Jack Ruby: The Many Faces of Oswald's Assassin

Jack Ruby, a controversial figure, killed Lee Harvey Oswald on live TV two days after President John F. Kennedy's murder. His motives are still unclear, but evidence suggests he was a bumbling, vain, violent, and neurotic man or a cagey and competent pawn of the Mob and the police. Cultural historian Danny Fingeroth's research includes interviews with Rabbi Hillel Silverman and Ruby family members and associates, shedding light on Ruby's descent into madness and his impact on history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2023
Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Jack Ruby's audacious act of assassinating Lee Harvey Oswald on live television, just two days after the tragic murder of President John F. Kennedy, forever altered the course of history. However, the identity and motives of this enigmatic figure remain shrouded in mystery, even as we approach the sixtieth anniversaries of these events.

Ruby's life story presents a complex and contradictory portrait. On the one hand, there is evidence to suggest that he was a bumbling, vain, violent, and neurotic individual, struggling to make a living in the impoverished Jewish ghetto of Chicago. He was often depicted as a man who could barely sustain relationships with anyone, let alone maintain a stable job or a meaningful connection with another human being.

On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that Ruby was a cunning and capable individual, perhaps not a mastermind, but a valuable pawn in the hands of various factions. His involvement in illegal activities, including smuggling arms and vehicles to both sides in the Cuban revolution, as well as his role in bribery schemes to secure the release of imprisoned Mob figures, indicate that he was not afraid to navigate the murky waters of power and corruption.

Cultural historian Danny Fingeroth's extensive research includes a new, in-depth interview with Rabbi Hillel Silverman, a legendary Dallas clergyman who maintained a close relationship with Ruby during his time in prison. Silverman witnessed Ruby's descent into madness, providing valuable insights into the man's psyche and motivations. Fingeroth also conducted interviews with Ruby's family members and associates, shedding further light on his enigmatic character.

The findings of Fingeroth's book will transport readers on a captivating journey through a house of historical mirrors. As they delve deeper into Ruby's life and actions, they will begin to piece together the puzzle that has fascinated historians and conspiracy theorists alike. The book's revelations may help us to understand how Oswald's assassin led us to the world we live in today, with its complex web of political, social, and economic challenges.

In conclusion, Jack Ruby's enigmatic presence on the day of Kennedy's assassination and his subsequent role in Oswald's death continue to captivate our imagination. While his motives remain shrouded in mystery, Fingeroth's book offers a fresh perspective on this controversial figure, shedding light on his complex life and actions. As we reflect on the sixtieth anniversaries of these tragic events, it is essential to consider the impact that Ruby's actions had on history and the world we inhabit today.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641609128