Based on previously unpublished documents, American science journalist Jack El-Hai recounts the encounter of American military psychiatrist Douglas M. Kelley with the elite of the Nazi regime, including Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring. In preparation for the Nuremberg Trials, which began on November 20, 1945, American doctors examined the mental state of the 52 detained Nazi leaders. Chief Army psychiatrist Douglas M. Kelley was immediately fascinated by Hermann Göring and saw a unique opportunity to explore the Nazi psyche and the nature of evil in comprehensive conversations. His book is an impressively detailed character study and an engaging read about a phase of psychological theory and practice that is not so far in the past.