In Search of R.B. Bennett

by P.B. Waite

Overview

Writing a life of Bennett, who reportedly destroyed his correspondence every seven years, presents challenges for the biographer. Yet, as P.B. Waite shows, Bennett's lasting contributions to Canada are beyond doubt. He describes Bennett's bold initiatives, including his attempt to introduce unemployment insurance and a minimum wage, as well as his founding of the Bank of Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - achieved in the teeth of opposition from banking and media magnates. Waite also contemplates Bennett's friendships, his relationships, and his lifelong bachelorhood, shedding new light on his life and personality. With warmth, wit, and a deep knowledge of its subject, In Search of R.B. Bennett brings Bennett the man - his penchants, prejudices, weaknesses, and strengths - before the reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780773587588
Publisher:	McGill-Queens University Press
Publication date:	05/17/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	392
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

P.B. Waite is professor emeritus of history at Dalhousie University and the author of numerous books on Canadian history.
P.B. Waite (1922-2020) was professor emeritus of history at Dalhousie University and the author of numerous books on Canadian history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface xi

1 Introducing "RB," 1870-1927 3

2 RB's Canada and Canada's RB, 1927-1930 37

3 Coming into Power, and After: RB's First Year, 1930-1931 80

4 Canada's Imperial Conference and RB's Love Affair, 1932-1933 121

5 Battle for Solvency, 1933-1934 157

6 Reformer Redux, 1934-1935 196

7 Leader of the Opposition and Elder Statesman, 1935-1938 229

8 Becoming Squire of Mickleham, 1938-1947 261

Epilogue 288

Notes 291

Bibliography 335

Index 345

Editorial Reviews

"Marked by Waite's elegant style and light touch, is a delight to read. It brings us as close to Bennett as we are ever likely to get." The Chronicle Herald


"Veteran Canadian historian P.B. Waite does a sterling job making this a readable and at times downright entertaining study." Quill & Quire


"Marked by Waite's elegant style and light touch, is a delight to read. It brings us as close to Bennett as we are ever likely to get." The Chronicle Herald

From the Publisher