I’ve gotten
into the BBC show Ripper Street, which I think is a top-notch mystery and
excellent history. The show’s setting sparked in me an idea exploited in
Babylon 5, where Jack the Ripper makes an appearance in the future. I think an
idea such as that, where historical figures, especially criminals, go missing
is a fun way to bring the history to life.
I’m not
talking about the ultra-famous figures like Lincoln, Socrates, or Shakespeare,
whose presence in history is documented and necessary. I like the idea of those
figures who abruptly disappeared, who go missing, and all that remains is the
mystery of them.
I think
it’s time I go finding just such figures from history to make an appearance in
some of my works.