For political buffs

This is a fascinating view of the politics of the Diefenbaker-Pearson-Trudeau era, including backroom information never before published.

For media buffs

It's an inside view of the politics of our leading newspapers, and a critical analysis of modern journalism by one who helped to invent it.

For those concerned with the great public issues of our times

It's a controversial account of where constitutional reform went wrong and of how we got to free trade by a journalist who played a significant role in the national debate.

More than a professional record

It's also the personal story of a motherless boy growing up in Britain, his wartime experiences with the Royal Navy, and his decision to emigrate to Canada, with a young family in tow, after publisher Lord Beaverbrook declared the young scribe unfit for promotion because he was the wrong shape: "Small head, big feet, won't do."