John A. Macdonald, the architect of the Dominion of Canada, was an enigmatic individual whose pragmatism knew no bounds. From humble beginnings in Glasgow, Scotland to growing up in Kingston, Ontario to the halls of Parliament Hill, John A. Macdonald would create a legacy forged in the wilderness of British North America. He was beset with tragic personal loss, joined the militia to repel American invaders during the Rebellions of 1837, though never firing a shot, and then defended the leader of that invasion in a court of law. He rose from municipal politics to Premier of the colonial government of Canada West, and later, Prime Minister of Canada for nearly nineteen years. He also left a terrible legacy regarding the Indigenous citizens of this country, which still boils over to this day.

Canadians are looking at John A. Macdonald through an ever-changing lens. Opinions about the actions and legacy of our first Prime Minister continue to change and evolve. Who exactly was this man? What did he do? How did he live his political and personal life? John A. Macdonald Canada’s First Prime Minister is a new biography retold in a fresh and succinct way for a new generation of readers who should be told all the ways he managed to create and shape the country of Canada, for good or bad.

This is the premier issue in our Prime Ministers of Canada series which will look at the lives of each and every Prime Minister in Canada’s history. This series will appear in chronological order.