By: Alan Moore Publisher: Top Shelf Production Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 572 Publication Date: February 23, 2000 Studio: Top Shelf Production
Amazon.com Review: The mad, shaggy genius of the comics world dips deeply into the well of history and pulls up a cup filled with blood in From Hell. Alan Moore did a couple of Ph.D.'s worth of research into the Whitechapel murders for this copiously annotated collection of the independently published series. The web of facts, opinion, hearsay, and imaginative invention draws the reader in from the first page. Eddie Campbell's scratchy ink drawings evoke a dark and dirty Victorian London and help to humanize characters that have been caricatured into obscurity for decades. Moore, having decided that the evidence best fits the theory of a Masonic conspiracy to cover up a scandal involving Victoria's grandson, goes to work telling the story with relish from the point of view of the victims, the chief inspector, and the killer--the Queen's physician. His characterization is just as vibrant as Campbell's; even the minor characters feel fully real. Looking more deeply than most, the author finds in the "great work" of the Ripper a ritual magic working intended to give birth to the 20th century in all its horrid glory. Maps, characters, and settings are all as accurate as possible, and while the reader might not ultimately agree with Moore and Campbell's thesis, From Hell is still a great work of literature. --Rob Lightner
Product Description: FROM HELL is the story of Jack the Ripper, perhaps the most infamous man in the annals of murder. Detailing the events leading up to the Whitechapel killings and the cover-up that followed, FROM HELL is a meditation on the mind of a madman whose savagery and violence gave birth to the 20th century. The serialized story, presented in its entirety in this volume, has garnered widespread attention from critics and scholars. Often regarded as one of the most significant graphic novels ever published, FROM HELL combines meticulous research with educated speculation, resulting in a masterpiece of historical fiction both compelling and terrifying. This new edition, which has been completely re-mastered, is certainly the finest edition of the book produced to date.
unmissable if you love London, steam era, serial murders or simply comics ^ A great work, both historically and artistically. Reading the massive notes by Alan Moore to each page looks challenging but adds unmissable informations, plus they're often funny. Moore and Campbell did a great research on Victorian era history, life and photographs. Very dark.
Review for From Hell ^ The book came in the condition as described by the seller so I was very pleased.
An absolutely amazing piece of work, by far Alan moore's best book ^ From Hell is a graphic novel set in 1888 London during the times of the Jack the ripper slayings. You the main character is actually a little bit of every one. Of course there is a detective but you will see the story from the part of view of the detectives, Prostitutes, the police on the cases and of course jack the ripper himself. At first the beginning of the book doesn't really make any sense. You just happen to go from person to person. One minute it will take you to a prostitute and next you will be sons to the hire of the throne. Its not until like chapter 2 you begin to understand why these people had any thing to do with the jack the ripper slayings.
The plot is absolutely rock solid. There are reasons for every ones being in this book. The art is some of the best art I've seen in a graphic novel. The actual way you read the words makes it feel like you are in there actual time. I normally don't read books that are like 600 pages but this book had me hooked for a while. Once you start, you won't stop.
Review of Moore's 'From Hell' ^ The second appendix alone is worth the money. The author presents a very intelligent critique of the history and curiosity surrounding the Ripper murders.
This is to say nothing of the work itself, with is a well-crafted retelling of the Ripper story, told from a 'conspiratory' perspective, which involves a cover-up with the Crown and the Masons. The work also reaches toward the format of an epic, with several self-contained character spaces, including the world of the Elephant Man and the nightlife of intellectuals like Oscar Wilde. Overall, the work is an excellent introduction to Victorian England, complete with references to social and political contexts.
My one complaint is the artwork. I didn't care for it. Yes, it presents a grim vision of England, but it is also sometimes difficult to understand what images the artist is trying to render. Did the ripper send a heart or a liver or a kidney with his letters? I'm not sure I would have known if the dialogue hadn't spelled it out.
This criticism should not deter a reading of this work. It's truly worth your time.
From Hell ^ This book is a struggle for me. The lettering is awkward and makes it hard to read. The story is painful and I have to push myself to read it. I knew going in that I had issues with the subject matter.
I bought this book because I admire Alan Moore's writting. In that regard, I am happy that I bought this book.
Anyone with a thick skin who likes a good character study will be delighted with this book. It is very well thought out.
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