trench full of worn out speculation based on supposition. Some fear that this book might cause some sort of "death" of ripperology. (If there wasn't a single crazed killer responsible for all this carnage. .what do we do now about the genre with its hype??)
But fear not..ye of little faith... This book takes the whole business back to basics...and throws out the added rubbish of 127 years so conveniently placed before your eyes as God's honest truth..which has done THE most damage to the subject of all. Because, as shown clearly in this book..It never was God's honest truth. Others may disagree with my opinion..such is their right..However

Agree with the author or not..It is a MUST have book. It makes one think.



Phil