Arthur Koestler: The Homeless Mind - Cesarani, David

Alongside his fair assessment of Arthur Koestler's mixed talents and chaotic life, Cesarani illuminates his attitude to women, whom he treated with contempt and, at times, violence. It is here revealed that he raped Michael Foot's wife, Jill Craigie, and it is implied that she was by no means unique in her ordeal. Other lovers were coerced into abortions when they got pregnant, and there is still controversy over the double suicide of Koestler at 79 with his fit, lively and much younger wife, Cynthia. In an otherwise admirably balanced, sane assessment, these distasteful facts so colour the man's reputation, you suspect it will never recover. Review by ROSEMARY GORING Editor's note: Rosemary Goring is literary editor of Scotland on Sunday. (Kirkus UK).

Softcover. English. Vintage. 1999. 646 pp. In fair/good condition, name inside. Book No: 4003462