Jack El-Hai is the New York Times-bestselling author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, recently adapted into the major movie Nuremberg, which opened in theaters worldwide in 2025. The film, directed by James Vanderbilt, stars Rami Malek and Russell Crowe.
Jack writes nonfiction books, longform narratives, and the free monthly Damn History newsletter for writers and readers of popular history. He covers history, medicine, science, crime, and anything else that intrigues him and might intrigue you.
His other published books include Face in the Mirror, The Lost Brothers, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, Non-Stop: A Turbulent History of Northwest Airlines, and The Lobotomist: A Maverick Medical Genius and His Tragic Quest to Rid the World of Mental Illness. His articles have appeared in Smithsonian, The Atlantic, GQ, Wired, Scientific American Mind, The Washington Post Magazine, and many other publications.
Jack’s forthcoming book is The Case of the Autographed Corpse: A Medicine Man and a Mystery Writer in Pursuit of Justice (2026; Pegasus Publishers).
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist is just one of several of Jack’s nonfiction stories that have been adapted for the screen, stage, and podcasts. Among other adaptations of his work are the documentary American Experience: The Lobotomist, the Long Lost podcast, the stage play Sense of Decency and the podcast Time Capsule: The Silver Chain.
Jack frequently gives talks and leads workshops on the topics of his books as well as on the craft of nonfiction writing. Please contact Jayme Boucher, Hachette Speakers Bureau, at Jayme.Boucher@hbgusa.com to book him for your event. For media outreach and other presentation opportunities, please contact Ann Aronson at annaronson4@gmail.com.
