The London Monster: A Sanguinary Tale

"The London Monster" by Jan Bondeson is about a serial slasher, who from 1788 to 1790, attacked female pedestrians with sharpened objects. He would sneak up from behind to cut their thighs and buttocks through their dresses. He offer them a flower and stab them in the face with a hidden needle! Initially, the incidents are met with disbelief. A woman's "finer nerves" made her more liable to "delusions and hysterics" after all. But outrage grew as the Monster pursued those who were "pretty" and "respectable." Disgustingly, men make "appreciative comments" about the Monster's taste but then complain that they can't safely "approach" women in the streets without being accused! Then enters John Julius Angerstein who catalogues the attacks - show more rating the victims' looks btw- and offers a princely sum for the Monster's capture.Finally, after close to 50 victims! artificial flower maker Rhynwick Williams is arrested. Socialite Anne Porter, and her sister Sarah, are among several who ID the man. However, no such crime has ever been recorded before, resulting in a almost comedic two-trial case if not for the seriousness of the crime.

Overall a great study of such a disturbing and absurd episode in criminal history. The narrative doesn't stray, and it definitely kept my attention. There's potential for confusion with so many names involved, but Bondeson successfully navigates the reader through. However, there were noticeable flaws. Often poor word choices appeared as sexist. Bondeson described the Porter sisters as "vivacious" and lucky servant was "supposedly attacked" when emerging unarmed. He is also suspiciously harsh towards the Porters. Finally, second-to-last chapter: The Monster, Epidemic Hysteria, and Moral Panics, is total filler. Still recommend, but this subject definitely needs the Hallie Rubenhold treatment! show less

Jan Bondeson turns his usual meticulous research, logical thinking and clear-headed arguments to the case of the London Monster, who was as sensational in 1790 London as he is obscure today. This criminal approached random women on the street, made lewd remarks, slashed their clothes and tried to stab them in the thighs and buttocks. A man was eventually convicted in the attacks, but his guilt is doubtful at best.

This was a thorough account of the case, and concludes with some discussion of other "moral panics" throughout history. I did not find The London Monster as intriguing as Bondeson's books about medical phenomena, however.