The Duel: Diefenbaker, Pearson and the Making of Modern Canada

by John Ibbitson

INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

One of Canada’s foremost authors and journalists, offers a gripping account of the contest between John Diefenbaker and Lester Pearson, two prime ministers who fought each other relentlessly, but who between them created today’s Canada.

John Diefenbaker has been unfairly treated by history. Although he wrestled with personal demons, his governments launched major reforms in public health care, law reform and immigration. On his watch, First Nations on reserve obtained the right to vote and the federal government began to open up the North. He established Canada as a leader in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and took the first steps in making Canada a leader in the fight against nuclear proliferation. And Diefenbaker’s Bill of Rights laid the groundwork for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He set in motion many of the achievements credited to his successor, Lester B. Pearson.
Pearson, in turn, gave coherence to Diefenbaker’s piecemeal reforms. He also pushed Parliament to adopt a new, and now much-loved, Canadian flag against Diefenbaker’s fierce opposition. Pearson understood that if Canada were to be taken seriously as a nation, it must develop a stronger sense of self.
Pearson was superbly prepared for the role of prime decades of experience at External Affairs, respected by leaders from Washington to Delhi to Beijing, the only Canadian to win the Nobel Prize for Peace. Diefenbaker was the better politician, though. If Pearson walked with ease in the halls of power, Diefenbaker connected with the farmers and small-town merchants and others left outside the inner circles. Diefenbaker was one of the great orators of Canadian political life; Pearson spoke with a slight lisp.
Diefenbaker was the first to get his name in the papers, as a crusading Diefenbaker for the Defence, champion of the little man. But he struggled as a politician, losing five elections before making it into the House of Commons, and becoming as estranged from the party elites as he was from the Liberals, until his ascension to the Progressive Conservative leadership in 1956 through a freakish political accident.
As a young university professor, Pearson caught the attention of the powerful men who were shaping Canada’s first true department of foreign affairs, rising to prominence as the helpful fixer, the man both sides trusted, the embodiment of a new country that had earned its place through war in the counsels of the great ambassador, undersecretary, minister, peacemaker. Everyone knew he was destined to be prime minister. But in 1957, destiny took a detour.
Then they faced each other, Diefenbaker v Pearson, across the House of Commons, leaders of their parties, each determined to wrest and hold power, in a decade-long contest that would shake and shape the country.
Here is a tale of two men, children of Victoria, who led Canada into the atomic each the product of his past, each more like the other than either would ever admit, fighting each other relentlessly while together forging the Canada we live in today. To understand our times, we must first understand theirs.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Canada, Politics, Biography, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

John Ibbitson (born 1955 in Gravenhurst, Ontario) is a Canadian writer and journalist. He is currently Ottawa Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail. He has written three books on Ontario and Canadian politics - Promised Land: Inside the Mike Harris Revolution (1997), Loyal No More: Ontario's Struggle for a Separate Destiny, and The Polite Revolution: Perfecting the Canadian Dream (McClelland & Stewart, 2005).

His latest young-adult novel, "The Landing," was winner of the 2008 Governor General's Award for children's literature. His latest political work, "Open & Shut: Why America Has Barack Obama and Canada Has Stephen Harper" was published in May 2009. It was written while he was in Washington, covering American politics and society for the Globe.

He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1979 with a B.A. in English. After university, he pursued a career as a playwright, his most notable play being Mayonnaise, which debuted in December 1980 at the Phoenix Theater in Toronto. The play went on to national production and was adapted to a TV broadcast in 1983. In the mid-1980s, Ibbitson switched over to writing young-adult fiction, including the short YA science-fiction novel, Starcrosser (1990). He also wrote two full-length novels, 1812: Jeremy's War and The Night Hazel Came to Town. "The Landing" followed in 2008.

Apart from his Governor-General's citation, Ibbitson has been nominated for several awards for other works, including a Governor General's Award nomination for 1812. Hazel received a nomination for the Trillium Book Award and the City of Toronto Book Award. His journalism has also been nominated for a National Newspaper Award.

