Revelatory Historical Account: "Sir John A. Macdonald: The Apocalyptic Year of 1887" offers a vivid and revealing portrayal of a pivotal year in the life of one of Canada's most influential figure, Sir John A. Macdonald, providing unprecedented insights into his political career, personal struggles, and the challenges facing Canada during this tumultuous period.

In-depth Examination: Delving deep into the events of 1887, the book provides a comprehensive examination of Macdonald's leadership, decision-making, and legacy, shedding new light on his character, motivations, and contributions to Canadian history.

Contextual Analysis: Against the backdrop of rapid industrialization, economic upheaval, and social change, the book situates Macdonald's actions within the broader historical context, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Canada in the late 19th century.

Political Intrigue and Drama: Filled with political intrigue, scandals, and power struggles, "The Apocalyptic Year of 1887" captures the drama and tension of Canadian politics during Macdonald's tenure as Prime Minister, captivating readers with its compelling narrative and rich historical detail.

Relevance to Modern Issues: Despite being set over a century ago, the themes and issues explored in the book remain highly relevant today, touching on topics such as nation-building, governance, and the complexities of leadership in times of crisis, making it essential reading for anyone interested in Canadian history and politics.

Character Study: Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book offers a fascinating character study of Macdonald, highlighting his strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions, and providing valuable insights into his enduring impact on Canada's development as a nation.

Scholarly Rigor and Accessibility: Written with scholarly rigor yet accessible to a general audience, this book appeals to both academic historians and casual readers alike, offering a compelling blend of historical analysis, narrative flair, and thought-provoking commentary.

Critical Acclaim: Praised by historians and critics alike for its depth of research, analytical rigor, and engaging prose, the book has garnered acclaim as a landmark work in Canadian historical scholarship, earning accolades and awards for its author's meticulous attention to detail and masterful storytelling.

Comprehensive Coverage: From Macdonald's political maneuverings to his personal struggles and the broader social and economic forces shaping Canada's trajectory, the book provides a comprehensive and multifaceted portrait of a pivotal moment in Canadian history, leaving no stone unturned in its exploration of this transformative period.

Legacy and Impact: By illuminating the events of 1887 and Macdonald's role therein, the book invites readers to reflect on the enduring legacy of Canada's first Prime Minister and the complex legacy of the nation-building project he spearheaded, prompting deeper questions about identity, democracy, and the meaning of citizenship in modern Canada.

The author or editor of a dozen books, a frequent commentator on political and policy issues and the host of over 100 podcasts in the Canadian history series “Witness to Yesterday, Patrice Dutil is a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. He founded and edited for five years the Literary Review of Canada, and served as President of the Champlain Society for seven years. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History at the University of Toronto and a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Among his books are Ballots and Brawls: The 1867 Canadian General Election, Prime Ministerial Power in Canada: Its Origins under Macdonald, Laurier and Borden and Macdonald at 200: New Perspectives and Legacies (edited with Roger Hall). Dutil currently lives in Toronto.

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