John Leonard was a voracious critical omnivore, exploring culture, politics, television, books, and the media with sharp insight. He contributed to numerous prestigious publications, leaving a significant mark with his analytical prowess and distinctive voice. Leonard also authored fiction and essay collections, demonstrating a broad literary scope. His extensive writings on television were particularly noted for their depth and originality. His contributions to literary criticism and cultural commentary remain highly regarded for their intellectual rigor.
A chronicle of "The Ed Sullivan Show" incorporates more than 350 photographs of great stars and legendary moments into a text that describes the show's influential role in the history of American culture. 40,000 first printing. $40,000 ad/promo. Tour.
Flight to Bogota charts an infamous episode in sports history, when UK footballers turned their backs on club and country before the 1950 World Cup for a sporting El Dorado. England's Neil Franklin led the rebellion, only to return home with his career in tatters. But the players' vociferous defence of their behaviour enlightened a shocked nation.
Leading critic John Leonard explores the writings of John Milton from his early poetry to his major prose.
James Marshall is a successful defence attorney, close to making partner at his firm, having never lost a case. He enjoys the spoils of success, but his ambitions and his work have destroyed his marriage. Since this breakdown, he has struggled to balance his life, scarcely seeing his young children, but his parents remain a solid support in his life, and his passion for his work has kept him going. Through his work, he thought he'd seen the worst that humanity had to offer, until the day a vengeful former client attacks his parents. Terrified for his family, Marshall finds himself making a list of the worst people he's defended, guilty people he had successfully kept out of prison, before tracking each of them down, intent on finding the culprit.
Salute examines why England's footballers made a gesture that would haunt them for the rest of their days. To Hitler, England's Nazi salute in the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, was a propaganda victory. Discover how botched British diplomacy amid the political flashpoints of the 1930s led to shame for English footballers.