The Psychology of a Killer: Revelations of a Prison Psychiatrist

What drives people to commit crimes and what do they feel afterward, how do they evaluate their actions? Perhaps, the best understanding of the psychology of killers can be achieved by a prison psychologist: it is with them that the convicted often share secrets, revealing things they have not discussed either in court or with their loved ones. Theodor Dalrymple worked for many years as a psychiatrist and prison doctor in London and Birmingham. During his career, he encountered numerous horrifying, funny, and sad stories. He served as an expert in high-profile trials, treated murderers, robbers, and fraudsters, and communicated with their victims, prison guards, and lawyers.

Combining compassion and irony in his narrative, the author paints a psychological portrait of the killer, while simultaneously exposing the vices of modern society. Dalrymple's book offers a new perspective on today's justice system, on the relationship between law and society, and on established stereotypes and trendy social currents that sometimes hinder a sober assessment of the motives of criminals and the delivery of fair punishment.