Private Eye

The first 50 years

An A-Z by Adam Macqueen, Private Eye Productions Ltd, 312 pages, hardback, £25

Throughout its existence Private Eye has lambasted and lampooned public figures, most notably billionaire businessman Sir James Goldsmith and media magnate Robert Maxwell. Goldsmith issued more than 100 writs against the Eye in 1976 alone.

Its mix of humour and investigation has challenged the hypocrisy of the elite.

The late socialist journalist Paul Foot was one of those central to the magazine’s investigative reputation. He exposed scandals from New Labour’s PFI schemes to the lies around the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

A look back over some of the front covers is a reminder of the wonderful job the Eye has done. Editor Ian Hislop’s own favourite is from July this year following Hackgate.

He has waited 19 years hoping to use the “Gotcha” headline the Sun used after the sinking of the Belgrano, which he says showed the Murdoch press at its worst.

However, Private Eye does have weaknesses — in particular, it has been accused of homophobia.

Nevertheless, as politicians become increasingly ridiculous, its particular brand of satire is still a welcome addition to the newsstands.

Until 8 January, 2012: Private Eye: the first 50 years exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Admission free.

Reviews contributed by the Bookmarks socialist bookshop. Order online at www.bookmarksbookshop.co.uk