Richard's books on Canadian history and politics include several highly praised biographies: The Unlikely Revolutionary on Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood, The Northern Magus on Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and most recently John A, The Man Who Made Us. His 1996 book, Nationalism Without Walls: The Unbearable Lightness of Being Canadian, was selected by The Literary Review of Canada as one of the 100 most important books published in Canada.
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More: Reviews, Tour Schedule, and downloads for John A: The Man Who Made Us.
The Northern Magus: Trudeau and Canada McClelland & Stewart (1980)
Seldom has there been a political leader so complex, so impossible to predict, so difficult to understand, so private and yet so public, as Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Canada''s Prime Minister from 1968 to 1979, and again from 1980 to 1984. "The Canada of the twenty-first century is Trudeau's Canada."
"A delightful account for political junkies." - The Globe and Mail
Smallwood: the Unlikely RevolutionaryMcClelland & Stewart (1999)
The name Joey Smallwood is synonymous with Newfoundland, for he brought this independent spirited place into Canadian Confederation. Coinciding with the province's 50th anniversary, Richard Gwyn's Smallwood has been revamped and re-typeset. The book recounts the life of the influential socialist, newspaper journalist and political figure that endured and overcame countless struggles in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
“A masterpiece of political reporting.” – Ron Haggart, Saturday Night
Nationalism Without Walls: the Unbearable Lightness of Being Canadian
McClelland & Stewart (1996)
Can Canada truly maintain its identity as a country of communities? This book delves into a fascinating look at Canadianisms. Gwyn has some interesting perspectives: the North American Free Trade Agreement as a sovereignty-association pact; multiculturalism as a force of division.
“Presents some extremely thought-provoking theories and arguments about Canada’s past, present, and future.” –Vancouver Sun