Social Studies

LETTERS IN CANADA: 1949 287 IV. SOCIAL .STUDIES A. BRADY This survey may begin by reference to a volume which in attempting to explain Canada in its totality is a suitable introduction to Canadian biographies , histories, and other works. Andre Siegfried's Canada, an International Power, is a much revised second edition of a book that originally appeared in 1937. Siegfried has a rightful reputation as the most brilliant French .interpreter of the English-speaking world. In 1907 appeared his Race Question in Canada, which remains one of the most luminous studies of its theme yet published. The present volume reflects the author's admirable qualities: his clear and vivid style, his insight into the subtleties of national attitudes, and his skill in placing the life of the nation in a world setting. Yet, while usually penetrating in his treatment of major ideas, Siegfried's command of details is often deficient and provides an inadequate support for many of his generalizations. It is misleading for him to suggest that the east-west axis in Canada is purely historical and artificial, for such a view does not really recognize the significance of the geographic configuration of the country and especially the basic role of the St. Lawrence in determining the economic and political history of Canada. There is nothing artificial about a vast waterway, even one improved by canals. Less important, but equally misleading , is his remark that the climate "falls into vertical zone~ prolonging those of the United States." We share much weather ·with our American neighbours, but not the amount suggested here. It is strange to find the comment that in western Canada the horse "is only raised for meat." It is no less strange to read that "the Canadian workman has adopted the standards of the New World, for he arrives at the factory in his car, wears gaunt-· lets at work, :is well equipped and well housed." This remarkable generalization is derived from the logical categories into which a very logical mind tries to fit all facts. Unfortunately the facts do not always fit. Nevertheless Siegfried's book is thought-provoking and rewarding. An interesting fact of the year is the ·appearance of two volumes which in different ways throw light upon distinguished figures in the political life of Canada during the last half-century. Mackenzie King of Canada by H. Reginald Hardy is the first full-length account of Mr. King's personality and political career. It may be fra.nkly admitted at the outset that the biography is not one that will satisfy the critical. Written in the relaxed, rambling fashion of a newspaper commentary, it displays much zealous labour on Mr. Hardy's part, especially in obtaining information concerning his·subject's early life in K.itchener and Toronto and in collecting ·a store of revealing anecdotes. It presents an entertaining.although rather sentimental account of Mackenzie King as a person. Amid much trivia a reader will cherish some of the stories, especially the reply to Mr. Leonard Brocking- 288 THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO QUARTERLY ton's complaint when acting as a draftsman of the Prime Minister's speeches that all his purple passages were carefully removed by his boss. "Ah, the one thing you forget, Brockington, is that the public remembers purple passages." But any serious biography of a.man who played so conspicuous a role in the politics of Canada for thirty years must contain something more than choice anecdotes. It must attempt to relate the party leader to the complex forces of his day, to reveal without the obscurations of sentiment his powers and limitations of leadership, and to assess his final achievements. To these requirements, interpreted rigorously, Mackenzie King of Canada does not measure up. Doubtless it is too soon to expect an adequate life of Mr. King. Any work written today must inevitably be provisional since most of the invaluable private papers are not at present accessible . Nor is it easy yet for an author to view the former Liberal leader in proper perspective. It might, however, be complained as some reviewers have, that Mr. Hardy has not dealt satisfactorily with all the pertinent facts even now available.1...