In the novel The Diary of Jack the Ripper, by Shirley Harrison, we examine the question of whether or not this is the diary of James Maybrick, who is Harrison's candidate for Jack the Ripper. Various pieces of evidence can prove that this is Jack the Ripper's diary; however, it also can be argued that it is a hoax. In this essay I will display the facts, inferences, and also decide whether or not these inferences are reasonable. From the psychological evidence in the diary one can conclude that the author has had thorough knowledge of a serial killer's way of thinking. According to David Forshaw, a specialist consultant in addiction, and Anna Koren, a graphologist, the author of this diary suffered from an altered state of mind, which in turn showed characteristics of a serial killer.

According to David Forshaw this diary would have taken a master of the criminal mind to write. The author would have to understand what Jack the Ripper was thinking as well as f

Anna Koren, a graphologist, believed that Jack the Ripper suffered from various mental disorders, which in turn resulted in his destructive behavior. Koren stated that the diary showed, "an unstable personality, inner conflicts, lack of social adaptability and a tendency to schizophrenia characterize the handwriting" (The Diary of Jack the Ripper, Shirley Harrison c1993, page 177). In agreement with Forshaw, Koren stated "He suffers from extreme change in mood, resulting from a great deal of tension between his high ambition and low self-esteem" (Harrison 178). This type of behavior some times results in drug or alcohol abuse, in the case of James Maybrick this was true. James Maybrick's drug of choice was arsenic, a chemical element in which Maybrick felt increased his virility; as a result, he became hooked. This put Maybrick in mind-altering state that resulted in him being unable to differentiate the difference between good and evil.

The mere thought that he would get caught excited Jack the Rippe

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Approximate Word count = 683
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)