Abrahamsen, David, 1903-2002
Variant namesDavid Abrahamsen was a forensic psychiatrist, author, and psychoanalyst who was known for his books analyzing the personalities of major criminals, such as Jack the Ripper and David Berkowitz (Son of Sam). Abrahamsen was born on June 23, 1903 in Trondheim, Norway. He received his medical degree in 1929 from the Royal Frederick University in Oslo. After working at several clinics in Europe, Abrahamsen immigrated to the United States. In 1942, he began working as a lecturer and research associate at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. He also maintained a private practice. From 1949 to 1953, Abrahamsen was Chair of the Columbia University Forum for the Study and Prevention of Crime. Throughout his long career, Abrahamsen was affiliated with a number of institutions such as the New School for Social Research, Yale Law School, the Foundation for the Prevention of Addictive Disease, and multiple hospitals. He was also a prolific writer, penning over ten books and many articles on criminal behavior. David Abrahamsen died in May 2002 at the age of 98.
Abrahamsen is perhaps best known for this involvement in the Son of Sam trial. In 1977, David Berkowitz was arrested for committing a series of six murders in New York City. David Abrahamsen was called in to assist the Brooklyn district attorney in determining whether or not Berkowitz was mentally fit to stand trial. Abrahamsen concluded that Berkowitz was competent and the trial moved onward. Berkowitz was sentenced to 365 years in prison and corresponded with Abrahamsen through two of those years. This correspondence allowed Abrahamsen to publish several scientific papers analyzing Berkowitz's personality. Abrahamsen also researched and psychoanalyzed Jack the Ripper which resulted in the book Murder and Madness: The Secret Life of Jack the Ripper (1992). Using police reports and medical records, Abrahamsen attempted to deconstruct the motivation behind the killings as well as to point toward potential suspects.
Nixon vs. Nixon is an analysis of former president, Richard Nixon. Relying primarily on interviews with individuals who knew Nixon at various points in his life, Abrahamsen presented a portrait of a very troubled individual. Although unable to actually interview Nixon in person, Abrahamsen used secondary research to supplement his analysis.
From the description of David Abrahamsen research files, 1906-1990. (Columbia University In the City of New York). WorldCat record id: 458423671
BIOGHIST REQUIRED David Abrahamsen was a forensic psychiatrist, author, and psychoanalyst who was known for his books analyzing the personalities of major criminals, such as Jack the Ripper and David Berkowitz (Son of Sam). Abrahamsen was born on June 23, 1903 in Trondheim, Norway. He received his medical degree in 1929 from the Royal Frederick University in Oslo. After working at several clinics in Europe, Abrahamsen immigrated to the United States. In 1942, he began working as a lecturer and research associate at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. He also maintained a private practice. From 1949 to 1953, Abrahamsen was Chair of the Columbia University Forum for the Study and Prevention of Crime. Throughout his long career, Abrahamsen was affiliated with a number of institutions such as the New School for Social Research, Yale Law School, the Foundation for the Prevention of Addictive Disease, and multiple hospitals. He was also a prolific writer, penning over ten books and many articles on criminal behavior. David Abrahamsen died in May 2002 at the age of 98.
BIOGHIST REQUIRED Abrahamsen is perhaps best known for this involvement in the Son of Sam trial. In 1977, David Berkowitz was arrested for committing a series of six murders in New York City. David Abrahamsen was called in to assist the Brooklyn district attorney in determining whether or not Berkowitz was mentally fit to stand trial. Abrahamsen concluded that Berkowitz was competent and the trial moved onward. Berkowitz was sentenced to 365 years in prison and corresponded with Abrahamsen through two of those years. This correspondence allowed Abrahamsen to publish several scientific papers analyzing Berkowitz's personality. Abrahamsen also researched and psychoanalyzed Jack the Ripper which resulted in the book Murder and Madness: The Secret Life of Jack the Ripper (1992). Using police reports and medical records, Abrahamsen attempted to deconstruct the motivation behind the killings as well as to point toward potential suspects.
BIOGHIST REQUIRED Nixon vs. Nixon is an analysis of former president, Richard Nixon. Relying primarily on interviews with individuals who knew Nixon at various points in his life, Abrahamsen presented a portrait of a very troubled individual. Although unable to actually interview Nixon in person, Abrahamsen used secondary research to supplement his analysis.
From the guide to the David Abrahamsen Research Files, 1906-1990, (Columbia University Rare Book and Manuscript Library, )
Role | Title | Holding Repository | |
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referencedIn | Sheldon Glueck papers | Harvard Law School Library Langdell Hall Cambridge, MA 02138 | |
creatorOf | Abrahamsen, David, 1903-2002. Letter, 1945, to Lewis Mumford. | University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library | |
creatorOf | David Abrahamsen Research Files, 1906-1990 | Columbia University. Rare Book and Manuscript Library | |
creatorOf | Abrahamsen, David, 1903-2002. Correspondence with Theodore Dreiser, n.d. | University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library | |
referencedIn | Sigmund Freud collection, [ca. 1918]-1970. | New York State Historical Documents Inventory | |
creatorOf | Abrahamsen, David, 1903-2002. David Abrahamsen research files, 1906-1990. | Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries |
Role | Title | Holding Repository |
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Filters:
Relation | Name | |
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associatedWith | Berkowitz, David Richard, 1953- | person |
correspondedWith | Glueck, Sheldon, 1896- | person |
associatedWith | New York Psychoanalytic Institute, | corporateBody |
associatedWith | Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994. | person |
Place Name | Admin Code | Country |
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Subject |
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Criminal psychology |
Murder |
Psychiatrists |
Occupation |
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Activity |
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Person
Birth 1903-06-23
Death 2002-05-20
Americans
English