The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers Hardcover - 1992

London England: Headline, 1992. From Jack the Ripper to the Yorkshire Ripper serial killers have exerted a particular power over the public imagination. However, in this timely and responsible book, the popular image of the lone antisocial psychopath is kicked into touch and an altogether more complex picture emerges. For this book, true-crime experts Brian Lane and Wilfred Greff have assembled the most comprehensive international collection of profiles of serial killers ever published. From these, fascinating patterns of behaviour of the so-called 'random' killers do emerge. And in Brian Lane's intriguing introduction he delves into some of the factors that characterise the criminals and their crimes. Dividing the killer into four main categories - visionaries, missionaries, hedonists and power-seekers - he uses the latest statistical evidence and research to point out their likely psychological profiles and social backgrounds. Covering 'killer couples' and group murderers as well as infamous solo killers, this book provides a complete historical overview of the sinister and, according to the statistics, increasingly prevalent element of modern criminal behaviour - serial murder. Illustrated with B/W photos.. First Edition. Cloth. Fine/Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hardback.