Books Like...
Doctors from Hell is a chilling firsthand account of the Nuremberg Trials related to the medical experiments and torture carried out by Nazi doctors on prisoners during the Holocaust. Vivien Spitz, a former court reporter, delves into the horrific details of the crimes committed, emphasizing the high social and professional status of the perpetrators. The book is based on court transcripts and includes graphic photographs, providing a compelling narrative that sheds light on the unspeakable atrocities that took place in the concentration camps.
Spitz weaves a historical past into a short but intense recounting of the tortures inflicted on victims through medical experiments. The book is praised for its ability to discuss the darkness of the Holocaust without overwhelming the reader with excessive blood and gore. Through excerpts from the Nuremberg Trials, the calculated destruction and lack of empathy displayed by the doctors come to light, making it a hard-to-put-down read that educates and enlightens readers about a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust.
If you liked Doctors from Hell: The Horrific Account of Nazi Experiments on Humans, here are the top 26 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Elephants on Acid is a collection of some of the most bizarre, curious, and plain cruel experiments executed in the name of science. The book delves into a mix of stories covering a wide range of experimentation genres, from studies on electricity and dead bodies to neurosurgeries and famous psychology experiments like the Stanford Prison experiment. The writing style of the author, Alex Boese, presents these experiments in an informative yet engaging manner, capturing the attention of readers with tales of inhumane yet intriguing scientific endeavors.
The book offers a glimpse into the depths of scientific exploration, showcasing experiments that range from capturing visual information from a cat's brain to the infamous LSD-induced elephant experiment. Despite the sometimes disturbing subject matter, the author's approach to presenting the information allows readers to acknowledge the atrocities while still being entertained and intrigued by the world of scientific experimentation.
Beakers bubble over. Electricity crackles. A man hunches over a laboratory bench, a crazed look in his eyes. This is the classic image of a mad scientist—a pale-skinned, sleep-deprived man toiling awa... - #2
Save:"Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington delves into the long, tragic history of the abuse of African Americans in medical research. Washington meticulously researches and documents the unethical practices and racist experiments conducted on people of African descent, shedding light on the atrocities committed in the name of science and medicine. The author highlights the deep-rooted distrust within the African American community towards the medical profession due to historical mistreatment, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability in medical research to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.
The narrative in the book is described as grim and eye-opening, exploring the lesser-known corners of history regarding medical experimentation on African Americans. Washington's writing style is praised for being thorough, well-documented, and thought-provoking, providing a comprehensive account of the racial bias and abuses prevalent in medical studies throughout history. While the subject matter is distressing, the book serves as a crucial reminder of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans in the healthcare system and the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs.
There are a great number of Negroes, nearly all of whom are Slaves. And on different Streets are large halls occupied as Marts or stores, for the sale or purchase of Slaves…. While I have been looking... - #3
Save:"Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military" by Avis Lang and Neil deGrasse Tyson delves into the historical relationship between science, particularly astrophysics, and the military. It explores the intertwined paths of scientific progress and military advancements throughout human history, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions of this alliance. The writing style is described as anecdotal, historical, and accessible, making it appealing to readers from all walks of life, regardless of their familiarity with scientific or literary works.
- #4
Save:'The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I' by Lindsey Fitzharris is a gripping account of the origins of plastic surgery during World War I. Through the lens of Dr. Harold Gillies, the pioneer in reconstructive surgery, the book delves into the compassionately presented history of maxillofacial injuries suffered by soldiers and sailors, showcasing the horrors of war and the miraculous advancements in medical science. Fitzharris skillfully weaves together the narratives of Dr. Gillies, the patients who underwent groundbreaking surgeries, and the backdrop of World War I, providing a deeply informative and sensitively approached exploration of a subject often overlooked.
The book is lauded for its excellent research, compelling storytelling, and the author's ability to bring to life the brutal reality of WWI and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. It offers a unique perspective on the beginnings of plastic surgery, shedding light on the challenges faced by both medical professionals and war survivors during one of the darkest periods in modern history.
'The Magic of Reality' by Richard Dawkins is a popular science book aimed at teenagers and young adults, exploring various scientific topics like the Big Bang and evolution. Dawkins contrasts scientific explanations with myths and legends, emphasizing the value of rational thought and the scientific method over unsupported beliefs. is richly illustrated and presents complex scientific principles in an accessible manner, while also delving into the question of why to believe in scientific facts.