Ibbitson entered the University of Western Ontario in 1987, graduating with an M.A. in journalism one year later, and joined the Ottawa Citizen, where he worked as a city reporter and columnist. He covered Ontario politics from 1995 to 2001, working for The Ottawa Citizen, Southam News, The National Post and the Globe and Mail. In August 2001, Ibbitson accepted the post as Washington bureau chief at The Globe and Mail, returning to Canada one year later to take up the post of political affairs columnist. He moved back to Washington as a columnist in May 2007, returning to Ottawa in September 2009.

Reviews

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ibbitson has written a masterful triple biography — of Diefenbaker, Pearson, and ‘Modern Canada’ — that blends the pace and intrigue of Erik Larson’s writing (THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE), the research of John English (THE LIFE OF PIERRE ELLIOTT TRUDEAU), and the artful writing of Richard Gwynn (SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD: HIS LIFE, OUR TIMES).

It’s a must-read for those interested in Canadian history or politics. He really connects the dots, showing how Diefenbaker and Pearson’s careers overlapped and even collided on everything from the ‘new’ Canadian flag to Ottawa’s treatment of Quebec to the Munsinger affair.

It's a tale of two towering leaders and their impact on Canada today. And as Ibbitson argues, much of what Canada is now can be traced back to Diefenbaker and/or Pearson, including the ‘points system’ in immigration, ever-present debates on reducing trade dependency on the U.S., and Canada’s ‘helpful fixer’ role in international affairs.

It’s clear, as Ibbitson has noted, that the work started out as a biography of Diefenbaker. The Chief gets more face time (and sympathy) in the book, while Lester Pearson seems more of a supporting character at times.

The book doesn’t necessarily suffer from this imbalance: Diefenbaker was a far more colourful, volatile character, which is always more fun to read about.

I particularly liked reading about Dief’s endless duelling with JFK, who called the prime minister, after a heated bilateral phone call, a “prick,” and a “shit,” according to Ibbitson.

I always viewed Diefenbaker as the antagonist in that relationship, but JFK was equally nasty, oftentimes instigating conflict and shamelessly throwing his lot behind, of course, Pearson.

Ibbitson does get caught up in occasionally dull, esoteric policy debates/history (e.g. equalization payments, automobile tariffs, etc.) but manages to keep the course for the majority of the 410-page book.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long-time student of Canadian politics, I was pleased to discover this book by John Ibbitson. In it, the author tells of two larger than life politicians—John Diefenbaker and Lester B. ‘Mike’ Pearson—who grew up in modest means and asceneded to the competitive ring of federal politics. While both men had vastly different lives, their passion for Canada and determination to make a difference while serving in government, led them to become two powerful prime ministers whose choices helped shape modern Canada. Ibbitson shapes his story as parallels biographies, eventually melding together when both men faced off across the aisle in Canada’s House of Commons. Brilliantly penned and with so many great vignettes, Ibbitson leaves the reader feeling informed.

As John Ibbitson opened his tome, he depicts the modest lives of both John G. Diefenbaker and Lester B. ‘Mike’ Pearson. Growing up in rural Ontario, they came from vastly different families and had different values stitched into their moral fabrics, but could be seen to have similar foci. While Diefenbaker knew he wanted to get into the law and making a difference, Pearson’s religious upbringing left no doubt he would have a spiritual presence wherever he went. Both boys used their academics to vault them to the top of the class, where Diefenbaker chose the law and Pearson history.

Continuing the biographical narrative, the author explores many of the victories and foibles both men faced in their early careers. It could be said that they were destined to end up in the same place, though Diefenbaker was never sure he could get over the hump of an electoral victory, while Pearson wanted to remain on the bureaucratic side of Canadian politics. Ibbitson explores their various struggles and how both sought to change the Canada they knew growing up, with ideas on both domestic (Diefenbaker) and international (Pearson) policies along the way. Their passion for Canada could be seen and this helped them set their paths with Ottawa as the end result.

