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5th out of 55 books
—
17 voters
Citizen of the World: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume One: 1919-1968
by
John English
One of the most important, exciting biographies of our time: the definitive, major two-volume biography of Pierre Elliott Trudeau – written with unprecedented, complete access to Trudeau’s enormous cache of private letters and papers.
Bestselling biographer John English gets behind the public record and existing glancing portraits of Trudeau to reveal the real man and the m...more
Bestselling biographer John English gets behind the public record and existing glancing portraits of Trudeau to reveal the real man and the m...more
Hardcover, 576 pages
Published
October 10th 2006
by Knopf Canada
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This is the first volume of John English’s biography of the life of Pierre Trudeau. It deals with the period up to when Trudeau was elected to lead the Liberal party in 1968 after the resignation of Prime Minister Pearson (it does not concern itself with the later Canadian election of 1968; this is in the second volume).
Somewhat like the biography of Max and Monique Nimni it paints a portrait, for Trudeau’s early formative years, of a nationalistic and fervent Catholic who was right-wing, border...more
Somewhat like the biography of Max and Monique Nimni it paints a portrait, for Trudeau’s early formative years, of a nationalistic and fervent Catholic who was right-wing, border...more
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John English is a fantastic writer. He does know how to keep the eyes of the readers where they should be. This biography of the late Prime Minister of Canada is an excellent example of the trust the Estate of P.E. Trudeau put into his skills.
Periods of his life are described with the most amazing way, to keep us from putting it down, not that the days of Trudeau were that exceptional but just for the presence of facts and prose mixed together.
Periods of his life are described with the most amazing way, to keep us from putting it down, not that the days of Trudeau were that exceptional but just for the presence of facts and prose mixed together.
This bio covers the time period from birth through the leadership convention in 1967. It manages to navigate the many twists and turns in Trudeau's career quite well. I learned many things about his academic life and his travels. The most surprising aspect for me was his blind spot when it came to dealing with leftist totalitarian regimes. Rose coloured glasses!
Mar 20, 2011
Richard Ambrosio
added it
Part I of the biography of THE man. Closest I've gotten to having a man crush, without a doubt. Covers his early years of constant personal and intellectual self-discovery, and his trajectory towards the highest office in the land.
A well-written book about a fascinating character about whom Americans know far too little. Trudeau's ascent to power seems unlikely, but then so did Obama's. It's also a great introduction to the under-appreciated uniqueness of Quebec.
Well written. Fascinating.
Because Trudeau was heavily involved in Quebec politics, would be good to have a general knowledge of Quebec politics prior to Quiet Revolution to follow the book thoroughly.
Because Trudeau was heavily involved in Quebec politics, would be good to have a general knowledge of Quebec politics prior to Quiet Revolution to follow the book thoroughly.
Comprehensive biography of Trudea's life up until his assumption of the Liberal leadership in 1968. The biographer's access to the Trudeau family and friends, as well as Trudeau's personal papers led to a whole picture of Trudeau, both his strengths and failings. The book reveals a complicated but brilliant man who could be mercurial and whimsical, and at the same time he displayed amazing charisma also appear arrogant and aloof. I'm looking forward to reading volume 2, and in particular, the co...more
Aug 04, 2011
Heather
added it
Loved it! Would read it again. Can't wait for Volume II!
When Mr. English was commissioned to write the definitive biography of pierre trudeau, he was given access to all of his notes and letters. Apparently, despite his being private person, he journaled and kept every piece of correspondence. Can't wait to read vol 2
Some reviews found this book stodgy. Not for me it wasn't. English isn't one for grand pronouncements certainly but he handles Trudeau with justice. Trudeau's latent anti-semitism is shocking and isolation from world events but he doesn't overrate these things. English also puts his own spin on Trudeau's 'lost decade' the fifties. Well done.
As good a biography as you could hope to read. Exhaustively researched and entertainingly written, with an utterly beguiling subject. Looking forward to Volume Two.
I knew much of what I read from other sources, but the actual words from Trudeau's personal archives add a real sense of reality and personality to the events. I can't wait to read the follow up book.
i'll come back to it. i took it out of the library and ran out of time and then got swamped with other books. what i read, i loved.
Oct 03, 2012
Detlef
added it
Great book. What stays with me after reading the book is that Trudeau was ideologically an NDP'er, but he joined the Liberals because it was a better career move.
May 02, 2013
Jordan
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