Description

Overview

This biography offers a nuanced portrait of John Diefenbaker, capturing the complexities of his personality and political career. The author delves deeply into the controversies and triumphs that defined Diefenbaker’s time as Prime Minister, providing readers with a balanced and insightful account.

Content Highlights

• In-depth analysis of Diefenbaker’s domestic policies and their impact on Canadian society.
• Examination of his foreign policy stance during the Cold War era.
• Exploration of his relationships with key political figures, including Lester B. Pearson.
• Detailed appendices that include speeches, timelines, and election results.

Condition and Features

The book’s physical condition reflects its age but remains a collectible item for enthusiasts of Canadian political history. The maroon boards and black lettering provide a classic aesthetic, while the dust jacket, despite its wear, still enhances the overall presentation.

Collector’s Notes

Of particular interest to collectors is the author’s flat signature on the title page, as well as the signed letter dated September 1969, which offers a personal connection to the work’s provenance. The pencilled notations on the rear pastedown suggest prior scholarly engagement, adding to the book’s historical value.

Conclusion

Far from being a simple tribute, this biography stands as a critical and comprehensive study of one of Canada’s most polarizing political figures. It is a must-read for historians, political scientists, and anyone interested in the intricate fabric of Canadian political life during the mid-20th century.

Longmans, Don Mills, ON, 1968, 1st. Hard cover, 387 pages including Appendices and Index. Maroon boards with black lettering on spine; light lower corner wear, spine ends bumped with small tear at top gutter edge; touch of soil near bottom fore edge; binding sound with a very slight lean. Dust jacket has edge and cover wear, some tears and repaired tears on verso and some losses, toning, spine sunned; colour transfer onto verso. Black & white frontis plate of Diefenbaker and Pearson; some pencilled numbers on rear pastedown; remainder of interior clean and unmarked. Flat signed by author on title page. Signed letter dated September 1969 from author to prior owner laid in. ‘… not a gushing paean to John Diefenbaker. It is a thoroughly researched examination of a man who aroused among Canadians of all political faiths more emotional devotion and reasoned hate, more intense curiosity and partisan argument than anyone on Parliament Hill since John A. Macdonald.’ (from front flap)