
Words of a Monster
Analyzing the Writings of H.H. Holmes, America's First Serial Killer
Rebecca Frost(Author)
McFarland & Co Inc (Publisher)
Published on 19. June 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
283 pages
978-1-4766-7704-0 (ISBN)
Description
? Decades before the term "serial killer" was coined, H.H. Holmes murdered dozens of people in his now-infamous Chicago "Murder Castle."
In his autobiography, Holmes struggled to define himself in the language of the late nineteenth century. As the "first"--or, as he labeled himself, "The Greatest Criminal of the Age"--he had no one to compare himself to, and no ready-made biographical structure to follow. Holmes was thus nearly able to invent himself from scratch.
This book minutely inspects how Holmes represented himself in his writings and confessions. Although the legitimacy of Holmes' accounts have been called into question, his biography mirrors the narrative structure of the true crime genre that emerged decades after his death.
In his autobiography, Holmes struggled to define himself in the language of the late nineteenth century. As the "first"--or, as he labeled himself, "The Greatest Criminal of the Age"--he had no one to compare himself to, and no ready-made biographical structure to follow. Holmes was thus nearly able to invent himself from scratch.
This book minutely inspects how Holmes represented himself in his writings and confessions. Although the legitimacy of Holmes' accounts have been called into question, his biography mirrors the narrative structure of the true crime genre that emerged decades after his death.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
notes, bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
465 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-7704-0 (9781476677040)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Rebecca Frost is affiliated with Northern Michigan University. She lives and teaches in L'Anse, Michigan.
Content
Table of Contents
Introduction: Establishing "America's First Serial Killer"
Part I: Introducing H.H. Holmes
One.?Separating the Man from the Myth
Two.?The Start of a Legend
Part II: Holmes' Own Story
Three.?Troubled Youth
Four.?Of Wives and Mistresses
Five.?Holmes, Pitezel and Hatch-Facets of Manhood
Six.?Holmes the Storyteller
Seven.?Protestations of Innocence
Part III: Moyamensing Prison Diary Appendix
Eight.?"My Wife"
Nine.?Life Behind Bars
Ten.?Hatch, Miss Williams and the Children
Eleven.?Evidence and Motive
Part IV: Holmes Confesses 27 Murders
Twelve.?The Transformation from Innocent to Confessor
Thirteen.?Details Revealed and Concealed
Fourteen.?Those Hurt the Most
Conclusion: A Man of Mystery
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Introduction: Establishing "America's First Serial Killer"
Part I: Introducing H.H. Holmes
One.?Separating the Man from the Myth
Two.?The Start of a Legend
Part II: Holmes' Own Story
Three.?Troubled Youth
Four.?Of Wives and Mistresses
Five.?Holmes, Pitezel and Hatch-Facets of Manhood
Six.?Holmes the Storyteller
Seven.?Protestations of Innocence
Part III: Moyamensing Prison Diary Appendix
Eight.?"My Wife"
Nine.?Life Behind Bars
Ten.?Hatch, Miss Williams and the Children
Eleven.?Evidence and Motive
Part IV: Holmes Confesses 27 Murders
Twelve.?The Transformation from Innocent to Confessor
Thirteen.?Details Revealed and Concealed
Fourteen.?Those Hurt the Most
Conclusion: A Man of Mystery
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index