Few politicians have enraged opponents, frustrated colleagues and polarized Canadians like Svend Robinson — but few embraced the causes he did. Over his twenty–five years as a New Democrat MP, Robinson was imprisoned for blocking loggers from clear–cutting in Clayoquot Sound, assaulted by police while protesting at the 2001 Summit of the Americas, expelled from foreign countries for defending human rights, and harassed after coming out as Canada's first openly gay MP. Robinson always took his ideals to the front lines, helping to define the Canadian left.
Though his brash tactics dominated headlines, Robinson's full story has only now been told. This in–depth biography explores an accomplished life and career, including Robinson's difficult childhood, his growing realization of his own sexuality, and the bipolar diagnosis which followed his baffling, career–altering theft of a diamond ring. A portrait emerges of a complex figure — driven, gifted, visionary and flawed — who challenged his country and continues to make his indelible mark on the world.
Available from New Star Books or at your favourite bookstore!
Though his brash tactics dominated headlines, Robinson's full story has only now been told. This in–depth biography explores an accomplished life and career, including Robinson's difficult childhood, his growing realization of his own sexuality, and the bipolar diagnosis which followed his baffling, career–altering theft of a diamond ring. A portrait emerges of a complex figure — driven, gifted, visionary and flawed — who challenged his country and continues to make his indelible mark on the world.
Available from New Star Books or at your favourite bookstore!
Shortlisted for a 2014 BC Book Prize!
Read coverage and reviews:
Vancouver Sun
The Way of Words
Rabble.ca
BC Bookworld
Trek Magazine
Praise for Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics:
"Svend Robinson's life story serves as an uplifting inspiration."
- David Suzuki, author, broadcaster and world-renowned environmentalist
“This remarkable biography is a tour de force. The content is
gripping, Svend is a phenomenon, the anecdotes leap from the page and the
writing is exceptional. The text abounds with political and personal
revelations. As a slice of left versus right in Canadiana, you could not do
better.”
- Stephen Lewis, former United Nations Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa
"Think you know Svend and his politics? Read on... This wonderful book shows us the real Svend: passionate, revealing, mystifying and courageous."
- Libby Davies, former deputy leader of the NDP
"This book should be read by all who are cynical about politicians and politics."
- Audrey McLaughlin, former leader of the NDP
Read coverage and reviews:
Vancouver Sun
The Way of Words
Rabble.ca
BC Bookworld
Trek Magazine
Praise for Svend Robinson: A Life in Politics:
"Svend Robinson's life story serves as an uplifting inspiration."
- David Suzuki, author, broadcaster and world-renowned environmentalist
“This remarkable biography is a tour de force. The content is
gripping, Svend is a phenomenon, the anecdotes leap from the page and the
writing is exceptional. The text abounds with political and personal
revelations. As a slice of left versus right in Canadiana, you could not do
better.”
- Stephen Lewis, former United Nations Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS in Africa
"Think you know Svend and his politics? Read on... This wonderful book shows us the real Svend: passionate, revealing, mystifying and courageous."
- Libby Davies, former deputy leader of the NDP
"This book should be read by all who are cynical about politicians and politics."
- Audrey McLaughlin, former leader of the NDP