While Diefenbaker found himself in the House of Commons first as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), he struggled to get his feet. He tried to fit in, though some of his colleagues were much sharper, more outspoken, and with little thought of the little man. Diefenbaker never forgot his roots, nor did he let it slip his mind that he was representing the common man back in his riding of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Pearson, on the other hand, sought international control as a deputy minister in the External Affiars Department, where Canada cut its teeth on many an international conflict and sought to serve as arbitor between some of the larger powers of the day. Pearson had a great deal to say and was respected by those around him, as many wondered how long he would wait before joining the ranks of the Liberals in Parliament and serve as their leader.

Ibbitson examines the rise to leader for both men, something that Diefenbaker wanted but had a hard time achieving, while Pearson was almost handed the job when he was ready to take the plunge. Both sought to make significant changes to the Canadian political system and the country as a whole, which they would do in due time. It was when both men faced off against one another as leaders of their respective parties that things got truly intense. Diefenbaker, who had become prime minister leading the Progressive Conservatives to power in the late 1950s sought to make headway through a number of key changes to the system of governing and made sure that Canada had a keen place on the international scene. Diefenbaker’s key legacies included a Bill of Rights, ensuring the vote for Indigenous Canada, and opening up pensions for all Canadians. Pearson, in opposition, sought to support yet also cut his opponent down to size. These clashes could be said to be some of the best times in Canadian parliamentary history, which Ibbitson supports with his various vignettes.

When the shoe was on the other foot, Pearson took his Liberals to victory in 1963 and made sure to change some of the key aspects of Difenbaker’s government, though a number of programs started by Diefenbaker continued into the Pearson era. Pearson ensured that Canada had a more friendly approach on the international scene and “Canadianised” the country with its own national flag. This contrasts of government styles and efforts is key to Ibbitson’s central portion of the book.

While Pearson’s time in office was shorter than many might have hoped, Diefenbaker stood by, eventually losing the leadership when the party wanted fresh blood. He refused to retire, sitting on the backbenches for the rest of his life. An elderly statesman with a great deal to share, while Pearson drifted away into retirement and let other big names guide the Liberals into the late 1960s and beyond. The impact both men had in Parliament and Canadian history cannot be dismissed by anyone. Difenbaker received less than admirable play in the history books, though his decisions remain with Canada to this day, Pearson, seen more as the life-long political activist, has his mark on the international aspect of Canada’s govenerment over the years, but he was also there through many tumultuous moments.

While John Ibbitson uses his excellent prose to depict both men, providing chapters to serve as time periods where both men and their efforts were gauged, neither man could have been said to have beaten the other in their personal and professional antics. Both served Canada well and sought to make a difference in their own way. Diefenbaker may have been the Prairie boy who never let the views of the little guy disappear, while Pearson had much more grandiose views when it came to how Canada should be seen. Both men loved their country and their jobs, something few politicians could be said to equal in today fragmented country and ideals!

Kudos Mr. Ibbitson, for this amazing book I thoroughly enjoyed!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trademark Ibbitson, but now in history! Deep Canadian political knowledge with some dry-wit thrown in at just the right times.

An excellent book about a time when Liberals and Conservatives built off of one another's work in service of a better country. All sorts of preconceptions are busted as Liberals put nuclear weapons on Canadian soil, and Conservatives built up the social safety net. Truly a story about visionary yet flawed people trying to do what's best for the country, the people who want to come to it, and *gasp* changing their minds when presented with new facts and ideas.

Which leads you to ask, what happened afterwards? Ibbitson proves beyond any doubt that the Diefenbaker-Pearson decades are foundational to modern Canada. Why did we slow down when they left the scene and become so much more timid? Sure, we speak a good, progressive game but it seems to me we put less of it into action as leaders follow polls instead of inspire them.

[N Rizkalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saddened me!

How come a respectable country, Canada, which produced great rulers like Diefenbaker and Pearson ends up with the inept, inane, alethophobe Justin Trudeau.

