The Premiers Joey and Frank: Greed, Power, and Lust

by Bill Rowe

The Premiers Joey and Frank is three stories in one. First is Premier Joseph Roberts Smallwood’s, whose ego and force of personality dominated every room he walked into, and strained to the breaking point every personal relationship he had. The latter half of the book covers Premier Frank Moores and his mixed personal motives, combined with a singularity of political Get Smallwood. Entwined in both these stories is that of Bill Rowe’s own roller-coaster political life, where family and partisan politics were often inseparable. This is a riveting, entertaining, and often hilarious account of three men who aimed high, Icarus-like, and who earned three very different places in the history of this province.

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2013

About the author

William Neil "Bill" Rowe, QC is a former politician, lawyer, broadcaster, and writer in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He is married to Penelope Ayre Rowe of St. John's, who is a member of the Order of Canada. They have a son, Dorian, a daughter, Toby, and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Caley Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and entertaining account of Rowe's political and personal experiences with the two premiers. 3/4 of the book focuses on Smallwood rather than Moore but Rowe provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the political-goings on in the province immediately before Smallwood's election and onwards, as well as painting an interesting portrait of Newfoundland's eccentric and ambitious first premier. It made for an excellent and enjoyable read and I learned quite a bit as well.

[Jeffrey Winsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insiders look into Newfoundland politics. Also, Joey is under the microscope showing warts and all.

[Ammar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good local book
Wish there were picture of the politicians

[Koit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of the Bill Rowe personal histories, this was an enchanting piece describing the 50's, 60's and 70's in NL as well as anyone could hope to read. Of course, this comes with the caveat that personal memories are bound to be bent and impartial -- I would not recommend this in that context in any way. 

It was a joy for me, however, to read what the person of Joey Smallwood was like -- and how this matched up with what I have seen in other works. The old giant really seems to have been a towering figure, and the way he operates comes through very nicely in Mr Rowe's history. 

The same could be said about Frank Moores, but it is even more interesting as very little of what's published here can be accessed otherwise as part of public encyclopaedias (based on a few quick searches I undertook). This is to mean, for me, that really this personal angle that the author displays is very useful in trying to get a sense of what life might have been like under Premier Moore.

As such, this is a perfect work if one remembers the partial nature of it and can read a work without believing that politics needs to be serious. It doesn't, and it rarely is -- these memoirs highlight the fun part of it. 

This review was originally posted on my blog.

[Leonard Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should come with a disclaimer, "Caution highly addictive". It took me 40 years to know what I liked to read! I finally discovered my book of choice is true story, scoop and skinny! The Premiers: Joey and Frank fits this to a tee. I found myself reflecting and recalling my memory on the many issues outlined in this book. Anyone born in the 50's or earlier and/or somewhat familiar with Newfoundland and Labrador politics should make this book a must read! It is very entertaining and insightful! Great job Bill! Looking forward to your next book about more current premiers!

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every time I see the name “ Flanker press “ I always get it no matter what
I enjoyed this book
It has taken me a bit longer than expected to finish but it’s a lot of history to wrap your head around
There is a lot of historic facts and events i this book
Feels pretty dragged out and slow at times
But keep reading
A lot of important history behind my province of Newfoundland
I never knew about
Good book especially if you like history


Read while at work on Tanker Damia Desgagnes ⚓️

[Jerry Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A voyeuristic and tantalizing trip through the workings of the government by a man who was there. " -- The Pilot

[Paul Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous read. A great insight of turbulent years in NL politics and a full of humor

[Rob]

Excellent book. Read it just after finishing Bills book "Danny Williams and the war on Ottawa", and while that was a good read, this was much better,I thought.