{"product_id":"john-a-the-man-who-made-us","title":"John A: The Man Who Made Us","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis first volume charts Macdonald’s path from his 1815 birth in Scotland and immigration to Kingston, Ontario, through his rise as a young lawyer. It delves into his early marriage’s heartbreak and the ambitions that would steer him toward political prominence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith his second wife, Agnes, he presided over the inaugural Canada Day celebration in 1867, symbolizing the birth of the Dominion. The narrative explores how Macdonald forged unity between French and English communities and leveraged patronage to solidify Canada’s first true national party.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard Gwyn’s portrayal highlights a leader of extraordinary political savvy, whose tactics of persuasion—and occasional deception—resembled those of Disraeli and Lincoln. The biography’s provocative insights include Macdonald’s role as Canada’s first anti-American, determined to preserve national independence amid external pressures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey themes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly life and legal career\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfederation and nation-building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatronage and political strategy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonal anecdotes and human frailties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eRich with anecdote and rigorous research, this volume illuminates the human frailties and formidable determination behind Macdonald’s legacy, offering a vivid portrait of Canada’s founding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Just Great Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45024168640746,"sku":"2-US-1-6-ST-5-4-6-1M-1.22lb","price":9.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0647\/1735\/7290\/files\/71FY4jcILKL.jpg?v=1744401170","url":"https:\/\/justgreatbooks.org\/products\/john-a-the-man-who-made-us","provider":"Just Great Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}