Despite being a jazz superstar for decades, Davis was reclusive and deeply distrustful of other people. "Dark Magus" details Davis's Jekyll-and-Hyde personality, including his prodigious drug use, his misogynistic attitude towards women, his selfishness, and his distressing tendency to use violence to get his way or exact revenge. Other fascinating details abound, including Davis's relationship with Charlie Parker, his obsession with sports (especially boxing), and his grueling work with younger musicians.