Synopsis
THE CURSE UPON MITRE SQUARE. A. D. 1530 - 1888 By JOHN FRANCIS BREWER. (Original Illustrated, Unabridged 1888 Version) THE HISTORY OF THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS - A Full And Authentic Narrative Of The Above Murders, With Sketches. (Original Illustrated, Unabridged 1888 and 1889 Versions) During the era of the Jack the Ripper slayings in 1888, the newspapers' sensational headlines captured the public’s imagination, but did little to satisfy their hunger for more news on these ghastly crimes. John Francis Brewer, no doubt seeing a way to profit from the hysteria surrounding the 'Ripper' murders, puts pen to paper and in October 1888, even before the final murder had been committed and 'Jack' disappeared forever, the first fictionalization of the Ripper killings appeared in the form of John Francis Brewer’s 'The Curse Upon Mitre Square.' Though both books reveals no clues as to the 'Ripper's' identity, and factual errors, because they were written at the time of the murders, and the very first printed publications dedicated to Jack the Ripper, it is essential reading to those interested in Jack the Ripper and murder stories in general. Both are worth reading for there entertainment value. This is what the press had to say about Brewer's book at the time: "It can not be denied that Mr. Brewer has written a clever and blood-curdling book." - Evening Post. "A very remarkable little booklet. Is written with the best intention, and will doubtless have a fascinating interest to lovers of the tragic." -Provincial press. "This thrilling little tale, as condensed as a meat lozenge, is the work of Mr. John Francis Brewer, who has laid before his readers a perfect 'feast of horrors.' Having obtained possession of some very recondite and curious information concerning the precedents of Mitre Square, the author proceeds to impart his privileged knowledge in about as gruesome a tale as it has ever been our fate to read late at night, when the fire burning low and encircling one with shadows that embody the horrors one is reading, causes one to start and look up and all around in a fit of ignominious pusillanimity. ' The Curse Upon Mitre Square' boasts some literary qualities above its supreme sensationalism. 'T'is indeed a well written booklet, whose perusal we can confidently recommend to all our readers who care to have their minds agreeably thrilled by scientifically accumulated terrors." -The Gentleman. THE HISTORY OF THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS is the original title of the second included book. This publication was reprinted in 1889 with the title: AN EXTENDED ACCOUNT OF THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS BY THE INFAMOUS JACK THE RIPPER. This later edition omitted some of the original 1888 text and images, and added a couple of new images. These changes are clearly marked in the combined 1888 & 1889 publications. Many extra images have also been added by the editor of this 2015 publication. Both publications have linked table of contents and illustration menus. The included publications have been typed from the originals and are NOT scanned or photocopied editions.
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