Swine For All Seasons (Press, 18 March 1989)

"Citizen Cohn," authored by Nicholas Von Hoffman and published by Century Hutchinson in 1988, is a comprehensive biography detailing the controversial life of Roy Cohn, a lawyer notorious for his connections to power and his role as a fixer. The book explores Cohn's rise to prominence in American society, portraying him as a figure who navigated through major historical events with the cunning of a mythical creature. Regarded at the peak of his career as the most formidable lawyer in America, Cohn was deeply entrenched in a network that linked him from the Reagan administration to organised crime. His clientele included influential figures across various sectors, establishing him as a pivotal force in American politics and society. Born into a New York Democratic Jewish household, Cohn's eventual alignment with far-right Republicans showcased a notable ideological shift throughout his life. Cohn's personal life was riddled with scandal. While he was a fixture in elite social circles, he kept his homosexuality hidden until he was terminally ill with AIDS-related cancer. The latter years of his life were marked by disgrace, culminating in his disbarment and allegations of unethical conduct, including accusations of jumping queues for medical treatment. Von Hoffman's portrayal of Cohn reveals a man who was far more a manipulative and unscrupulous figure than a legally proficient lawyer. His history includes serving on the prosecution team for the Rosenbergs and as chief counsel during the infamous McCarthy hearings. His close association with J. Edgar Hoover further illustrates his controversial status, as both men shared a vendetta against Robert Kennedy. As the biography unfolds, Cohn’s reputation is shown to be a fabrication maintained through manipulation rather than genuine legal expertise. Von Hoffman highlights the victims left in Cohn's wake, including clients who suffered due to his unscrupulous practices. The paradox of Cohn's life is that even as he was a significant player in the dynamics of American power, he also faced numerous indictments and charges of professional misconduct. Ultimately, "Citizen Cohn" provides a profound insight into the complexities of power, morality, and societal reflection in contemporary America. The book suggests that Cohn’s existence and the eventual fall from grace serves as a commentary on the moral fabric of the society that allowed him to thrive. The narrative invites readers to contemplate the implications of Cohn's legacy and its resonances in a society that sometimes rewards the unscrupulous.

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