Canada, before falling into the abyss of electing a clown, had a real clout in the world stage. Prime Ministers like Diefenbaker and Pearson- in spite of their own shortcomings- were doing great things for Canada and the World. Canada now is the laughingstock of nations because we elected a narcissistic boy who only tends only for his personal brand.

A great book and a wonderful tribute for two great persons who once ruled Canada.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might knock it down to 4.5 stars, for John Ibbitson's occasional passive-agressive swipe at the Liberals...but in the end, this is about as solid a single-shot double bio of two people across the 20th century as you are likely to find. The Canada you read about in this book is so vastly different from the reality in the 21st century as to almost feel alien.

[Justin M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this book. It helped me situate the semi-recent political history of Canada. I learned about OAS, national healthcare, indigenous rights, and other post-world war II developments

[apollo11fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duel, by the Globe and Mail's Red Tory-minded political columnist John Ibbitson, is a well-written dual biography of Canada's 13th and 14th prime ministers: the Progressive Conservative John Diefenbaker (1957-63), and the Liberal Lester B. Pearson (1963-68). Through the life stories of the two men, Ibbitson illuminates Canada's transformational decades through the world wars and the postwar era of prosperity.

Ibbitson clearly believes that both men were excellent prime ministers, and takes pains to praise Diefenbaker as an unfairly forgotten leader. Diefenbaker's government, Ibbitson writes, became caricatured by an unfavourable press as incompetent and scandal-plagued, distracting from its real policy achievements. For example, Ibbitson argues that many of the social reforms which the Pearson and Pierre Trudeau governments would be credited with, including universal healthcare, progressive taxation, race-blind immigration, and respect for the French language within a unified "One Canada" began during Diefenbaker's administration.

Meanwhile, Ibbitson draws attention to some of Pearson's less well-remembered flaws. Diefenbaker was famously detested by John F. Kennedy, but so too was Pearson hated by Lyndon B. Johnson, and U.S.-Canada relations were at a historic low throughout much of the period this book covers. During a period when Diefenbaker, as opposition leader, was tormenting the government, Pearson ordered the RCMP to produce dirt on his predecessor: a clear abuse of power which was arguably worse than any wrong Diefenbaker committed in office.

Ibbitson, who is not a professional historian, relies mainly on previous scholarship; anyone desiring archive-digging research should look elsewhere. But this book is an entertaining and fast read, and will be enjoyed by anyone interested in Canadian political history.

[Carolyn Whitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dual biography works. Pearson and Diefenbaker were born with 2 years of one another, but had contrasting childhoods which formed wildly divergent personalities. Pearson’s father was a churchman, but had successful business relatives, and Pearson had an easy ride - Oxford, a diplomatic career in England and the US, a long unfaithful marriage, two loving children. Diefenbaker’s father was an unsuccessful teacher, then an unsuccessful farmer, and he grew up bullied for his name, bitter and a loner. I didn’t know how unpopular the Conservatives were in the West and how much of a consensus the welfare state was. I learned a lot, in short. Ibbitson writes a lively, if conventional, book about an era when big government wasn’t seen as a boondoggle and human rights wasn’t seen as optional.

[Conor D. Columb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my favourite to read in a long time! It was a real page turner! Although the dual biography format was tricky to get into at first, it eventually came together in a very good way. It was fascinating to read about how John Diefenbaker and Lester B. Pearson’s lives intertwined throughout Canadian politics. It was, of course, just as fascinating to read about how their respective times in government were more similar than most typically believe. Ibbitson (I thought, anyways) made a very compelling argument on the nuances of Canadian politics and governance.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in Canadian politics, government, and history!! 5/5

[Ori Epstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is excellent and well researched. A good descriptor of two consequential leaders and the circumstances surrounding them. When seeking to compare Diefenbaker and Pearson the author’s style sometimes leads to confusion as different stories in the same chapter feel unrelated especially closer to the end of the book.

[Felicia Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

speedrunning canadian political history rn

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

After twenty hours of listening, I now know approximately three things about Diefenbaker and Pearson.

[Nikolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for fans of Canadian history and politics. Well written, interesting all the way through. Two men that were completely different but made big changes to our country

[Guy Hervieux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging to read, the book is an interesting and in depth look into the two men who lead Canada through the 60s. It gave me an appreciation for their accomplishments while letting me see that some of the negative aspects of politics of today existed then as well.

[James Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Ibbitson’s The Duel is a masterful exploration of the political rivalry between two of Canada’s most influential prime ministers: John Diefenbaker and Lester B. Pearson. Through this engaging and well-researched narrative, Ibbitson provides profound insights into their respective political milestones, personal ideologies, and the ways their tenures as prime minister overlapped to shape modern Canada.

At its core, The Duel vividly illustrates how Diefenbaker and Pearson—polar opposites in style, temperament, and vision—came to embody the competing forces that defined Canada in the mid-20th century. Diefenbaker, a prairie populist and gifted orator, championed individual freedoms and traditional values, while Pearson, a diplomatic and pragmatic intellectual, led the country toward modernization and international prominence. Their rivalry was not just political but ideological, and Ibbitson expertly dissects how their clashing visions influenced the trajectory of Canada during their time in office.

John Diefenbaker’s Major Milestones

Diefenbaker’s tenure as prime minister (1957–1963) was defined by his commitment to equality, civil liberties, and championing the average Canadian. His most notable achievement, the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960), was a groundbreaking piece of legislation that enshrined fundamental freedoms and human rights into Canadian law. Though limited in scope as it was not entrenched in the Constitution, it marked a significant step toward the eventual adoption of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Ibbitson effectively highlights how Diefenbaker’s deep commitment to individual liberty and justice was at odds with his often authoritarian leadership style.

Diefenbaker was also a staunch defender of Canadian sovereignty, clashing with the United States over issues such as nuclear arms during the height of the Cold War. His controversial decision to cancel the Avro Arrow program and his mishandling of the Bomarc missile crisis weakened his popularity and revealed the limitations of his leadership in adapting to changing geopolitical realities. Ibbitson does an excellent job contextualizing Diefenbaker’s struggles within the broader tensions of the era, particularly as Canada sought to assert its independence on the world stage.

Lester B. Pearson’s Major Milestones

Pearson, who served as prime minister from 1963 to 1968, was a vastly different leader. Where Diefenbaker was confrontational, Pearson was diplomatic and consensus-driven. Before his time as prime minister, Pearson gained international acclaim as a diplomat, most notably for his role in resolving the 1956 Suez Crisis. His creation of the United Nations Emergency Force earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957, cementing his reputation as one of Canada’s greatest statesmen. Ibbitson provides a compelling analysis of how Pearson’s Nobel win elevated Canada’s global profile and reinforced its reputation as a middle power committed to peacekeeping.

As prime minister, Pearson oversaw transformative changes in Canadian society, including the introduction of universal healthcare, the Canada Pension Plan, and, most famously, the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag in 1965. Ibbitson vividly recounts the intense debates surrounding the flag, which became a symbol of Pearson’s vision for a unified, bilingual, and distinctly Canadian identity. The flag debate also exemplified Pearson’s ability to navigate and mediate fiercely divisive issues, contrasting sharply with Diefenbaker’s more polarizing approach.

Their Overlap and Influence

One of the book’s most fascinating elements is Ibbitson’s exploration of how the political rivalry between Diefenbaker and Pearson directly influenced Canada’s political responses and policy directions. Their overlapping periods as leaders—Diefenbaker as prime minister from 1957 to 1963 and Pearson as leader of the Liberal opposition—created a dynamic in which their contrasting styles continually shaped the national discourse.

For example, Diefenbaker’s emphasis on protecting Canadian sovereignty often clashed with Pearson’s globalist perspective. During debates over nuclear weapons and Canada’s relationship with the United States, Diefenbaker’s reluctance to fully align with American policies created a divide that Pearson exploited to position himself as a pragmatic alternative. Conversely, Pearson’s push for modernizing Canadian identity through symbols like the flag was met with fierce resistance by Diefenbaker, who viewed such changes as abandoning tradition.