REALITY IS EVERYTHING that exists. That sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? Actually, it isn’t. There are various problems. What about dinosaurs, which once existed but exist no longer? What about sta...- #6
Save:'The Butchering Art: Joseph Lister's Quest to Transform the Grisly World of Victorian Medicine' by Lindsey Fitzharris is a detailed exploration of the transition from barbaric surgical practices to modern aseptic techniques during the Victorian era. The book delves into the life and work of Joseph Lister, a pioneering surgeon who championed the adoption of antiseptic methods, despite facing opposition from his contemporaries. Through vivid descriptions of the grim realities of hospital care in the 19th century, the author paints a compelling picture of Lister's revolutionary contributions to the field of medicine.
The narrative shifts from the gruesome depiction of Victorian surgery to the intriguing story of Lister's scientific advancements, providing insights into the challenges he encountered while advocating for germ theory and proper hygiene in medical practices. Fitzharris skillfully weaves together historical events, medical discoveries, and personal anecdotes to offer a captivating account of Lister's quest to transform the grisly world of Victorian medicine, ultimately shedding light on the evolution of surgical techniques and the impact of scientific progress on healthcare.
Let us not overlook the further great fact, that not only does science underlie sculpture, painting, music, poetry, but that science is itself poetic.… Those engaged in scientific researches constantl... - #7
Save:"Command and Control" by Eric Schlosser is a detailed and disquieting book that focuses on the history of nuclear weapons safety in the US. The book delves into the shocking amount of accidents that have occurred in the handling of nuclear weapons and the sheer incompetence of those in control. It also covers the history of weaponized fission and the hair-raising incidents that almost led to accidental nuclear detonations, showcasing the fragility of the systems in place to prevent such disasters.
The narrative style of the book is described as both terrifying and fascinating, offering a thrilling and eye-opening account of the Cold War nuclear arsenal. It reads like a thriller, providing a detailed history of the Strategic Air Command and the US nuclear arsenal, highlighting the safety concerns and the near misses that could have led to catastrophic consequences. The book is praised for its engaging writing style and its ability to keep readers hooked with its detailed accounts of incidents and the historical context surrounding nuclear weapons.
On September 18, 1980, at about six thirty in the evening, Senior Airman David F. Powell and Airman Jeffrey L. Plumb walked into the silo at Launch Complex 374-7, a few miles north of Damascus, Arkans... - #8
Save:'The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos' by Judy Batalion tells the untold stories of female resistance fighters from Hitler's ghettos during the Second World War. Through detailed accounts, the author sheds light on the courage and ingenuity of these heroines who risked their lives to fight against the atrocities of Nazi Germany. covers a range of experiences, from women disguising themselves to acquire forged identity papers to those who actively participated in armed revolts and uprisings.
The writing style of the book is described as clear, exciting, and detailed, making it difficult for readers to put down. Each chapter introduces a new perspective, providing insights into the personal struggles and triumphs of these women during a tumultuous time in history. The author's meticulous research and storytelling bring to life the bravery and resilience of these often overlooked heroes.
"My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor is a non-fiction memoir detailing the author's experience of suffering a massive stroke and her subsequent journey of recovery. Taylor, a neuroscientist, provides fascinating insights into the world of neurology as she recounts her symptoms and recovery process. The book delves into the complexities of the human brain, exploring the differences between the right and left brain functions, and how Taylor learned to integrate both sides as she healed. Through Taylor's personal narrative, readers gain a unique perspective on brain trauma and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
I am a trained and published neuroanatomist. I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. One of my older brothers, who is only 18 months older than I, was diagnosed with the brain disorder schizophrenia. He wa...- #10
Save:'The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York' by Deborah Blum is a compelling historical account of the early years of forensic science in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. The book delves into the misuse of poison, both by criminals and the government during Prohibition, highlighting the research on toxicology by Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler. Blum's writing style is fast-paced and engaging, weaving together murder investigations, poisons, chemistry, and the birth of forensic medicine into a fascinating narrative that explores the dark side of Jazz Age New York.
IN LATE JANUARY 1926, a snow-sprayed wind glittering around him, a reporter from the New York Times shivered on a certain street corner, the one an irate letter writer had described as the noisiest in...
