22 Cells in Nuremberg : In the Nazi Mind

by Douglas M. Kelley, Olivier Goulon (Foreword)

Genres: History, Nonfiction

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2026

Reviews

[JaneAnn Linger Fucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A have to read for those aware of repeated history. I wasn’t sure what to expect but “enjoyed” this as a slower read. It definitely substantiates my current political thought. The author was dedicated to reporting this to help us help ourselves.

[Stephen Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book. Highly, highly recommend for every WWII history buff. Extremely engaging for anyone who is intrigued by the human mind and sociology. Kelley’s final chapter is a hair-raising harbinger.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching the film Nuremberg (2025) made me seek this out, an important reprint. Almost 80 years later, Douglas Kelley's book provides a fascinating insight into the minds of the men who were responsible for some of the worst horrors humans have ever seen, horrors which still echo today.

This book serves as a stark warning in 2026 that rights don't just disappear overnight, they are slowly eroded in plain sight. It should be taught in history classes as a reminder not to be complacent, lest history repeat itself. And there are many seemingly ordinary men out there in positions of power who would lead the charge.

"But we must never forget that Hitler was elected by democratic methods in a democratic system, which we ourselves helped to set up. He was elected in a democratic way because of the failure of German democratic forces to prevent his election, because of the fundamental apathy and lack of interest of those forces. Such apathy and disinterest is not unknown in the United States. It has been made painfully obvious in many elections that a small minority, functioning as an active unit, can and does win elections that determine the fate of an apathetic, lethargic, nonvoting majority."

[Samuel Leclerc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Extensive background, contextual and psychological description of each nuremberg prisoner. I did skip a a few of the last chapters as the descriptions became a bit lengthy for me. In spite of all this, the book was a very very great read the first and the last chapter are very very relevant and should be read by everyone as they speak about the simple yet important conclusion : the Nazi’s were ordinary people and not unique uncommon and bizarre specimens in their own genre. People with their personalities can be found anywhere in any society. Yet these personalities joined with low ethics, great ambition and a sense of nationalism that could justify anything benefiting Germany led them there. Racism is a tool used to gain power, control, profit and to self benefit the leaders using these simple speeches and idea and most of all race is a social construct and a myth. Great book the I do recommend at least the first and last chapters to everyone.

[Heather Linebarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a psychiatric nurse who is also very interested in history this book was absolutely enamoring. I found it extremely interesting to hear how a psychiatrist viewed these Nazi personalities. Kelly's warning to the American people to prevent a repeat of civil destruction was ignored in 1947, yet it resonates even more strongly today.
"we must reform our system of education to teach students to think"
"We cannot have a mature nation of infantile citizens"
"They (Nazi's) use of racism as a method of obtaining personal power, political aggrandizement, or individual wealth. We are allowing racism to be used here (US) for those ends. I am convinced that the continued use of these myths in this country will lead us to join the Nazi criminals in the sewer of civilization."

[Mallory Cislo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in 1947, this book angered the American public and Dr. Kelley was shunned for daring to suggest that the Nazi leaders and members were not born with any particular insanity and that these archetypes were easy to see in government, boardrooms, and in the press of the USA. I wish every American would read at least his final few chapters. I could remove the names and post them, and most people would think it was written recently. We have been ripe for democratically-elected totalitarianism for 80+ years.

[Julie Kovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

America beware

This is a fascinating book written over 60 years ago and foretells at the end where America is headed if we allow politicians to use race and hatred and gifts of free stuff to win elections. He believes this is why Hitler was able to take over Germany and America is susceptible to the same.

[Louise K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alarmingly appropriate to our current times

From a historical perspective, Douglas Kelley invites us into the minds of the twenty two Nazi war criminals on trial in Nuremberg. Even more chilling is his insight into our future democracy which currently seems to be coming to fruition.
Louise Miller