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Loading... The Maul and the Pear Tree: The Ratcliffe Highway Murders, 1811 (original 1971; edition 2002)by P. D. James, Thomas A. Critchley
Work InformationThe Maul and the Pear Tree: The Ratcliffe Highway Murders, 1811 by P. D. James (1971)
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. through examination of the remaining available evidence. very interesting ( ) I found this retelling of the Ratcliffe Highway murders covered off more angles than the traditional more lurid true crime book - a careful, evidence-based investigation of whether the right man was blamed, coupled with an evocative picture of the Georgian East End and nascent police force. If nothing else it is an interesting take on the importance of effective information-sharing and rigorous analysis at a time when it is most needed but least likely to happen: in the midst of crisis and panic. The only aspect that left me unsatisfied was the limited exploration of motive for the proposed guilty parties, although the authors are careful to note that the answer to this question probably lies in lost documents. Recommended for those interested in London's social history. An unusual book to read, for me. It is a look at two murders that happened in 1811 in London’s East End. Two families were murdered in their homes on two separate nights. The murders were extremely violent. The first was a tradesman, wife and baby; the second a pub owner, wife and servant. Author P.D. James and historian T.A. Critchley heavily researched the murders in historical records from the era and published periodicals. Not only do they write of the crime, they also five a picture of life in an area as rough as the East End was developing into. A formal police department had yet to be formed. Instead each parish took care of their own and didn’t share information. This meant a lot of information fell between the cracks. Because of the disjointed law system, it appears there was no justice done of either family. It is a dry, historical read, with much detail. Interesting for someone who has a great interest of life and times in early 195h century London. no reviews | add a review
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In 1811 John Williams was buried with a stake through his heart. Was he the notorious East End killer or the eighth victim in the bizarre and shocking Ratcliffe Highway murders? Drawing on contemporary records and newspaper cuttings, for example, the authors make a reconstruction of events. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)364.1523094215Social sciences Social problems and services; associations Criminology Crimes and Offenses Offenses against persons Homicide Murder History, geographic treatment, biography Europe England & Wales LondonLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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