Barnard's Ghost Speaks Again

It was some years ago, when Peninsula Times editor Lew Elias sent me to interview Chris Brewer. Chris had ghostwritten Prof Barnard's book and if I remember correctly I wrote up a positive story about the relationship that writer and subject enjoyed. The Peninsula Times carried it on their Thursday front page with the heading - Barnard's Ghost Speaks. Within moments I was inundated with a string of telephone calls - I forget the order - Prof Barnard's father, Prof Barnard himself, Prof Barnard's wife, Prof Barnard's lawyer. I remember the conversations with the Prof and his lawyer well. "How dare I suggest that he had not written his book himself", he said, summoning me to his office for a meeting. I remember him shouting, hysterically. Prof Barnard's lawyer said he had been instructed to sue me and the newspaper for libel. In an inspired moment I suggested that if I were to make up lies about Prof Barnard I would call him a satanic paedophile and all I did was report an interview with the man who told me he had written the book for Barnard.

I learned some great lessons that week - about lawyers and the media. Lawyers always sound more scary than they are and not to rely on a publisher to protect you. I also learned that an editor, even one like Lew Elias who is one of the loveliest people I know, cannot stand up to the money men. Although I have no knowledge of the Tsedu saga, I cynically suspect it is about a publisher wanting it one way and the editor, another.

Even though this event must have happened 10 years ago, I still recall the fear I felt at Barnard and his threats. He was a compelling man and it comes as no surprise to me that his family have closed ranks around Chris Logan's book. In a strange way I admire the fact they phoned me even though I was disappointed that a man who really did achieve great things, wouldn't admit he had a ghostwriter.

A word of congratulations to whomever is handling the publicity for the book - a front page lead with a screamer that says "Sensational New Book" yet an article that only hints at minor misdemeanors is a publicist worth having.