The Minds of Billy Milligan

Synopsis

From the author of million-copy bestseller, Flowers for Algernon, the shocking true story of a troubled young man and his splintered, terrifying world.

Inspiration for the new TV series THE CROWDED ROOM starring Tom Holland

'An absorbing, often heart-rending exploration of the human mind' Cosmopolitan

'Fascinating' LA Times

'[Keyes] has carried it off brilliantly, bringing not only a fine clarity but a special warmth and empathy' Washington Post



Billy Milligan was a man tormented by twenty-four distinct personalities battling for supremacy - a battle that culminated when he awoke in jail, arrested for the kidnap and rape of three women. In a landmark trial, Billy was acquitted of his crimes by reason of insanity caused by multiple personality disorder - the first such court decision in history.

Among the twenty-four are: Philip, a petty criminal; Kevin, who dealt drugs; April, whose only ambition was to kill Billy's stepfather; Adalana, the shy, affection-starved lesbian who 'used' Billy's body in the rapes that led to his arrest; David, the eight-year-old 'keeper of the pain'; and the Teacher, the sum of all Billy's alter egos fused into one.

In The Minds of Billy Milligan, Daniel Keyes brings to light the most remarkable and harrowing case of multiple personality ever recorded.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Discovery

* Introduction to Billy Milligan, a man diagnosed with multiple personality disorder (MPD).
* Real example: Detective Lanning describes Milligan's erratic behavior and multiple identities during his arrest for a series of rapes.

Chapter 2: The Faces of Billy

* Dr. David Caul details the 10 main personalities inhabiting Milligan's mind: Billy, Arther, Ragen, Allen, Tommy, Danny, David, Christine, Christopher, and Adalana.
* Real example: Arthur, a sophisticated Englishman, takes control and writes a letter to a judge, explaining his perspective on the crimes.

Chapter 3: The Roots of Violence

* Exploration of Milligan's traumatic childhood, including abuse and neglect.
* Real example: Ragen, a lesbian woman, explains how her identity emerged as a coping mechanism for the sexual abuse she endured.

Chapter 4: The Power of Therapy

* Dr. Caul begins therapy with Milligan, using hypnosis to uncover his hidden personalities.
* Real example: Allen, a childlike personality, emerges during therapy and reveals painful memories of his father.

Chapter 5: The Integration Wars

* Conflict arises among Milligan's personalities as they compete for dominance.
* Real example: Tommy, a rebellious teenager, clashes with Billy, the host personality, in an internal power struggle.

Chapter 6: The Crimes of Billy

* Investigation into the rapes for which Milligan was arrested.
* Real example: Examination of the physical evidence and testimony from the victims paints a complex picture of the crime scene.

Chapter 7: The Trial of the Century

* Milligan's high-profile trial where his MPD becomes the central issue.
* Real example: Psychiatrists testify about the validity of his diagnosis, while prosecutors argue for his guilt.

Chapter 8: The Verdict

* Jury declares Milligan not guilty by reason of insanity.
* Real example: The courtroom erupts in cheers and protests as the verdict is announced.

Chapter 9: The Aftermath

* Milligan's life after the trial and his continued struggle with MPD.
* Real example: Description of his hospitalization and therapy, as well as his efforts to integrate his personalities.

Chapter 10: The Legacy

* Discussion of the implications of Milligan's case for the understanding of MPD.
* Real example: Researchers and clinicians debate the validity of the diagnosis and its potential impact on future cases.