Tupper and Trudeau Bios now available

 It's a pleasure to confirm positive response to the release of the first two titles in Doublejoy Books' series Prime Ministers of Canada. Both Charles Tupper: Warhorse and Pierre Elliott Trudeau: Child of Nature are now available in ebook format.

These biographies of Canadian prime ministers take a different tack from the usual, focusing on elements usually glossed over in schoolbooks and history books. Who else would write about Trudeau's penchant for scouting potential river runs when flying on our country's business, but kayak writer Paula Johanson? (Readers who are sports enthusiasts will enjoy her biography of hockey hero Larry Kwong. You can find a copy of King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper who broke the NHL colour barrier at this link.)

photo of Tupper and caption: He kept his doctor's bag under his desk. Parliament kept two bars open while in session.

As for the little-known prime minister Tupper, there's plenty to tell. If you've ever wondered how Sir John A. Macdonald could possibly have been prime minister for years though deeply troubled by alcoholism and depression, at least part of the answer is the Tory party warhorse Sir Charles Tupper. Author Paula Johanson scoured online and paper editions of Hansard in attempts to follow Tupper's actions and opinions. Though Hansard keeps an account of Parliament proceedings, the text is not easy to follow. As noted in Charles Tupper: Warhorse -  Both books are available now from our distributor in ebook formats. Look in June for release of the print editions of both these books.

Reading Hansard records from this time is far more frustrating than watching Question Period on CBC Television in the 21st Century. It was quite common in the 1880s for Tupper or other skilled speakers to address the House at length or to appear to answer questions without in fact saying anything which could be summed up as short, pertinent statements. Any reporting in newspapers or correspondence about what was actually said or done amounts to commentary and interpretation.

Both books are available now from our distributor in ebook formats. Look in June for release of the print editions of both these books.

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