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2. Policing in the Shadow of Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes: Myths, Monsters, and the Declining Reputation of the Late-Victorian Detective

  • 2022
  • OriginalPaper
  • Chapter
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Abstract

The chapter delves into the intricate relationship between the late-Victorian police force and the public's perception, heavily influenced by the rise of detective fiction. It examines how the police managed public expectations amidst the Jack the Ripper murders, a period marked by intense media scrutiny and the blurring of lines between fact and fiction. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by the police in living up to the standards set by fictional detectives like Sherlock Holmes, and how they navigated this complex landscape. The chapter also explores how the police used memoirs and other narratives to reassert their authority and counter the unrealistic expectations created by detective fiction. This detailed analysis provides a fresh perspective on the historical context and the evolving role of the police in the face of sensational crimes and media attention.

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Title
Policing in the Shadow of Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes: Myths, Monsters, and the Declining Reputation of the Late-Victorian Detective
Author
Amy Milne-Smith
Copyright Year
2022
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07159-1_2
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