Behind the Bastards: Part One - Robert Maxwell: How Ghislaine Maxwell's Dad Ruined Science

Hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Behind the Bastards, Robert Evans delves into the tumultuous life of Robert Maxwell, the controversial father of Ghislaine Maxwell. Joined by special guest Adam Conover, the hosts explore Maxwell's early life, wartime experiences, and the foundation of his empire that would later have far-reaching impacts on various industries, including scientific publishing.

Early Life and Background

Robert Evans begins by introducing Robert Maxwell, highlighting his origins and the stark contrast between his initial heroism and later notoriety.

• Robert Evans [05:14]: "He was born Abraham Lieb Hoch on June 10, 1923, in a village called Slatinsky Doli, which was part of Czechoslovakia at the time."

Maxwell's upbringing in a poor Jewish village subjected him to the harsh realities of Eastern European anti-Semitism and pogroms, shaping his resilient yet manipulative character.

• Robert Evans [09:04]: "He comes from deeply impoverished backgrounds, not like an Elon Musk story. There are no emerald mines in his history."

His parents, Mehl the Tall and Hannah (Chanca), were prominent yet struggling figures in their village, with his mother being notably learned and outspoken about social injustices.

Wartime Heroism and Transformation

As World War II erupted, Robert Maxwell, then known as Jan Abraham Ludvik, became actively involved in the resistance against the Nazis. His early actions showcased a blend of bravery and ruthlessness.

• Robert Evans [05:39]: "He turns into a business monster who destroys the industry of scientific publishing for quick profit. It's such a weird heel turn story."

Maxwell's wartime narrative is marked by heroic deeds, such as leading sniper units and infiltrating enemy lines, which earned him the Military Cross. However, these actions also included war crimes, revealing the complex moral landscape of his character.

• Adam Conover [27:55]: "He sounds awesome."
• Robert Evans [43:59]: "He clearly has no issue going under a bunch of different names."

Despite his commendable military service, Maxwell's aggressive tactics and disregard for the rules of war hinted at a darker side, foreshadowing his future endeavors.

Post-War Career and Ethical Decline

After the war, Maxwell's linguistic prowess and strategic mindset propelled him into intelligence roles and eventually into the business world. His ability to manipulate and deceive became evident as he navigated different cultures and industries.

• Robert Evans [13:24]: "He is issued a name. Leslie Smith. That's the British Army. He's now a British officer."

Maxwell's rise in the business sector, particularly his dominance over scientific publishing, is characterized by unethical practices aimed at quick profits, thereby undermining the integrity of scientific discourse.

• Adam Conover [05:51]: "So he's talking about her dad because he's so much more fucking interesting than her."

His actions not only disrupted the scientific community but also laid the groundwork for the manipulative and abusive industry dynamics he would later be associated with.

Personal Life and Psychological Impact

Maxwell's personal life, including his marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Minard, adds another layer to his complex persona. His promises of heroism and prosperity contrasted sharply with the tragic loss of his family during the Holocaust, fueling a relentless drive that bordered on obsession.

• Robert Evans [55:07]: "He is convicted that had he stayed home, he could have saved his family. Nothing he achieved would compensate for what he couldn't."

This unfulfilled desire to save his family from the horrors of the Holocaust resulted in a deep-seated rage and a subsequent descent into morally questionable actions, both during and after the war.

Legacy and Impact on Science

The episode concludes by setting the stage for Maxwell's influence on scientific publishing, hinting at how his manipulative tactics and pursuit of profit severely disrupted scientific communities and institutions. This legacy of undermining scientific integrity marks him as one of history's most notorious figures in the realm of science and media.

• Robert Evans [61:05]: "He commits a lot of war crimes, but he's not punished for them. No one's really inclined to punish him."

Maxwell's ability to evade accountability and continue his ascent in the business world exemplifies the dark trajectory from wartime heroism to post-war villainy.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Evans [05:14]: "Robert Maxwell is the man who ruined science in a lot of ways."
• Adam Conover [27:55]: "He sounds awesome."
• Robert Evans [43:59]: "Mark Dimate's superiors see someone who might make a good spook. He clearly has no issue going under a bunch of different names."
• Robert Evans [55:07]: "Nothing he achieved in life would ever compensate for what he had not been able to accomplish."

Conclusion

Part One of Behind the Bastards offers a gripping exploration of Robert Maxwell's transformation from a desperate Jewish youth in wartime Europe to a war hero with a sinister side. Through engaging dialogue and detailed analysis, Robert Evans and Adam Conover shed light on how Maxwell's early experiences and personal losses fueled a relentless drive that ultimately led to significant disruption in scientific publishing and beyond. The episode sets the foundation for understanding the complex legacy of one of history's most controversial figures, promising deeper insights in the forthcoming episodes.

Where to Find More

• Subscribe to Behind the Bastards: Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and other major podcast platforms.
• Follow Adam Conover: Listen to his podcast Factually, watch his video monologues on YouTube, and check out his stand-up special Unmedicated on Dropout.
• Learn More About Robert Maxwell: Visit the Cool Zone Media website at coolzonemedia.com for additional content and updates.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisement segments from the original transcript to focus solely on the content related to Robert Maxwell.