Jack the Ripper: Mystery of Mysteries

Come to Bernardsville Public Library on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 pm to hear about Jack the Ripper, one of the most infamous serial murder cases in the world. In the horrendous slums of eastern London in 1888, five women, possibly more, all impoverished prostitutes, were viciously slain. The heinous crimes rocked London to its core, and the unknown assailant, like a phantom in the night, committed his grisly tasks and vanished without ever being caught.

The identity of Jack the Ripper is by far the most beguiling aspect of the murders, but within this mystery are countless other mysteries. Was he a doctor? Why did he keep some of the victim’s organs? Are the famous Ripper letters authentic or a hoax? How was he able to commit the murders without being caught? Did he have an accomplice? Why did he stop killing?

The entire story will be discussed with then and now photos by Dr. Mark R. Vogel who has studied the case. Dr. Vogel is a clinical psychologist with thirty years of experience, including working in the New Jersey penal system where he performed parole evaluations on hundreds of inmates. He completed his BA and MA at Montclair State University in New Jersey, and his doctorate degree at Yeshiva University in New York City. A 'Jack the Ripper' researcher, he has made several trips to London, reviewing original case files and visiting all of the murder sites and associated locations.

Also a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Dr. Vogel has taught cooking classes, written a column called "Food for Thought," and given seminars on wine. He is the author of two novels; the most recent one, "The Ripper’s Time," is a historical fiction story about Jack the Ripper.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.