All That is Wicked: The 'Victorian Hannibal Lecter' and the Race to Decode the Criminal Mind

In her book "The Madman's Brain: Tales of Murder, Madness, and the Criminal Mind from the Golden Age of Psychiatry," Kate Winkler Dawson explores the fascinating and terrifying world of serial killers and the scientists who studied them in the 19th century. She reveals the stories of notorious criminals like Edward Rulloff, who was considered too intelligent to be killed, and the investigators who were convinced that his brain held the key to understanding the criminal mind. Dawson draws on hundreds of source materials and historical documents to present one of the first glimpses into the mind of a serial killer, a century before the term was coined.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Icon Books

A masterclass in bringing history to life, in all its creepy, twisted glory, Karen Kilgariff, co-host of the My Favorite Murder podcast, has crafted an unforgettable tale that will captivate every true crime enthusiast. Paul Holes, author of Unmasked: Crime Scenes, Cold Cases, and My Hunt for the Golden State Killer, praises Kate's masterful storytelling, stating that it will leave readers riveted.

The thrilling story of Edward Rulloff unfolds, a serial murderer deemed too intelligent to be killed. This captivating narrative delves into the lives of 19th-century investigators who were convinced that Rulloff's brain held the key to understanding the criminal mind. Rulloff, a brilliant yet utterly amoral murderer, committed his crimes over decades, earning him the nickname "Victorian-era Hannibal Lecter." By 1871, he was captured, chained in a cell, where he held court, captivating curious mindhunters of the time.

A diverse group of experts, including alienists, neurologists, and phrenologists, sought to unravel the mystery of Rulloff's mind. Each one believed they possessed the key to understanding the fundamental question: is evil born or made? Kate Winkler Dawson, acclaimed crime historian, expands on her hit podcast, Tenfold More Wicked, by drawing on hundreds of source materials and never-before-shared historical documents. Through her meticulous research, Dawson presents one of the first glimpses into the mind of a serial killer, a century before the term was coined.

This captivating book offers a unique perspective on the criminal justice system, shedding light on the pioneering work of these scientists and their lasting influence on criminal justice for decades to come. Kate Winkler Dawson's Tenfold More Wicked is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, history, and the human psyche.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 216 x 135 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785789496