Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #131 begins on 21 May 2026

Van Onselen, (Charles) [Signed]

THE FOX AND THE FLIES:

the world of Joseph Silver, racketeer and psychopath

Published: Jonathan Cape, London, 2007

Edition: First edition

Reserve: $40

Approximately:

Estimate: $50

Bidding opens: 21 May 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 28 May 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

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xxiv, 646 pages, [24] pages of plates: illustrations, genealogical table, portraits, plans. Paper covered boards, dust wrapper.

Signed & dated inscription from Van Onselen on half title page.

At the turn of the nineteenth century, Joseph Silver was a brothel-owner, pimp and trafficker in women, known to law-enforcement agencies on four continents. He lived in Southern Africa between 1898 and 1908. Van Onselen makes a case for Silver to have been Jack the Ripper.

  • Jacket Condition: Excellent
  • Binding Condition: Excellent
  • Overall Condition: Excellent
  • Size: 25 x 18 cm


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