Glenveagh Mystery: The Life, Work and Disappearance of Arthur Kingsley Porter

by Lucy Costigan

Arthur Kingsley Porter (1883-1933) - renowned American, Harvard professor, and owner of Glenveagh Castle - vanished in 1933 from Ireland's Inishbofin Island, Co. Donegal. No trace of the professor was ever found. Over the decades, stories of Porter's disappearance turned into legend. A strong swimmer and always fond of the outdoors, was it likely that he had been drowned by misadventure? Was foul play involved? Perhaps Porter took off alone to pursue new adventures, since he possessed every asset that most mortals can only dream of. Or, was there a dark secret that led the enigmatic professor to jump from the rocks on that fateful morning? The truth about the secret inner world of Arthur Kingsley Porter has only recently been revealed. As a historical thriller set in Ireland, America, and Europe in the 1920s and 30s, Glenveagh Mystery: The Life, Work and Disappearance of Arthur Kingsley Porter conjures up the world of Irish cultural and rural life. It examines Porter's friendship with the literary figure AE and Irish society luminaries, and it celebrates the raw beauty of Ireland's Glenveagh and Donegal. Compellingly written, the book is a suspenseful and genuinely gripping piece of research about a Gatsby-like figure, guaranteed to have a unique appeal. "...has all the elements of a gothic mystery novel: a multimillionaire Harvard Professor, a castle on a desolate island, and a salacious family drama". Ola Topczewska, The Harvard Crimson, November 12, 2012

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Lucy Costigan is an Irish author. ‘Strangest Genius: The Stained Glass of Harry Clarke’, (with photographer Michael Cullen), was shortlisted for Best Irish-Published Book in 2010 by the Irish Book Awards, and for Book of the Decade by Dublin Book Festival in 2016.

In 2012, Lucy's biography, ‘Glenveagh Mystery’ about the Harvard professor, Arthur Kingsley Porter, who mysteriously disappeared from Co. Donegal in 1933, became a national bestseller.

Lucy’s working life has been quite eclectic and includes careers in technical writing, counselling and social care. She holds Master’s Degrees in Research and Equality Studies.

Lucy's most recent book is 'Bouquet of White Roses: Quest for truth about Aunt Sue and Me', published by Enlighten Publishing, 2020 (www.enlightenpublishing.com).

Lucy lives in Wexford Town with her partner, Tony, and their border collie, Ivan.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story, not well written, alas. The Irish author's ignorance about the US kept popping up: William's College instead of Williams; Vassar College mis-located in New York; and A fraternity judging the case against a homosexual professor. I think she meant a committee. In spite of that, Porter and his wife, "Kingsley" and "Queensley," come across as a committed and loving couple carrying a trunkful of secrets around with them on their many travels. Poor man, born into a puritan society that vilified homosexuals - and then he came from a home where his invalid father's sexual aberrance (he tried to woo much younger women by showering them with jewels and cash) ended in his sons' having him confined and taking over the family fortune. No wonder Porter was so tortured about his sexual orientation. A sad man and a mysterious end.

[theresa cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding the disappearance of multi-millionaire Arthur Kingsley porter. He led such a lavish lifestyle in the early 1900s, along with his wife, Lucy. They traveled the world researching and photographing medieval architecture. What befell this Harvard professor who seemed to have everything, even a magnificent castle in Glenveagh, Co. Donegal? A really well put together story, that builds, layer upon layer, on the Porter's wealth and fame but also on their problems and secrets.

[Tony Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mystery of the disappearance of Arthur Kingsley Porter, a rich Harvard Professor who came to Ireland and bought Glenveagh Castle and grounds in County Donegal. In the exploration of circumstances surrounding his disappearance from Inis Boffin in 1933 Lucy Costigan unearths many incredible twists and turns. Although a true story, it has the feel of an epic film. An amazing story beautifully told. A must-read for a real-life mystery seeker!

[Mike Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story here of Harvard professor, Kingsley Porter, former owner of Glenveagh Castle, Co. Donegal. Very well researched and fascinating read. This mystery of Porter's disappearance still captivates Donegal county today. This was an Irish bestseller when released in 2012.

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d never heard of Arthur Kingsley Porter and Glenveagh until I listed to a documentary on the RTE. I thought the book might give a few more answers than the documentary, but that wasn’t the case. Ms. Costigan does a great job of reporting on the lives of Lucy and Arthur Kingsley Porter in a very detailed way. She does provide great detail on her subjects. However, for some reason, I just didn’t find the subjects interesting.