About the book

Enduringly fascinating and never identified, this is an expose of the fact and fiction behind the legend of Jack the Ripper, perhaps Britain's first serial killer. This gripping new book examines the heinous case from every angle, exploring theories both plausible and eccentric which have captured the imagination for over a century. Jack the Ripper - the legacy of a serial killer or the product of nightmarish obsession and prejudice?

Numerous theories emerged at the time, which tell us more about the prejudices and attitudes of the Victorian mind than they do about the killer's true identity. Xenophobia reared its head in the racist conviction the Ripper was a Russian or a Jew, whilst the misogyny of the day was expressed in the 'Jill the Ripper' theory, painting the murderer as a maverick midwife turned abortionist, whilst Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had a more novel theory, believing the Ripper must have been passing undetected while dressed as a woman.

This intriguing study opens the bloody case once more, giving every reader the chance to conclude for themselves, once and for all, the true answer to one of history's most elusive mysteries.

Also in the series...

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GOD'S ASSASSINS: The Medieval Roots of Terrorism

Terrorism - the imposition of, or opposition to, government with the threat or fear of force - is mostly regarded as a modern horror, implemented by bombs, hijackings and assassinations. But the origins of terrorism occur far back in the Middle Ages, when the forefathers of the modern world's most uncompromising terrorists - al-Qaeda and the Palestinian suicide bombers, laid down their murderous creed.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH CO-AUTHOR GAVIN BADDELEY

In the 11th century, Pope Urban II launched his own version of a 'jihad' against the decadent, unholy Islamic world. The reaction in the Islamic world was one of increasing fury, and we continue to reap its consequences centuries later. Islam would become increasingly militant and radical, as heretical Muslim sects that preached intolerance and force gained ground. With the eternal reward of sexual favours from the 72 houris [virgins] of heaven promised, hundreds of assassins unafraid of death were trained to kill upon their master's signal. It was the birth of strategic terrorism.

This illuminating study analyses the origins and history of terrorism, separating legend from truth to uncover the true roots of the fanatical terrorist acts the world has witnessed in the last decade. Essential reading for all historians, and for anyone who, up until now, may have thought that outrageous acts of terrorism causing untold civilian casualties, was a curse of the modern age.