Broader Themes

Through the lens of their rivalry, Ibbitson skillfully examines broader themes, such as the evolution of Canada’s identity, its role in global affairs, and the shifting political landscape of the 20th century. He argues that while Diefenbaker’s vision was rooted in preserving the past, Pearson’s leadership represented a pivot toward modernization and progress. Both leaders, however, left an indelible mark on Canada, and their legacies continue to shape the country today.

Conclusion

The Duel is an essential read for anyone interested in Canadian history and politics. Ibbitson’s balanced portrayal of Diefenbaker and Pearson captures the complexity of their characters and the significance of their contributions to Canada. By juxtaposing their achievements—Diefenbaker’s Bill of Rights and fierce nationalism with Pearson’s Nobel Prize and transformative social programs—the book provides a nuanced understanding of how their rivalry defined an era. This is not just a story of two leaders but of a country finding its place in the world, torn between tradition and progress. A brilliant and thought-provoking account that deserves a wide readership.

[Jim Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book about a critical time in Canadian history. It begins with St. Laurent as Prime Minister in the 1950s. A peaceful time of stasis in Canada.

And then Diefenbaker gets elected. The first Conservative Prime Minister elected in 27 years. And with that election, and the onset of the sixties, Canada changes. Changes dramatically.

Diefenbaker brings in revolutionary reforms. The Canadian Bill of Rights. The granting of the vote to Indigenous and Inuit peoples. The first female cabinet minister. The first Indigenous member of the Senate. The elimination racial discrimination in immigration policy. His stance against apartheid.

Of course it was not all glory. Diefenbaker had significant personal flaws. He was indecisive. He held grudges. He cancelled the Avro Arrow. He couldn't decide about America putting nuclear weapons on Canadian soil and on Canadian aircraft. But what an incredible record of achievement.

And he was up against Mike Pearson. A man who turned the Liberal Party on its head and paved the way for Pierre Trudeau and modern Canadian politics. His record, as the Prime Minister, despite only having two minority governments, is also remarkable. A Canadian who won the Nobel Peace Prize and hated campaigning, was able to accomplish so much.

It is remarkable that, without a majority government, Pearson introduced such progressive policies as universal health care, the Canada Labour (Safety) Code, the Canada Student Loan Program, the first minimum wage and the Canada Pension Plan. He appointed royal commissions on bilingualism and biculturalism and the status of women, established the Order of Canada, and unified the Canadian Armed Forces.

He fought for and adopted the Maple Leaf flag in 1965 and helped introduce modern Canada to the world at the Centennial celebrations and Montreal’s World Fair in 1967.

In foreign policy, Pearson signed the Auto Pact with the United States and kept Canada out of the Vietnam War. Under his leadership, Canada became the first country in the world to implement a points-based immigration system - a system that has been adopted by countries all over the world.

Pearson also had his issues such as the leading of the Gerta Munsinger affair.

The book explores how they both got to the leadership of their parties and provides critical context for their acts and decisions.

This is one of the finest and most important Canadian history books that I have ever read. I cannot recommend it any higher.

[Robin MacNab · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had only one word to describe the book - “The Duel” by John Ibbitson - Diefenbaker, Pearson, and the Making of Modern Canada - it would be - “brilliant”. A must read by anyone interested in Canadian history and politics.

The Duel is remarkably balanced, fair and objective. As a journalist, Ibbitson is able to paint the “big picture” and ties various events together often tracing their origins back several decades.

The Duel is a story of Canada emerging from its formative years through WWI AND WWII and transitioning to the modern era. “…two old men increasingly disconnected from the new sounds, the new hope, the new discontent. Both were outside their time.”

I was 10 years old in 1957, a television recently arrived in the family home when Diefenbaker won his party’s leadership. I was captivated by his oratory and became fascinated by the political arena. Later I came to admire Pearson. The Duel recaptures the magic some 60 years later.

