The Decline of Politics: The Conservatives and the Party System, 1901-1920 - Paperback

by John English (Author)

"John English's Decline of Politics explores one of the great turning points in Canadian history, illuminating the realities that shape and govern the country's political life. A brilliant analysis of the events that transformed the nation's politics a century ago and set the stage for subsequent decades of Liberal dominance, the book remains as lively and fresh as when it was first written." --R. Kenneth Carty, University of British Columbia

First published in 1977, The Decline of Politics became a seminal work of Canadian political history. This new edition has been corrected, newly typeset, and opens with a new introduction by the author. Prof. English takes a lively and insightful look at the first two decades of the twentieth century that laid the groundwork for the long period of Liberal rule that continued with only a few interruptions for the balance of the century.

"An excellent study which combines a thorough knowledge of Canadian political history, deep research in manuscript sources, and the ability to use theoretical insights from social science." --Foreign Affairs

Author Biography

John English is widely known for his biographies of former prime ministers Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau, among many other works. Distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo, English has also served as a Member of Parliament and as a UN special ambassador. His many books and articles include the official biography of Lester Pearson, published in two volumes; and a two-volume biography of Pierre Trudeau, written at the request of the Trudeau family: Citizen of the World: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume One: 1919-1968 (2006), and Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Volume Two (1968-2000) (2009). He is a Member of the Order of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Honorary Senior Fellow of Renison University College, member of numerous editorial boards, and a recipient of many literary awards. English is currently the founding director of The Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History at the University of Toronto where he is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs.