This is the man behind the legend. Lively and revealing anecdotes about Sir John A.s political and parliamentary life are set against stories of his private joys and sorrows. Stories of patronage, of political campaigns, of loyal supporters and bitter opponents take readers through many of the major events of nineteenth-century Canada, from the building of the cpr to the Riel Rebellions, only to name a few. Drawn from a variety of historical and contemporary sources, the anecdotes in this book bring Sir John A. vividly to life. The editors have also included a rich sampling of his renowned wit. In order to know the real story of their first prime minister, all Canadians should read this engaging book.