Dark Legend: A Study In Murder by Frederic Wertham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the work of a psychiatrist that supported a decision of not-guilty by reason of insanity for a young matricide. Roughly in four parts, this work covers:
1] Recounting the crime and confession, literally "red-handed"
2] The killer Gino's own words on a murder as honor killing he felt his life led to irrevocably
3] The psychiatrist's Freudian interpretation of the motive and guilt entwined artfully with Hamlet and Shakespeare. Be sure to read the Notes in the back as they are encountered for further details on such lethal impulses Wertham finds reflected in literature and even some interesting historical overview of Hamlet productions.
4] A summary, including Gino's reflections in prison.
All-in-all, this has such an erudite, non-sensational and sophisticated voice that it comes across as unique in the true crime works I have read and it should be recommended for that.
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