Patrick Kavanagh and The Leader: The Poet, the Politician and the Libel Trail

In October 1952 The Leader, a political and cultural magazine published an unsigned `Profile' of the poet, Patrick Kavanagh which he considered offensive. He sued The Leader (and its printer) for damages. The case came to court in February 1954. Former Taoiseach John A. Costello appeared as lead barrister for the defense. The libel case became a public sensation, receiving extensive newspaper coverage at the time, with crowds of spectators outside the court each day. This book is a look at the case and its effects on the key players.