Partisan Odysseys: Canada's Political Parties

by Nelson Wiseman

In Partisan Odysseys , Nelson Wiseman sets out to survey the history of Canada’s political parties. Uncovering distinctive motifs and events in Canadian party politics from pre-Confederation to the present, Wiseman shows how parties have adjusted, adapted, and reinvented themselves in response to significant social and economic changes as well as how parties have, in turn, shaped or reinforced these social forces. The book begins by tracing the rise of four different types of parties in the nineteenth century. By the end of the century, the Conservative and Liberal parties that continue to this day were firmly established. Among the topics covered throughout are nationalism, minority governments, third parties, and the reconfiguration of party positions. Wiseman concludes by examining changes in the way Canada’s ever-evolving parties have operated and the rise of the modern party as a nimble, enterprising institution compared to its historical antecedent. Substantial yet accessible, Partisan Odysseys will enlighten students, scholars, and general readers alike.

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2020

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A straightforward history of political parties in Canada. As someone from south of border, it was fascinating to see the ways Canada's political history has been similar (large geographic realignment of parties and changes in importance of different social issues versus economic ones) and different (Quebec.....). And it's always interesting to see how a parliamentary system does and doesn't change the calculus of politics. Not the most exciting book, but a very informative one.

*Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*

[Leif · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as dry as it could be, but this ain't going to move you to turn pages.

This is essentially a story of Liberals, Conservatives, and the others - the Green party rate little mention, the CCP and NDP develop into notice and share the stage with Social Credit and others, and so on. There's an obvious interest that develops post WWII as characters become more recognizable, but that's potentially the author's eyes perking up after the routine chronology is followed.

It's fine.