Arthur Koestler

A cultural and intellectual icon of the twentieth century, Arthur Koestler commanded the world's attention when he laid bare the horrors of Soviet-style totalitarianism in the acclaimed novel, Darkness at Noon. Now historian David Cesarani makes use of unprecedented and unrestricted access to Koestler's private papers -- as well as KGB and FBI documents newly available since the collapse of the Soviet Union -- to present along-awaited reevaluation of both the public and private man.Once a communist, Koestler led the intellectual counterattack that, according to Cesarani, culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall. In addition, his writings on science introduced millions to revolutionary theories of evolution and the workings of the mind. But behind his brilliance there was a rumored dark side -- one that is carefully substantiated by Cesarani, who presents proof of beatings and rapes, as well as a complete account of Koestler's tragic dual suicide with his third wife in 1983.With research hailed as "impressively thorough, " The Times (London), Cesarani "documents a disquieting chapter of history and the success of a determined pressure group in British politics" (Sunday Telegraph). Arthur Koestler: The Homeless Mind is the most complete -- and most controversial -- biography of this intellectual titan of the twentieth century.