The Duel reminded me of the high caliber of individual cabinet ministers in this era, something we seem to be missing today. Perhaps an erosion has occurred due to centralization of power, or emphasis on diversity.

In reading The Duel, I was struck at the difficulty Canada has had in formulating a consistent and thought out foreign policy - which has often appeared ad hoc. A problem we are still wrestling with today.

Is Poilievre the new Diefenbaker? Both “jugular politicians” with superb oratorical skills. Both appeal to the “little guy”, who see them as sincere and empathetic. But these qualities in Dief were proven in his storied legal career. Are they real for Poilievre or is his sincerity a performance and empathy artificial?

[Schvenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've been so pleasantly surprised lately when reading books that I thought were going to be boring, that I thought I'd take a chance on a book about Canadian politics.

Boy, was I wrong. This book is a completely boring snoozefest. Do not bother. Do not read this. It is awful at every level. Nothing about it is redeeming. Sure, I know more now about early 20th century Canadian politics, but so what? It has not in anyway enriched my life.

I shattered my ankle 11 days ago and when you consider that during the first two weeks of the year I was able to complete a book every other day, the fact that I still have about 2 hours of reading to complete this book should give out an idea how painfully boring it is. Do yourself a favour and learn from my mistake; not, not about breaking your ankle by running on ice without spikes. That part is obvious. I mean the part about reading this book. Don't do that. It's not worth it. Life is too precious to waste it on this garbage. Making prisoners listen to it as part of extraordinary renditioning would like be a very effective tactic at breaking their will.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contrast of the two leading Canadian figures from the years 1957-1968 especially, Prime Ministers John Diefenbaker and Lester "Mike" Pearson. The lives of these two men are portrayed in great depth.

There have been books about Canadian PMs in the past and in recent years (John Duffy's book for example) but a thorough look at the Diefenbaker/Pearson years was long overdue. Ibbitson is another of these card-carrying "Laurentian Elites" in Canada, but he tries to be fair regarding the two men. Unfortunately he drifts lazily into preconceived notions, how Diefenbaker in particular became "paranoid". His conciliatory tone at the end of the book doesn't make up for the bias against Dief before that. To his credit though he pokes at Pearson's faults as well, why the country didn't fully embrace him. When Pierre Trudeau (who Pearson elevated into a prominent position) snubbed Pearson once he became PM, one feels that Pearson deserved better.

One a prairie firebrand, the other a product of the diplomatic service, they both couldn't have been more different. Yet they were two giant figures in our history and this was a welcome book.

[Joe Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first learned of this book coming out I immediately added it to my "to read" list. Being very young when Diefenbaker and Pearson were in power I can remember a lot of the things that took place at the time (the Maple Leaf flag, the Auto Pact, medical insurance, EXPO 67, the FLQ etc.) and its subject matter interested me. I waited for the book to come out in paperback and I'm glad it did. A very readable and well researched journey through the careers of Canada's 13th and 14th Prime Ministers. Ibbitson has a remarkable grasp of the people and the times, his research is extensive and, having been a journalist during his career, he is a gifted storyteller. I very much enjoyed the book and learning more about the politics of the era. Interesting insights into how both men became politicians, what lead them to hold the most important position in government, their flaws and how we look back on their achievements.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, well written, and dare I say patriotic "duel" biography of Dief the Chief and Pearson. Both were men and politicians we will not see the like of again and both achieved significant pieces of legislation that continue to shape modern Canada. Most know about our Nobel laurate Pearson. Not is much seems to be remembered about Diefenbaker and this book addresses that. I cried at the epilogue. Seriously! This was an extremely well written book, Mr Ibbitson - props to you.

It doesn't shy away from showing both men and our country it's shameful moments such as the turning away of Jewish applicants prior and during WWII, the relegation of the women in their lives to supporting roles - while teaching them what they needed to be successful (looking at you Edna Diefenbaker!). The egos and paranoia. But that's what makes is such a rich read.

