Nolan, Michael (photographs by Ted Grant). Joe Clark The Emerging Leader. 1978 Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. First Edition, softcover. 139 pages. Signed by Joe Clark.
This was a fun book. Some of the most interesting books are ones by or about politicians before they reach the peak of their power. This is one of those. Published in 1978, it came out a year before Joe Clark would rise to the office of Prime Minister.
It should be noted that this book should not be used in any academic work. It is more of a photographic book with a narrative interwoven among the pictures. Don’t expect any great incites. Don’t expect to learn the inner workings of an office in any great detail. Don’t expect to gain detailed information of Joe Clark’s policies. What you can expect is a quick read with some amazing photos.
The book begins with a chapter on the 1976 leadership campaign and the convention. The author calls it “Everyone’s Second Choice”. It’s an appropriate title. As is pointed out, Clark never led until the final ballot in which he won.
From there, the book moves back to Clark’s early live. His time in Alberta, his time in Ottawa, his return to Ottawa and his election and return to Ottawa.
It moves to the period after his election as leader. It shows a sample period of his schedule. It demonstrates the changes he sought to make within his party to ensure it’s election in the next election (to see more of the Liberal preparations see last weeks blog). It shows his leadership style. It shows his personal life with his young daughter.
The really fun part is the pictures. The photographer clearly had access to Mr. Clark. There are some amazing pictures of all aspects of the inside workings of Mr. Clark’s office. There are also some great private pictures including some of him with his family.
It is for these latter reasons that I enjoyed this book. The writing provides little insight into the man or the party he led. It is clear, though, that the author had access inside the inner circle. For this reason, the book is an interesting read. The pictures offer a rare glimpse into the inside of the early Joe Clark years. The words that accompany them are fitting and useful. Though a quick read, it was a fun read.
Overall, as a result of great pictures, I would definitely suggest taking a look at this book.