One of Canada’s most dynamic prime ministers, Lester B. Pearson lived a life which took him from a childhood in rural Ontario to the apex of international politics. The first volume of his memoirs follows him from his youth as the son of a Methodist preacher to his decision to enter politics in 1948.

In this volume of Mike, Pearson recalls his university years at the University of Toronto and St. John’s College, Oxford, his military service in the First World War, and his return to the University of Toronto in 1923 to teach history and, in his spare time, coach football and hockey. In 1928, Pearson joined the Department of External Affairs, rapidly rising through the ranks to become ambassador to the United States by 1945.

Mike captures Pearson’s intellect, his sense of humour, and his humanity, offering a charming look at the youth of a great statesman. This new edition features a foreword by Pearson cabinet minister and former prime minister Jean Chrétien.

Lester B. Pearson (1897–1972) was Canada’s fourteenth prime minister.

Rt Hon Lester B. Pearson's profile page

Jean Chrétien served as Canada's twentieth prime minister.
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Rt Hon Jean Chretien's profile page

‘[Mike] tells the first-hand story of that heady time, and tells it superbly well.’

Globe and Mail

‘To anyone attuned to the ripple of humour, these are some of the funniest memoirs produced by a man of action. They are certainly some of the best written.’

Financial Times