[Adrian]

Globe columnist/historian takes the full measure of both men. They were all told not as far apart politically as I assumed. Much of Diefenbaker's best work, had a left tilt to it. Personally they were poles apart. One can imagine a conversation with Pearson but with the flinty Diefenbaker never. Diefenbaker was a street politician at home campaigning and speechifying but Pearson was bad at electioneering and far better at compromise and negotiating detail. Ibbitson is excellent on the Munsinger scandal and the inside Conservative revolt that toppled Dief. The Diefenbaker-Kennedy and Pearson-Johnson stories are well known but still enjoyable to find in here. "You came into my living room and pissed on my rug" yelled an enraged Johnson at Pearson over an incautious speech on Vietnam Pearson had given in Philadelphia. Well written history.

[Steve Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a 63 year old Canadian who remembers Canada's Prime Ministers from Pierre Trudeau onward but never really learned much about his predecessors in the 30-40 years before thew 1970's. This book delivered just what I needed to better understand the modern Canada and how it was shaped with Diefenbaker, Pearson, King, St. Laurent and a supporting cast of hundreds (Ellen Fairclough for example).
Credit to the author who both pulled no punches but was (seemingly) historically equally fair to both of the lead politicians of these times. The details just flowed naturally and I really felt like I got to know what made both of these men tick.. Honestly, it should be recommended reading for all who want to understand our home and native land.

[Laurent De Serres Berard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook narrated by Robin Wilcock. The writing suit a narration that is formidably done by Wilcock.

Excellent book for those interested in Canada history, and a turning point of its political landscape. It marked the end of reign of the liberal party as "default" party, the emergence of Canada as a force of its own on the international scene, its modern social reform of pension, immigration policies, fiscal policies and more. This books provide a compelling and useful background knowledge, and good element of historical storytelling, that one will have many opportunities to leverage even in modern debates about Canada's choices.

[Andrew McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with a lot of interesting historical detail. John certainly did his homework collecting facts. Both prime ministers achieved a great deal; it was particularly surprising to learn of Diefenbacker's achievements since he was often villainized over the years and apparently not fairly. The difference and similarities of their early backgrounds was also fascinating. Highly recommended not just for learning about these two great leaders but for the highlights of decades of Canadian history.

[Burt Schoeppe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It saddens me that Ibbitson is considered such a leading light among Canadian political writers.

I agree he is one of the best we have. The sad part is he isn't very good.

He draws conclusions without support. Makes references that readers should just know but a little explanation and tighter writing would make these references more valuable to the readers.

Mediocre to OK book. Whatever accolades this book may receive they will be of the participation medal variety.

[Norman Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written and well-balanced account of the Diefenbaker-Pearson years.

I am old enough to vaguely remember both men as Prime Ministers (though really only Pearson) and I was greatly influenced by Peter C. Newman's books, "Renegade in Power" and "The Distemper of our Times" so I have tended to hold a skewed view of those years. This is a more even-handed assessment of them.

[Matt Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was overdue to delve into Canadian political history, and I appreciated the broad overview this provided for an interesting period of our history. The author is pretty openly partisan, favouring the PCs/Conservatives, but I felt like he was good about calling balls and strikes, he seemed pretty fair. It was off-putting at times, but not a dealbreaker. I’d like to see if someone to the left of Ibbitson thought of his summation of the times.

4.5/5.

[Liam H Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reminder of when Canada had standing in the world and principled leadership

John Deifenbaker and Lester Pearson had different views of their nation and the role it should play in the world. But these differences ultimately strengthened Canada and emboldened political discourse in a way we can only hope for today.

[David Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read by my friend John. Have always thought Diefenbaker's accomplishments were downplayed/overshadowed in histories by the accomplishment of the Pearson/Trudeau era. As John writes, not to take anything away from Pearson's accomplishments (in minority Parliaments no less) but there is much to reconsider about Diefenbaker's contribution to the Canada we know in the early 21st century.