A novel for lovers of London social history featuring the capital’s most enduring crime mystery. Ian will present his talk in four sections: the writing of the book; what pushed women into prostitution in 1888; how the growth of literacy changed newspaper journalism; the legend and the facts of Jack the Ripper. Ian will be signing copies of his book at the close of this free event.
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 6.45pm for 7pm-8.30pm
Blackheath Village Library
What they say about the book
Whitechapel is a gripping, historical novel set against the backcloth of the 1888 Ripper murders. The question is posed whether, by focusing attention on the East End of London, the murders did more to accelerate social change than the philanthropists and politicians. The novel asks whether the end can ever justify the most terrible of means. The story itself is woven around real-life characters and events, and voices are given to the strong, independent women of the slums.
About the author
Ian Porter’s grandparents were born in the Bermondsey of Oliver Twist and East End of Jack the Ripper, and he was brought up with tales from the old days. He studied 19th century English urban poverty at the University of Birmingham, where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Prize. Frustrated by the variable standard of research on Jack the Ripper, he was stirred in to action. After a huge labour of love, he wrote this novel.
Filed under: Book launch, Crime, Death, London Tagged: | Ian Porter
Met you, briefly at Croydon library on the 28th April.. I was unable to stayafter, and look at the book as I had somewhere to go. I found the talk interesting, And I asked about the connection of Bleak house to Broadstairs. I intend one day to come on one of the walks.. junewhite@live.co. uk Thanks again..
just finished the book and found it totaly intoxicating
a vast knowledge has pushed jacks london out of the b\w penny dreadfuls into full colour body and soul; all this and only using words.
Thankyou Ian
D Plume
Audience comments from the book launch event:
‘Victorian London is my favourite period of history. A great mix of fact and imagined happenings in this book.’
‘Interesting to hear the ‘Jack The Ripper story’ from a different angle.’
‘A friendly, informative speaker.’
‘A great opportunity to meet an author in a friendly setting – and free! Fascinating to hear about the book and the research behind it.’
The book is available from Lewisham Libraries.