Of Mind and Murder traces the history of psychological attempts to understand the Holocaust and critically assesses the existing literature. As the dominance of the situationist interpretation of the psychology of the Holocaust popularized by Milgram wanes, Of Mind and Murder suggests some possible paths forward to a new psychology of the Holocaust.
The narrative explores the harrowing accusations against Ilse Koch and Rudolph Spanner during WWII, highlighting the grotesque nature of their alleged crimes. Koch was accused of using the skin of murdered Buchenwald prisoners for personal items, while Spanner faced allegations of making soap from Jewish victims at Stutthof. Their cases were presented at the Nuremberg Trials, yet neither faced charges there. Koch received a life sentence but ultimately committed suicide, while Spanner lived unprosecuted in Germany until his natural death.
The Liberation of Buchenwald and the Limits of Memory
Focusing on the liberation of Buchenwald, this book examines the complexities of memory surrounding a pivotal World War II event. It highlights the discrepancies between accurate accounts and the distortions that have emerged over time, including exaggerations and false memories. By analyzing personal testimonies, local news stories, and published works from various Holocaust organizations, the narrative sheds light on how collective memory can often misrepresent historical truths, emphasizing the importance of preserving accurate historical accounts.