The Lynch Mob: Stringing Up Our Prime Ministers

From bemused wonderment about Mackenzie King's doggy digressions, to sober speculation about Brian Mulroney's Gucci shoe collection, Canadians have always been enthusiastic political watchers. But one would have to search far and wide to frnd a more dedicated and enthusiastic chronicler of foibles and failings on The Hill than Charles Lynch.

For over fifty years Lynch has been watching the comings and goings of Canadian politicians: in fact, he has known almost half of the prime ministers who have led our country. Now, in this often affectionate, sometimes outrageous and always fascinating look at the political process, the dean of the Ottawa Press gallery takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of high offices and low antics - from the House of Commons to the House of Closets, from the dust of the campaign trail to the glitter of New York discos.

Why is Canada an almost impossible country to govern? Lynch reveals the pitfalls of being prime minister - from rebellious MPs, hostile provincial premiers, and interfering governors general, to muggy summers in Ottawa, wives who won't keep quiet and scandals that won't stay buried. No wonder our most successful PMs have been masters of disguise. King, an immensely boring man, was the consumate politician; "Uncle Louis" St. Laurent had a pragmatic business sense with his courtly airs; the charismatic Pierre Trudeau kept reporters hopping with his enigmatic behavior and his obscure quotes.

Pursued by the press, protected by faithful advisers, plagued by the polls, is it any wonder our prime ministers lose touch with reality? Now, if they would only take Lynch's advice. . .

The Lynch Mob is classic Charles Lynch - an opinionated, thoughtful and witty ramble through the corridors of power.