Words of a monster : analyzing the writings of H.H. Holmes, America's first serial killer / Rebecca Frost.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Frost, Rebecca, 1985- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mudgett, Herman W., 1861-1896.

Mudgett, Herman W.

Serial murderers--Illinois--Chicago--Case studies.

Serial murderers.

Serial murders--Illinois--Chicago--Case studies.

Serial murders.

Illinois--Chicago.

Genre:

Case studies.

Physical Description:

viii, 275 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : Exposit Books, [2019]

Summary:

"Decades before the coining of the term "serial killer," H.H. Holmes murdered dozens of people in his now-infamous Chicago "Murder Castle." This book uses Holmes' writings and confessions to inspect how the Arch Fiend represented himself. His biography mirrors the narrative structure of the true crime genre that emerged decades after his death"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Part I Introducing H.H. Holmes p. 9

1 Separating the Man from the Myth p. 11

2 The Start of a Legend p. 31

Part II Holmes' Own Story p. 49

3 Troubled Youth p. 53

4 Of Wives and Mistresses p. 67

5 Holmes, Pitezel and Hatch-Facets of Manhood p. 78

6 Holmes the Storyteller p. 95

7 Protestations of Innocence p. 110

Part III Moyamensing Prison Diary Appendix p. 127

8 "My Wife" p. 130

9 Life Behind Bars p. 143

10 Hatch, Miss Williams and the Children p. 157

11 Evidence and Motive p. 173

Part IV Holmes Confesses 27 Murders p. 191

12 The Transformation from Innocent to Confessor p. 196

13 Details Revealed and Concealed p. 205

14 Those Hurt the Most p. 225.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781476677040

1476677042

OCLC:

1097463322