McLibel Burger Culture on Trial by John Vidal

Published in 1997 by: Macmillan Publishers Ltd 25 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF, England ISBN 0 333 69461 9

From the sleeve... "The McLibel trial, the longest case in British legal history, is an unlikely morality tale of our times. In 1990 McDonald's slapped writs on five London activists for allegedly libelling it in a leaflet entitled What's Wrong With McDonald's?. Three were unwilling to fight a legal battle. But the multinational giant had not banked on the dogged determination of Helen Steel and Dave Morris, who refused to apologize.

Denied a jury trial and ineligible for legal aid, they were forced to defend themselves, pitted against some of the top libel lawyers in the country. This unlikely duo became the symbo'of a burgeoning protest movement against the globalization represented by corporations such as McDonald's. For two years the trial ground through issues from employment, advertising, recycling and litter to nutrition, animal rights and deforestation. A crucial set of opposites emerged. McLibel pitted two philosophies against each other. Two ways of eating, of treating the planet, two codes of behaving in the late twentieth century, of dealing with people, animals and the environment.

The McLibel Support Campaign grew around them - lawyers, nutritionists, ex-McDonald's workers, mothers, teenagers all weighed in with financial and other aid. A site was created on the Internet, called McSpotlight, publicizing and giving millions access to the issues of the trial.

And a very different side of McDonald's to that portrayed by its $2 billion annual advertising spend was opened to public scrutiny. A company this size had never before been so carefully or publicly examined. The tables were turned and the corporation found itself on trial.

The conclusion of the trial (though the verdict is still awaited) offers the first opportunity to measure the lasting impact - and the very real political and legal significance - of the case. McLibel, the book, tells the gripping inside story of this epic clash of cultures and allows the public to judge for itself."

About the Author...
"John Vidal has been a journalist at the Guardian for twelve years, as Environmental Editor for the past six years. He has twice won Environmental Journalist of the Year in the national awards."

What the papers say...
Midweek - Pete May magicaly ressurects Ray Kroc for the trial
The Guardian - "an entertaining account of one of the most unequal, unnecessary and often surreal trials"
The Sunday Telegraph - placing the blame on "the multitudes foolish enough to be seduced by Ronald McDonald"
The Daily Mail - "excellent and often hilarious examination of the epic court clash"
The Observer - "The most significant point about this book is that it has been written at all"
The Sunday Times - Rumpole on Rampton, bunfighting and a lot of faith

... more book reviews and comments in the media.

The book is now available in bookshops in the UK. It will be on sale in some other countries soon. It can also be ordered by anyone having problems obtaining a copy, from Veggies by mail order for cover price 16 pounds (including postage within Europe), and 20 pounds (including postage outside Europe). All overseas payments by Bankers Draft in British pounds drawn on a London Bank please.

Veggies, 180 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham NG1 3HW, UK, Tel +44-(0)115 958 5666, email veggies@innotts.co.uk.

Orders by VISA can be accepted by Mushroom Bookshop. The charge will be the ú15.99 cover price plus actual airmail costs only. Advise them of your Card Number and Expiry Date. Mushroom Bookshop, 10 Heathcote Street, Nottingham NG1 3AA, UK. Tel +44-(0)115 958 2506.