Fights of Our Lives: Elections, Leadership and the Making of Canada

by John Duffy

Genres: Politics, History, Canada, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

John Duffy was a historian of medicine and public health. The author of 11 books and editor of two others, he taught the history of medicine and public health at Tulane, Louisiana State University, the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Louisville, Rice University, and
the University of Maryland. He served as president of the American Association for the History of Medicine and the Washington Society for the History of Medicine, interim editor of American Historical Review and a member of the executive council of the Southern Historical Association.

Reviews

[Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, one of the best political books I've read in recent years. Duffy does a masterful job diving into the particulars of Canadian history leading up to the key elections he analyzes, particularly the Manitoba Schools Question of the 1890s and the King-Byng Crisis of 1926. An excellent mix of political and parliamentary strategy, results analysis, colourful biography, and captivating storytelling, I cannot recommend this treasure highly enough!

[Miss Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very colorful, creatively-designed stroll through Canadian political history looking in particular at five major PM campaigns. Not sure why I find our neighbor's politics so interesting, but this is a great resource. What makes this book unique is the way that art and design are used to supplement information: a lot of cartoons, doodles, and creative ways of arranging photographs/other visual resources.

Plus, the front dustjacket says this book cost $55, yet I got my like-new copy from Thriftbooks for $5.
Thanks, Thriftbooks!

[George Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent fun read. A unique perspective on Canadian Elections throughout history. It is significant to note that there is no notes, so it is difficult to determine the veracity of the facts Duffy presents. The unique perspective of a backroom operative regarding Canada’s elections makes it a fun read.

[Scott Kovatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might only be attractive to poly sic majors.

[Nigel Beale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen to my Biblio File podcast conversation about Fights of our Lives with Gerry Butts
here

[James Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative and detailed book pertaining to five critical election battles throughout Canadian federal politics. The book covers the respective election battles, the issues surrounding the election, and the strategies employed by the parties in the contests.

Personally, I enjoyed more the modern election battles, as I'm not very well versed in the Canadian politics of the 19th century up until the mid 20th century. Beyond that, this book has a lot of good information, and there is a lot to learn in here about Canada's Prime Minister's, history and politics. The book also contains a lot of photos, which makes the book more engaging for the reader.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great historical analysis, and I love the playbook-style sketches. However, it's a rather awkwardly-designed book, and I take a few exceptions to federal elections the author doesn't identify as key historical battles...especially the conscription fiasco of 1917.